Now for the fun stuff!

Children learn best through play. Play allows children to learn about turn-taking, losing AND winning
graciously; play expands their vocabulary and expressive language, and it helps them develop direction-
following skills.

Modeling play is an important role for caregivers to fill. When playing with your child, be sure to use
positive self-talk, to explain steps you are taking to complete a task, and to model appropriate reactions
to both winning and losing.

Fine Motor Activities Gross Motor Activities

These activities include such things as cutting, These activities include full body movements such
drawing, printing, and using play dough. as walking, running, jumping, and using stairs.

Cut It Out! -Draw simple shapes on colourful paper; Follow The Leader – Take your child outside and
have your child cut out the shapes and create a take turns being the leader. Step on stones, walk
picture with them. on imaginary lines, hop, jump, skip; have fun!

String It Up – Using lacing beads and puzzles with

shoelaces, have your child practice “in” and “out”,
Hopscotch – Dig out the sidewalk chalk and create
“over” and “under” lacing.
your very own hopscotch space in the driveway.
Play Dough – Using play dough, challenge your child Let your child have a turn creating one as well.
to make the longest snake or the smallest ball.
Create letters, pictures, and characters with these
items. Sock Toss – Put a little fun in Laundry day! Roll
two socks together and play catch with your child.
Come Cook With Me – Take your child into the
kitchen and bake cookies together. Have them
measure the ingredients needed, mix, roll, knead,
and cut out cookies. When they are baked, mix up Turn On The Sprinkler – On those hot summer
some frosting and decorate them! days, turn on the sprinkler and take turns running,
hopping, jumping, and skipping through the
water.

More to come! We have created a Weebly (school website) for you and your child. It includes pictures, a
tour of the Kindergarten wing, a classroom and playground, and is updated frequently! Check it out at:
http://nmswelcometokindergarten.weebly.com/