ACTIVITIES Thumbprint Animals Children are always interested in their own body parts, especially their fingers. This activity will use these basic interests and produce fun for both the child and the adult.
Use an ink stamp pad to take a fingerprint. Carefully put it on a sheet of paper.The next step is to use a crayon, or sharp marker, and add legs, eyes, ears, horns or antennae. If you put two or three prints together, a wide variety of animals can be made.
Samples of the animals that can be made are a cat, dog, cow, deer, spider, caterpillar or horse. The only limitations are our own imaginations.
SCAVENGER HUNT For next week’s Activities feature, you will need small brown paper lunch bags, old newspapers, yarn or string and red and green paint.
(Contributed by Discovery Place Early Learning center.)
JOKE OFTHEWEEK Q: What is pink and white on the outside and gray on the inside? A: An inside-out elephant.
BOOK OFTHEWEEK There are thousands of books written for young children every year and many are available for you to borrow from a public library or can be purchased from a bookstore or online. Here are a classic children’s book or two that your family might enjoy: Jewell, Nancy. Five Little Kittens. Follow the antics of five charming little kittens who lived in a house with their mama and papa and their little toy mouse!
Alexander, Lloyd. How the Cat Swallowed Thunder. Warned not to get into his usual mischief, Mother Holly’s cat tries to tidy up all the mess he has made while she is away.
VIDEOVARIETY In addition to the books that are available for your family, there are also many movies and documentaries that may make you laugh and inspire you, as well. Here is one classic choice: Splat the Cat and Other Furry Friends. A read-along with four stories featuring cats, dogs, mice and other animals.
WONDERS OFTHEWEB The Internet has long been available to supplement your parenting knowledge and skills. This is one web location that your family might enjoy: Free coloring pages for your children. http://www.animalplace.net/coloring-pages/cat-coloring-pages/ Remember that you can also visit the website of your local public library to find out more about local library services. Libraries in much of Northwest Minnesota are listed on the Northwest Regional Library website: http://www.nwrlib.org/ (With assistance from the Thief River Falls Public Library.)
PARENTINGTIPS Questions vs. Commands Often parents will ask their child a question such as, “Would you like to go to the store now?” or “Do you want to go to bed?” when they really mean to give a command such as “It is time to go to the store” or “It is time to go to bed.”Young children, however, take the questions literally and will probably answer, “No.” To avoid confusing the child, make your expectations clear. Give an order if you want him to do something. Ask a “yes or no” question only if you are willing to accept either answer. If you “goof up” and ask your child a question when you meant to give a command and your child says, “No,” the best procedure is to respond, “Okay, then we will go in five minutes. I will set the timer so you will know when.” Then when the timer rings, rephrase the sentence to, “Now it is time to go to the store” or to bed or whatever.
(Contributed by the Early Childhood Family Education department of School District 564.)
SOMETHINGTOTALK ABOUT When talking with your children, think about what you say and how you say it. Are you speaking clearly and in terms that your child can understand?
(Contributed by the Early Childhood Family Education department of School District 564.)
