When children learn about other cultures, everyone benefits. So we encourage students to share their family traditions. In circle time, we engage in lively group discussions… and together we build a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Math on the Move: Vacation Activities to Sharpen Early Math Skills
Summer is a wonderful time for children to discover the hidden mathematical wonders that surround them. In our classrooms, teachers aid in cultivating math skills by incorporating them into daily routines and engaging activities. They encourage students to observe and discuss patterns found on the playground, graph their favorite vacation spots, and participate in math scavenger hunts.
This summer, as you embark on vacations or road trips, you can continue supporting your child’s math skills by turning these experiences into fun and educational opportunities. Below are some ideas. Get ready to go on a mathematical adventure together!
Infants (0-1 year)
Engage your baby in an activity that combines sensory exploration and counting. While at the beach, encourage them to feel the texture of the sand by saying, “Let’s feel the sand. It’s so soft and grainy.” Incorporate counting by finding seashells. Count them aloud by saying, “Let’s see how many seashells we found. One, two, three!”
Toddlers (1-2 years)
Roll or throw a ball back and forth with your toddler. Count each time the ball leaves their hands. Begin with counting from one to three, and gradually increase the count as your child becomes more comfortable. Encourage them to actively say the numbers aloud as they catch and throw the ball.
Beginners (2-3 years)
Play a game of “I Spy” on your next road trip to help your child observe patterns and practice their observation skills. Encourage them to point out objects found during the drive. For example, ask them to find a red and black car, a tall green tree, and a yellow sign.
Intermediates (3-4 years)
Take your child on a nature walk to collect materials such as leaves, sticks, and rocks. Encourage your child to sort the materials into different categories and then count each item in each category. Record the findings in a bar graph to determine which material was the most and least collected.
Pre-K/Pre-K 2 (4-5 years)
While shopping for your vacation essentials, give your child coupons and ask them to help you find the pictured items in the store. It’s a fun scavenger hunt, as well as a great opportunity for you to talk about money. Say the price of the items as you place them into your cart, for example, “Goggles are usually $10 each, but we save $2 by using a coupon.”
July Newsletter
The new 2023-2024 school year is underway and we are so excited to welcome all of our returning and new families to our Merryhill Pocket community! The children and teachers are having so much fun getting to know each other and starting those summer activities. We can’t wait to share photos with you soon via Links 2 Home. We hope this month is filled with health and happiness for you and your families!
Sincerely,
Terrie Cook
Do you know a colleague who has recently had a baby, a friend in need of care who just relocated to the area, or a family member who is seeking a new preschool for their child? Invite them to our Open House on August 5. When you refer a friend and they enroll, you’re eligible for a free week of tuition. Ask us for details!
Parade Staging Map
Kids Helping Communities
Every year the children here at the Merryhill Pocket Preschool participate in a project to help the community. We have decided how wonderful it would be to help The Meals on Wheels program right here in the Pocket area. The Meals on Wheels center provides hot nutritious meals to the senior citizens and families that may not have the ability to provide meals for themselves. Donation forms and envelopes will be available from July 17th – August 2nd. We encourage you to reach out to all your friends and families for donations. Then on Thursday, August 3rd here at our school the children will be encouraged to ride their bikes or scooters from home in our Meals on Wheels Trike-a-Thon! Our families are welcome to join us on that day to cheer them on!
Did You Know?
When children learn about other cultures, everyone benefits. So we encourage students to share their family traditions. In circle time, we engage in lively group discussions… and together we build a sense of belonging and inclusion.
Important Dates
July 1-National DRS Day
July 4 – CLOSED for holiday
July 4- Pocket 4th of July Parade
July 5- National Graham cracker day
July 6- Frida Kahlo’s Birthday
July 17- Kids Helping Kids-Meals on Wheels donations start
July 25-Amelia Earhart’s Birthday
July 30-International Friendship Day
Math on the Move: Vacation Activities to Sharpen Early Math Skills
Summer is a wonderful time for children to discover the hidden mathematical wonders that surround them. In our classrooms, teachers aid in cultivating math skills by incorporating them into daily routines and engaging activities. They encourage students to observe and discuss patterns found on the playground, graph their favorite vacation spots, and participate in math scavenger hunts.
This summer, as you embark on vacations or road trips, you can continue supporting your child’s math skills by turning these experiences into fun and educational opportunities. Below are some ideas. Get ready to go on a mathematical adventure together!
Infants (0-1 year)
Engage your baby in an activity that combines sensory exploration and counting. While at the beach, encourage them to feel the texture of the sand by saying, “Let’s feel the sand. It’s so soft and grainy.” Incorporate counting by finding seashells. Count them aloud by saying, “Let’s see how many seashells we found. One, two, three!”
Toddlers (1-2 years)
Roll or throw a ball back and forth with your toddler. Count each time the ball leaves their hands. Begin with counting from one to three, and gradually increase the count as your child becomes more comfortable. Encourage them to actively say the numbers aloud as they catch and throw the ball.
Beginners (2-3 years)
Play a game of “I Spy” on your next road trip to help your child observe patterns and practice their observation skills. Encourage them to point out objects found during the drive. For example, ask them to find a red and black car, a tall green tree, and a yellow sign.
Intermediates (3-4 years)
Take your child on a nature walk to collect materials such as leaves, sticks, and rocks. Encourage your child to sort the materials into different categories and then count each item in each category. Record the findings in a bar graph to determine which material was the most and least collected.
Pre-K/Pre-K 2 (4-5 years)
While shopping for your vacation essentials, give your child coupons and ask them to help you find the pictured items in the store. It’s a fun scavenger hunt, as well as a great opportunity for you to talk about money. Say the price of the items as you place them into your cart, for example, “Goggles are usually $10 each, but we save $2 by using a coupon.”