| It always
surprises me that some of the messiest projects end up
to be the best learning situations. Here’s to messy……
And we all have problems so here is an idea to share on
a method to solve those problems….And learning math
facts is just part of school but this activity almost
guarantees NO wrong answers……And our last idea has a
child clapping for spelling!!!!!
#1 Children love to make messes and parents usually try to keep a
project tidy. This color activity allows for both.
- You will need zip-lock sandwich size plastic bags and
tempura paint of the 3 primary colors: RED, YELLOW, & BLUE
- Discuss why these colors are primary colors (They are
the only colors that cannot be made by mixing two other
colors.)
- Introduce the neutral colors of BLACK and WHITE and
explain that these 5 colors make all of the colors of the
rainbow.
- Here comes the fun part – decide on a color to make.
Let’s make PURPLE.
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- Add equal amounts of BLUE and RED with a spoon into the plastic bag
and zip close.
- Encourage your child to squish the colors together until a new color
emerges – PURPLE.
- Introduce the term secondary colors. These are made by mixing two
primary colors together like we did to make PURPLE. BLUE and YELLOW
would make GREEN. YELLOW and RED would make ORANGE.
- Let your child make the secondary colors and then have fun creating
their own colors in the bags by using the available colors.
- This is a hands-on learning activity and helps a child to remember
the color palette.
#2 Everyone has problems. There are personal problems, family
problems, school and work problems, and national problems. Remember, our
2000 Presidential election had problems. This is a simple method to help
children solve problems and make a decision. We will share 6 steps to
take to solve a problem.
- WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? Let your child state the problem in his own
words and if there is a conflict, let him state the opposing view.
- WHAT CAN BE DONE? Encourage your child to brainstorm as many
solutions as possible – don’t rule anything out.
- WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF THESE SOLUTIONS? At this step a child
will begin making judgments based on his experiences and what they see
in the world.
- MAKING THE DECISION Your child should choose a solution to try and
state why this solution was selected.
- ACTING ON THE DECISION Beforehand, discuss what will happen and what
can be expected. Look for obstacles and positives – can you avoid any
obstacles?
- HOW DID IT GO? Afterwards, discuss how it worked out. Would you do
the same thing again or make some changes.
This is a great activity to share with teenagers. You can write down
some real problems on separate pieces of paper and place in a bag.
Select one for your child to solve using these steps.
Here are some sample problems if you don’t have any of your own.
- I have acne.
- All my friends have boyfriends – why don’t I?
- How do I address an issue with a coach/teacher without appearing to
whine or complain?
- I feel like I am too busy with school, work, and home activities.
What can I do not to feel so stressed out?
- My friend is having a party with alcohol/drugs and expects me to
attend. What do I do?
#3 Dice are great learning
tools. Ask a child to join you in a dice game and the answer is YES. Ask a
child to practice multiplication facts and the answer is often NO. This
activity combines dice and multiplication practice.
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You will need dice, paper, and
pen.
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Begin using one die and shake
(3) – this tells you how many vertical lines to draw. Shake a
die a second time (2) – this tells you how many horizontal
lines to draw.
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Write the problem on the paper
3 x 2 = . To find the answer count the intersections the
vertical and horizontal lines make. You can mark each
intersection as you count – the answer is 6.
-
Using two dice will make this
harder so older students can play. The die aren’t necessary
– you can draw the lines for any multiplication problem and
come up with the answer.
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By playing this game often, a child will begin to
memorize their facts and that is the goal. Also, no wrong answers if you
count intersections carefully.
#4 The use of computers and spell check
has challenged spelling in the classroom. Elementary children still have
spelling lists and tests to help them become capable spellers. Here is a
fun way to practice those word lists.
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In manuscript and cursive writing,
some letters go "above" the line - k, l, b; some letters go
"below" the line – g, y, p and others touch the
"middle" – o, m, r.
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To help a child visualize a spelling
word without writing, clap where the letter would go on the line. For
example, take the word sky. Clap at your waistline for s (middle).
Clap over your head for k (above). Clap at your knees for y (below).
Encourage the child to say aloud each letter as he claps.
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A great way to practice spelling
words with out the drudgery of writing the words.
Let me
know by e-mail what your favorite activity was this month. I am compiling information for a resource book
and want your input. Thanks.
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