Valentine's Day. Not the day that we used to have as young adults with our significant others, spending time together, going out to dinner. Now, as parents, we have to make sure that our kids have a happy valentine's day; that they get candy and cards and feel that they are special. But what is it really? Just another day (or excuse) to eat junk food at school. Well, I've come up with 5 educational things to do with your kids so that your valentine's day isn't wasted in a vat of chocolate kisses. There are things that you can do as parents that will help your kids' skills in literacy and math during this day:
1. Make your kids write their own valentine's cards. By age 3, kids can start scribbling or writing their names (if you spend the time to show them) so that they are actually CREATING something for the day.
2. Have your kids color the cards (if you have the time). This will teach your kids that what they create is actually more special then a store bought item.
3. Have your kids count out how many cards they need for the friends at school. This is a great way to use math in an activity at home.
4. Have your kids categorize the cards--how many girls get cards and how many boys; red and pink cards etc, and then have them count how many in each pile.
5. Last, if you decide to indulge in having your child give candy with his/her valentines, then have your child count how many pieces of candy you have, e.g how many kisses in the bag, and then have him/her divide up the candy equally so that each child in his/her class gets an equal amount. This way, your child is actually working on his/her division skills.
Remember learning happens when you are their to HELP your child and INTERACT with her as she makes/creates/count the valentines. Let your child do the learning. The more a child can do for himself, the more he learns.
Enjoy!
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