In it for the Kids |
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Sunday February 6, 2011 |
With part of our focus on EDCUATION, we at Twin County United Way are once again leading a collaborative effort to help prepare high risk preschool children become ready for kindergarten. We do this by rallying our key partners in education & are currently planning our second Children’s Project Initiative. This is a collaborative effort with a vision of ensuring that every child in the LC Valley is ready to be successful in kindergarten by developing ongoing strategies to keep them ahead of the curve. You as a parent, play a vital role in the success of this community wide vision by continually engaging in your child’s education & development.
You are an active participant in your child’s early learning. One of the things you can do to make sure you give them the best possible start is to engage in play.
Children spend the vast majority of their waking hours at play. However, play is not simply a way for your children to pass time. Instead, it is an important way for your children to learn about their world while developing emotionally, socially and intellectually.
There’s no right or wrong way to play; what matters is that your child is given safe toys in safe places and is encouraged to experiment, express herself, learn on her own, control her environment, connect with other people and make sense of her surroundings.
To engage your child in play:
- Jump right in. You playtime with your child is invaluable to them - whether you talk baby-talk or bounce your toddler on your knee.
- Forget the rules. Add to your child’s play experiences by creating imaginative games and finding new ways to use his toys. Use blocks as flying cars or pretend to be a zoo animal. Encourage your child to make-believe and think creatively.
- Take a break. Although children often learn the most when they interact with others, solitary play gives your child time to process and understand everything that he has been doing.
- Participate enthusiastically. Encourage your child’s imagination by becoming involved wholeheartedly and going along with her games.
- Let your child guide his play. Let your child pick the activity and decide how it is played. Pay attention to your child’s mood and adapt the play accordingly.
- Watch out for over-stimulation. It’s important to stop playing when your baby loses interest. He’ll tell you when he’s had enough by disengaging, turning his head, or starting to cry.
Taking the time to celebrate your family by engaging in the development of your children will result in lasting change for our community as a whole. Your Twin County United Way asks you to join us as we become engaged in celebrating the family for lasting change. We also invite you to find ways to GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER. Visit us at www.tcuw.org for more information.
Thanks, Lewiston Tribune! During the month of February, Twin County United Way is partnering with the Lewiston Tribune to CELEBRATE THE FAMILY
Every year at this time there is a special feature called "Celebrate the Family" in the Lewiston Tribune. It publishes Sundays starting with the last Sunday of January through the last Sunday of February. Your Twin County United Way is committed to celebrating the family by submitting articles that draw our attention to the importance of family & LIVING UNITED.
