Learning Activities 4 Kidstag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://12007-04-10T09:00:33ZFun Math and English learning activities for kidsMovable Type 3.33Family Timetag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.102007-04-10T08:59:26Z2007-04-10T09:00:33ZEven for the best of parents, finding the time to spend with your children can be difficult at times. Today’s schedules are often hectic and finding that time to bond can be quiet a challenge. A strong family centers on...
Even for the best of parents, finding the time to spend with your children can be difficult at times. Today’s schedules are often hectic and finding that time to bond can be quiet a challenge. A strong family centers on family time. Parents need to pro-active. Rather than waiting for time to appear when the family is at home together and everyone is free, it may be best to schedule time. Turn off the phone, unplug the TV, cancel all other activities, and spend an afternoon together.
Children need their parents. They want to feel loved an important. This takes time and effort on the part of the parent. The bond between parent and child is the most important in a young child’s life. It essential to the child’s self esteem and has lasting effects on the rest of their lives. Taking an active part in your child’s life is the most rewarding experience for both you and your child.
Although these activities for kids are educational, any time spent with your children will help your family to be strong and healthy. In this age of technology, the internet can provide a myriad of activities enjoyable to all members of your family.
Please remember, it is not just the quality of the time spent with your children, but the quantity as well. Studies say that parents should spend at the very least fifteen minutes a day with no distractions; just parent and child. Talk to your children, explore the things that they enjoy. Find out which activities you both have an interest in and can do together.
You and your child or children can start by enjoying some of the activities above, learning and growing together. They are a good starting point. Feel free to use your imagination and change the activities to suit you and your child. Enjoy!
Scavenger Hunttag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.92007-04-10T08:55:28Z2007-04-10T08:59:20ZNot only is this game a lot of fun, but it can be played indoors or outdoors. Some afternoon when your child or children have nothing to do, this game will help keep them entertained while helping them to work...
Not only is this game a lot of fun, but it can be played indoors or outdoors. Some afternoon when your child or children have nothing to do, this game will help keep them entertained while helping them to work on their English reading skills.
You will need; paper, pencils or pens, and large bags or sacks
This game can be adjusted to fit your child or children’s level of learning. To play, give each child a bag to put the collected items in. On a piece of paper, write a list of objects or subjects that your child or children will find. Give a child a list and allow them to search a designated area for the objects written. Once the objects have been found, the child or children will bring them back for your inspection. They may need your help deciding if one object fits the description of the list. One great way to play this game is to have adult and children teams. It can be especially fun if played together in a park. You may or may not wish to set a time limit.
Examples of lists:
List one
1. something brown
2. something red
3. something green
4. something blue
5. something yellow
6. something purple
7. something grey
8. something black
9. something white
10. something pink
List two
1. leaf
2. stick
3. rock
4. shell
5. feather
6. nut
7. flower
8. seed
9. pebble
10. acorn
Another option is to give a list of letters, allowing the child or children to find object that begin with that particular letter. (Example: if the letter A is on the list, then the child might want to bring back an Acorn.)
In this game, it is recommended that all children be made to feel that they have won. It might be a good idea to give some type of reward or small prize. If the family has spent an afternoon at the park playing scavenger hunt, a special picnic afterwards for every player may be a good reward. This is an especially nice way to spend an afternoon with the family and allow children a little exercise and learning at the same time.
License Plate Game with Englishtag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.82007-04-10T08:55:19Z2007-04-10T08:58:35ZThe rules to this game are simple and it’s great because it is played in the car. That means that your child or children can be working on their reading and writing skills while on the way to the grocery...
The rules to this game are simple and it’s great because it is played in the car. That means that your child or children can be working on their reading and writing skills while on the way to the grocery store, to the post office, or on trips. There are several ways to adapt this game to your child or children’s learning needs.
You will need; paper and pens or pencils (washable pens are suggested to save your car’s seats from getting stains.)
One version of this game uses the alphabet. Players must start at either A or Z. If starting at A, the first player must find a license plate with A on it. It is then the next players turn. The next player will find the letter B, and so on. Starting at Z is the same game, but backwards. The first player will find a license plate with the letter Z. It is then the next players turn. He or she must find the letter Y on a license plate. To make the game a little more challenging and interesting, each player must shout out a word that begins or ends with the letter they are currently trying to find. (Example: if the player is looking for A, when A is found, they may shout out “Acorn”.)
Note: this game need not be played with license plates. Street signs and store fronts can also be used.
Another more difficult version involves recording the names of the states off different license plates. Players write down a list of states for a set amount of time. The goal is to see how many states each player can find. The players will then compare which state was seen the most or the fewest number of times.
As always, it is suggested that this game be played as a team, with everyone in the car working together. In cases where more than one child is playing, this will help to avoid making one child feel discouraged and helps with family closeness.
License Plate Counttag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.72007-04-10T08:55:15Z2007-04-10T08:57:39ZThis is an oldie but a goodie. The rules to this game are simple and it’s great because it is played in the car. That means that your child or children can be working on their math skills while on...
This is an oldie but a goodie. The rules to this game are simple and it’s great because it is played in the car. That means that your child or children can be working on their math skills while on the way to the grocery store, to the post office, or on trips. There are several ways to adapt this game to your child or children’s learning needs.
If your child or children are learning to count, there are various ways to increase their skill. One way is to count from a number up, all by finding the next number on license plates. For example, if the game starts at the number 1, the first player must find that number on a license plate of a passing car. Once they find that number, the next player must find the number 2, and so on. To make it more difficult, have the child or children count even or odd numbers (example: 2, 4, 6, 8, etc). Counting by tens and backwards will also help your child or children improve.
For higher levels of math, give your child or children equations. They can then find the answer on the license plates of passing cars.
This game can be played as a team, with everyone in the car working together. In cases where more than one child is playing, this will help to avoid making one child feel discouraged and helps with family closeness.
Another version of this game involves writing down license plate numbers, removing the letters, and adding the numbers together. For this version:
You will need; paper and pens or pencils (washable pens are suggested to save your car’s seats from getting stains.)
Each player will need a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. As cars pass, the players will write down the license plate and remove the letters. (Example: the license plate number 741M682 will become the 741682.) Players will then add the numbers together. (Example: 7 + 4 + 1 + 6 + 8 + 2 equals 28.)
The goal changes every round. The goal may be to find a number that is more than 25, or the goal may be to find a number that is less than 30.
Again, it is suggested that this game be played as a team, with everyone in the car working together. In cases where more than one child is playing, this will help to avoid making one child feel discouraged and helps with family closeness.
Math Memorytag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.62007-04-10T08:55:12Z2007-04-10T08:56:48ZMemory, also known as Trump, is a simple card game. There are several different options for this game, all of which will help your child or children to improve their math skills. You will need; at least twenty blank cards...
Memory, also known as Trump, is a simple card game. There are several different options for this game, all of which will help your child or children to improve their math skills.
You will need; at least twenty blank cards roughly the size of standard playing cards, more depending on the numbers or equations you wish your child or children to learn, and one permanent marker.
You and your child or children can make these cards together. Divide the cards in half. On half the cards, write simple equations (such 2 + 2, etc.). On other half, write the numbers that are the answers to the equations (if you wrote “2 + 2” on one card, write “4” on another).
To play, lay the cards out on a flat surface, face down. Each player of this game will take turns flipping over cards. On a particular players turn, he or she will turn over one card and examine the equation or number. They will then say the equation or number out loud. If the card has an equation on it, they will also say the answer (example: if the card says “4 + 4” the player will then say “8”). If the card has a number written on it, the player can then say an equation that will equal that number (example: if the number is “8” the player will then say “4 + 4”). The player will then try to find the number or equation that matches the first card which has been turned over. If the card matches, the player places both cards in his or her personal pile and takes another turn. The player can continue taking turns until the cards do not match. When the cards do not match, the player must then say the answer to the equation, or speak the number, and return both cards to their original position, face down. It is now the next player’s turn. The game ends when all cards have been matched. The player with the most matched cards wins.
Another, easier version is to write the alphabet on cards, matching 1 to 1, 2 to 2, etc. The rules to this game are the same as when using equations and numbers; players match the cards, staying the letters on each. The players turn continues until no match is made. The game continues until all cards have been removed. The player with the most matches wins.
Note: If your child is young and struggles with losing, it is best to play with one child and one parent. Allowing the child to win will make them happy, help their self-esteem, and encourage them to keep learning.
English Memorytag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.52007-04-10T08:55:08Z2007-04-10T08:56:00ZMemory, also known as Trump, is a simple card game. There are several different options for this game, all of which will help your child or children to improve their English reading and writing skills. You will need; at least...
Memory, also known as Trump, is a simple card game. There are several different options for this game, all of which will help your child or children to improve their English reading and writing skills.
You will need; at least twenty blank cards roughly the size of standard playing cards, more depending on the number of words you wish your child or children to learn, and colored pens or pencils.
You and your child or children can make these cards together. Divide the cards in half. On half the cards, write simple words (such as car, cat, etc.). On other half, draw and color pictures that match the words (if you wrote “cat” on one card, draw and color a cat).
To play, lay the cards out on a flat surface, face down. Each player of this game will take turns flipping over cards. On a particular players turn, he or she will turn over one card and examine the word or the drawing. They will then say the word and spell it (example: if there is a picture of a cat, the player will then say the word cat and then spell C-A-T). The player will then try to find the picture or word that matches the first card which has been turned over. If the card matches, the player places both cards in his or her personal pile and takes another turn. The player can continue taking turns until the cards do not match. When the cards do not match, the player must then say and spell the word or picture on the card and return both cards to their original position, face down. It is now the next player’s turn. The game ends when all cards have been matched. The player with the most matched cards wins.
Another, easier version is to write the alphabet on cards, matching A to A, B to B, etc. The rules to this game are the same as when using words and pictures; players match the cards, staying the letters on each. The players turn continues until no match is made. The game continues until all cards have been removed. The player with the most matches wins.
Note: If your child is young and struggles with losing, it is best to play with one child and one parent. Allowing the child to win will make them happy, help their self-esteem, and encourage them to keep learning.
Baking with Mathtag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.42007-04-10T08:52:40Z2007-04-10T08:55:28ZEveryday activities use math; we just don’t realize it. A good way to get your kids excited is to bake with them. Baking involves several different types of learning (movement, visual learning, physical touch) and great hands on experience for...
Everyday activities use math; we just don’t realize it. A good way to get your kids excited is to bake with them. Baking involves several different types of learning (movement, visual learning, physical touch) and great hands on experience for the use of math in a real life situation.
You will need; two sets of clear glass measuring cups, the ingredients listed below, as many sets of wooden spoons as there are people participating.
As you and your child or children fill measuring cups with ingredients, place them on the counter side by side before pouring them into the bowls. Ask your child or children questions to encourage comparison, estimation, and thinking about measurement. Not only does this help math skills, but you and your child or children can eat the results!
Here is a chocolate chip cookie recipe that you can use:
Mix these in a small bowl;
2 eggs
½ cup butter
½ cup Crisco
1 teaspoon vanilla
Now mix these in a larger bowl;
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cups flour
Before allowing the child to pour the ingredient, ask how much is in the measuring cup. As you fill each bowl, ask how much ingredients are there total. First mix the small bowl, then the large. Ask how much the child thinks are in each of these bowls. Now mix both bowls together and ask the total amount of ingredients. Fill different sized measuring cups full of ingredients and set them side by side. Allow the child or children to make comparisons, and estimations. This will help them in their understanding of measurements and addition.
Preheat the oven to 325 degree’s. Add your favorite bag of chocolate chips to your mix, cook until golden brown (approx. 7-8 minutes). Pour a glass of milk and enjoy the results of your math lesson!
English Bingotag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.32007-04-10T08:52:36Z2007-04-10T08:53:46ZThis game is the same as Math Bingo except that instead of using numbers or equations, the alphabet or words are used. You will need; blank paper, a permanent marker, blank flash cards, and a ruler. Markers to be placed...
Learning the Alphabet or Words:
In the squares on the bingo boards you have created, write the letters or word your child or children will be learning. Every letter or word written on the bingo boards should also be written on the blank flash cards.
To play, give each child a bingo board. They should also be given the same number of markers as there are squares on the bingo boards. The parent should then read the letters or word off of the flash cards. If the letters or word read is on the bingo board held by the child or children, they should then place a marker on that square.
There are two ways to win. One is to get a straight line, whether vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, starting at one side of the bingo board and ending at the other. If the bingo board has twelve squares, a winning line will consist of four squares. The other option is called “blackout bingo”, in which the child or children must place a marker on every square of the bingo board. In both options of this game, when the goal is achieved, the child should then yell “Bingo!” signaling that he or she has won.
Another option for this game is to read words off flash cards and have the child or children place a marker on the letter that word begins with, and visa versa. (Example: if the parent reads the word “cat” off the flash card, the child or children will then place a marker on the square containing the letter “C”. The reverse can also be played; if the parent reads the letter “C” off the flash card, the child or children will then place a marker on the square containing the word “cat”.)
Rewards:
To enhance the excitement of this game, rewards are suggested. A small prize can be given at the end of each round played. When using candy as markers, the child can be allowed to eat the winning line. (Example: four M and M’s on a bingo card with twelve squares makes a line).
Note: when two or more children are playing, the blackout version is suggested. Parents should continue reading the flash cards till every child has blacked out their card so that every child wins. This helps to avoid discouragement and feelings of inadequacy for children who do not win.
]]>
Math Bingotag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.22007-04-10T08:48:31Z2007-04-10T08:52:02ZThere are several different ways to play this game and adjust it to your child’s level of learning. You will need; blank paper, a permanent marker, blank flash cards, and a ruler. Markers to be placed on the bingo cards...
Learning numbers:
In the squares on the bingo boards you have created, write the numbers your child or children will be learning. Every number written on the bingo boards should also be written on the blank flash cards.
To play, give each child a bingo board. They should also be given the same number of markers as there are squares on the bingo boards. The parent should then read numbers off of the flash cards. If the number read is on the bingo board held by the child or children, they should then place a marker on that square.
There are two ways to win. One is to get a straight line, whether vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, starting at one side of the bingo board and ending at the other. If the bingo board has twelve squares, a winning line will consist of four squares. The other option is called “blackout bingo”, in which the child or children must place a marker on every square of the bingo board. In both options of this game, when the goal is achieved, the child should then yell “Bingo!” signaling that he or she has won.
Learning equations:
In the squares on the bingo cards you have created, write the equations your child or children will be learning. Every equation written on the bingo cards should have the answer written on the blank flash cards. (Example: written in the square of a bingo card may be the equation 2+2; on the flash card, the answer 4 should be written.) The reverse is also an option; writing the answers in the squares of the bingo cards
To play, give each child a bingo board. They should also be given the same number of markers as there are squares on the bingo boards. The parent should then read equations off of the flash cards. If the equation read is on the bingo board held by the child or children, they should then place a marker on that square.
There are two ways to win. One is to get a straight line, whether vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, starting at one side of the bingo board and ending at the other. If the bingo board has twelve squares, a winning line will consist of four squares. The other option is called “blackout bingo”, in which the child or children must place a marker on every square of the bingo board. In both options of this game, when the goal is achieved, the child should then yell “Bingo!” signaling that he or she has won.
Rewards:
To enhance the excitement of this game, rewards are suggested. A small prize can be given at the end of each round played. When using candy as markers, the child can be allowed to eat the winning line. (Example: four M and M’s on a bingo card with twelve squares makes a line).
Note: when two or more children are playing, the blackout version is suggested. Parents should continue reading the flash cards till every child has blacked out their card so that every child wins. This helps to avoid discouragement and feelings of inadequacy for children who do not win.
]]>
Eight Fun Math and English Learning Activities for Kidstag:www.learningactivities4kids.com,2007://1.12007-04-10T08:42:39Z2007-04-10T08:48:15ZWe live in a time of video games, TV, and other brain candy. It can be easy for parents to let their kids spend hours playing video games because it allows the parents time to clean the house, do chores,...
We live in a time of video games, TV, and other brain candy. It can be easy for parents to let their kids spend hours playing video games because it allows the parents time to clean the house, do chores, and get much needed relax time. Not to mention it’s what the children want. The problem is that children can end up spending too much time playing video, learning negative social activities or maybe just not learning at all. Many times children like to play games alone. This can cause trouble connecting with others and disrupt their learning of crucial social skills needed in life. Many video games are violent and may be linked to more aggressive behavior, as shown in various studies. Not only that, but women are often portrayed as weak and sexually provocative, promoting gender bias. Negative behaviors are often rewarded. Psychologists worry about the effects on children, especially at an early age.
Children say that video games are fun for a number of reasons. Of course video games are exciting, can give the child a feeling of control, and when the child reaches the next level, he or she may feel a sense of accomplishment. Educational activities done as a family can help children achieve these same feelings. Children can feel excited about activities at home; family activities.
Many parents struggle to help their children learn basic math and English skills. For children, learning can be boring, difficult, and just plain torture. Both parents and children can end up feeling frustrated and irritated. If this sounds like you and your child or children, then you are not alone. It doesn’t have to be that way. Studies show that when parents spend time with their children away from the TV, you help them to feel loved and build their self esteem. Doing educational activities can also be a really useful tool to improve the skills they need to succeed in school.
Here are eight fun ways for children in kindergarten through second grade to learn some basic math and English skills.