21. Week
Did you know that we're currently two-thirds of the way through our program? This week, we make our well-known activity called "Goal!" a little harder. We'll be testing our balance by standing on an unstable surface during exercise. Additionally, we'll be focusing on improving spatial orientation and graphomotor skills.
In terms of academics, we'll be continuing to develop pre-math ideas. This includes a set of skills that a child must possess to understand the relationships between numbers and later on, comprehend the nature of addition, subtraction or multiplication. Mathematics is not simply the mechanical naming of a series of numbers or the memorization of learned examples. The skills required are more complex than they may seem at first glance.
For a pre-schooler, it's important to:
Be able to distinguish the sizes of objects and compare them (small, big, smaller, bigger, a lot, a little, less, least).
Sort elements by size (e.g. 3 objects that the child can name - small x bigger x biggest).
Sort objects according to the task, by size, shape, color.
Understand the terms add, subtract, same
Know the basic geometric shapes and be able to draw them according to the model and name them.
You can see just how much progress we've already made!
This week, we'll be focusing on the following tasks with your child:
Counting the number of elements one by one up to at least 5.
Matching a number to a digit and matching the correct number of dots to the number.
Video, download and description of exercises
Files:
Master goal
Have the child stand on a balance mat/unstable surface about a meter away from a basket/box.
Then the child tries to throw a ball (or stuffed animal) into the basket.
If he/she manage well, he/she takes a step back and tries again.
Note: use whatever you can find at home, e.g. an inflatable cushion to sit on, a bosu, a thick pillow, or at least an inverted bucket on which the child can stand.
Goal:
Improve coordination of movement
Improve hand-eye coordination
Improve distance estimation (special orientation).
Improve balance
Boats
To perform this exercise, sit facing each other on the floor with your legs bent and feet touching while holding hands.
The first person will then bend forward, pulling the other person towards them, who will then bend forward in return.
After this, the roles will be swapped, with the second person pulling and the first person leaning forward.
Note: It's important to maintain eye contact throughout the exercise to keep the head straight. You can also place a pillow on the child's head that must not fall off to add an extra challenge.
Goal:
Strengthen the postural reflexes of the head, which are crucial for smooth eye movements (important for reading) and to avoid overloading the upper scapular fixators (m. trapezius).
Mirror
Stand facing each other. Make some movement (put your right hand on your shoulder, stomach, ear, stand on one leg...), the child imitates it as if it were your image in the mirror.
Goal:
Improve proprioception (body perception)
Improve spatial orientation
Improve perception
Improve focus
Improve cooperation of the brain hemispheres
If you stand on one leg, we also improve balance
Turtle
Let's draw a turtle according to the poem:
On the paper I draw a hill so green,
With a top arc so smooth and serene, (Draw the top arc)
Under the hill, a trough so deep,
A place where little creatures can sleep. (Connect the bottom arc with a line)
On top of the hill, there are puddles galore,
Like drops of water, for sure, (Draw circles on the "shell")
With a little tip at the back and a head so shy, (Draw a tail)
A turtle peers out with its beady eye. (Draw a head and an eye)
Short strong legs hold up its shell,
Slow and steady, it moves so well, (draws legs)
A turtle's life is a long, peaceful one,
Under the shining rays of the warm sun.
Goal:
Improve graphomotor skills
Improve focus
Improve memory
Improve pronunciation.
Dices
Write the numbers from 1 to 6 on cards (or print and cut out the numbers from the attachment).
Roll the dice, the child counts the number of dots and adds the correct digit. If you want, you can make it even better by adding the correct number of toys (cars, beads...) to each number.
Goal:
Improve observation
Learn to count to 6 and to recognise numbers up to 6.
You may think, "counting to 6? What's the use?"
"My child can count to 10, 50, even 100!" you'll refuse.
But the truth is, it's not just about reciting a poem,
Or repeating numbers like a parrot in your home.
It's understanding that 5 means five of anything,
Be it dots, cars, or even the bells that ring.
Counting to 100 may seem like a great feat,
But comprehending each digit is what makes it complete.
This awareness is crucial for future math skills,
Like counting, subtracting, and dividing with thrills.
That's why we start small and work our way up,
Ensuring each concept is learned and not just a hiccup.
If you feel it's too easy, add more to the mix,
Like two toys and three toys, equaling five with a fix.
This way, your child grasps the true meaning of each number,
And math will become easier, and their skills will not slumber.
Next week, we'll explore auditory memory with great care,
As it influences learning and reading with flair.
Stay tuned to learn more about what your child should know,
And how to help them grow and flourish, so they can glow.
😊