SHADES Out-of-School Time during COVID-19

It's the beginning of week 3 since Knox County called out schools for the COVID-19 pandemic and we've recently received news of the social distancing extension.  The nicer weather has been a blessing, providing an escape to the "great outdoors", but we live in East Tennessee and we never quite know what the weather will do. Being an aftercare director, I first hand know the effects of children being cooped up inside all day.  Does bouncing off the walls sounds familiar to you?  If you're running out of ideas to keep your children entertained, let me introduce you to your new best friend:  GoNoodle Getting Started Setting up an account is quick and easy.  Once you're on the site page, click on the "Get Started Now" button in the upper right hand corner.  Next, select "Play Now" for families on the left side of the screen.  This will give you access to the materials on the site.  If you want to save activities across any device, create an

With Easter right around the corner what a perfect time to make papier-mâché Easter eggs. The supplies you will need are: an oval balloon, paper, white glue or papier-mâché paste, scissors, paint brush, paint and clear acrylic sealer-both optional. First inflate the balloon to desired size. Second make the first layer of papier-mâché and then continue adding layers. If you are making small eggs, 2 layers should be sufficient. The color and texture of the paper you use will determine how your egg will look. Once you are done, let the papier-mâché dry. Set the balloon on top of a bowl or cup. The papier-mâché will take a least a day to dry. You can decorate the egg while waiting for it to dry. An easy option is to cut out shapes and place them while the egg is still wet. Smooth down the shapes by brushing them over with the glue mix or papier-mâché paste. Once the egg is completely dry, pop the balloon and carefully pull out it out. You can widen the hole if you wan

Finger knitting is a great introduction to knitting without the use of knitting needles. Not only is it easy, but you can do it anywhere, all you need is a ball of yarn. After mastering the finger knitting techniques children can go on to make bracelets, beanies, scarfs, animals and so much more.   By using both hands in Finger Knitting children are mastering their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and developing math skills.   Now let’s get started. Step 1  Select your yarn, any weight/size will work Step 2 Hold the yarn in the palm of your hand Step 3 Loop the working yarn behind your index finger, over and around your middles finger and around your index finger.  (in a figure 8 pattern) Step 4 Repeat Step 3 You should have two loops on each finger. Step 5 Starting with your index finger, pull the bottom loop over the top loop and the finger. Note: You will want to pull on the yarn at the back of your ha

Benefits of Being Multilingual There are many benefits to learning a foreign language. It can boost brain power, improve memory, your first language, academic performance, and increases networking skills. The amount of work your brain has to put in to learn a foreign language helps build a stronger and healthier brain. Studies show that people who are multilingual have better memory, increase in their decision making skills and are better at multi-tasking. Your brain is a muscle and being multilingual helps exercise your brain by using critical thinking skills to help recall information, sentence structure, tenses, etc. that we don't often think about when we are monolingual. The earlier a child is when they begin learning a foreign language, the easier it is for them to learn it. There are many stories, videos etc. of small, children, even babies using American Sign Language (ASL), counting and speaking in different languages. This ability will only increase their likelihood of

Read about it, talk about it, and think about it! Find ways for your child to build understanding, the ultimate goal of learning how to read. Try a new tip each week. See what works best for your child. Make books special Turn reading into something special. Take your kids to the library, help them get their own library card, read with them, and buy them books as gifts. Have a favorite place for books in your home or, even better, put books everywhere. Get them to read another one Find ways to encourage your child to pick up another book. Introduce him or her to a series like The Boxcar Children or Harry Potter or to a second book by a favorite author, or ask the librarian for additional suggestions. Crack open the dictionary Let your child see you use a dictionary. Say, "Hmm, I'm not sure what that word means... I think I'll look it up." Talk about what you see and do Talk about everyday activities to build your child's background knowledge, wh

With the recent COVID-19 outbreak, it is important to talk about proper steps to remain healthy and avoid getting sick. The CDC has a list of recommendations on their website stating proper precautions. However, practicing basic hygiene does not have to be boring! Here are some fun things you and your child can do to combine education and health/hygiene/ cleanliness. Hand washing  Experiments In order to stress the significance of hand washing and provide a hands on learning experience, try the water, soap and pepper experiment. You will only need the following supplies: ·          Anti-Bacterial Soap ·          Bowl of Water ·          Pepper Fill a bowl with water and sprinkle pepper into the bowl. Tell your child that the pepper signifies their germs. Have them place their finger in the bowl and discuss what happens with no soap versus with soap on their finger. Another hand washing experiment that may be a little messier is “Glitter Hands” For this experim

Below are a few, easy tips to reinforce writing skills with your preschool-aged child at home. #1. Engage your child in hands-on activities to reinforce fine motor skills (like holding a crayon/pencil).   Many children get discouraged and frustrated when trying to learn how to correctly hold their writing tools.   I have personally seen the struggle with both my daughters and even when my grandchildren were younger.   Encourage children and maintain a positive, supportive attitude while your children are learning a new skill. Below are some finger-strengthening exercises you can practice with your child:   Wash your car . Holding and squeezing a sponge strengthens fingers and provides a bonding experience between you and your child. Water your plants . Squirting plants with a water bottle also strengthens fingers and hands.   Play with playdough or slime . Playing with playdough or slime also strengthens the fingers and hands.   #2. Practice making letters and n

Gardening 1-2-3 Growing your food at home:   It can seem intimidating or laborious, but maybe it’s not as complicated as you think. It’s also a great activity to do with children.  Gardening: Engages all of the senses Encourages healthy eating Enhances fine motor development Introduces children to scientific concepts Teaches responsibility Develops math skills Teaches patience 1.Getting Started So, what do you need to get started?   Seeds, soil, water, and small containers.   That’s it!   All of these items can be purchased at the Dollar Tree and seed packets are only 25 cents apiece.   Each packet will have instructions on the back explaining how deep to plant the seeds in the soil, how long they should take to germinate, and what months are best for growing that specific plant.   Don’t forget to label what each cup contains! *Toilet paper rolls can be used as seed starter containers!  This is a great way to recycle and the rolls can be placed directly in th

Now that Spring Break is past and school is still out, it is time to start thinking about the daily routines of our new reality.  Although some of our kids are thrilled about this unexpected "summer like" break, the reality is, our kids need structure during this unprecedented time.  Many of you, like me, are working from home.  Not only do our kids need to be engaged in productive activities that keep them on track educationally, we need to be able to get our work done too. The key is to build a schedule for your you and your kids. 7 Tips for Building Your Childs At-Home Schedule Here are a few tips to help you set up a schedule for your kids that keep them working toward the ultimate goals of being an educated student on the path to graduation. Build coursework into their schedule Match focused learning times with your child's developmental age and stage Alternate low energy and high energy activities Schedule breaks and meals Let your kids help you build thei