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The countdown to kindergarten and preschool has begun. Don't wait! Be proactive and prepare your child for a successful transition into this new and important experience. It will lay the foundation for your little one's future. 

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Math Monday

5/2/2016

2 Comments

 
Here's a fun, easy activity that builds math skills, executive function, and introduces the concept of a budget.

NOTE: This activity can be done either with play money that your child uses to "buy" materials that are already around the house to make a craft of his choice -- or it can be done like my daughter and I did, with a $5 budget at the Dollar Store. If you use play money, you can set up a pretend store or just direct your child to certain items in your home that are "for sale." Just make sure these are items you can part with for your child's craft.

Liv and I decided to make a Spring wreath for the door yesterday. We went to the local Dollar Store to buy what we needed. I gave Liv a $5 budget. Here's what she selected with a little help from me: Two silk flowers (total $2), two silk butterflies (total $1), a wreath (total $1) and some twine (total$1). 

This activity also helps children with executive function skills as they have to plan what they need to make a wreath, or another project of their/your choice. See more on the meaning of "executive function" here: Harvard University Center on the Developing Child. 

Here are the materials Liv selected for her wreath on a $5 budget:
Picture
When we got home, I helped her plan how to make the wreath. We laid out the flowers and butterflies by placing them where we wanted them to go on the wreath. In addition to executive function, this planning activity helps children hone fine motor skills needed for preschool and kindergarten. Finally, I stuck the items into place with hot glue. 

I picked up Liv to let her hang the wreath on the door and admire her work. Here's what we have now. Liv's $5 Spring Wreath on our front door:
Picture
Please share your skills-building projects and ideas here!

For more ideas for parents on preparing young children for school, please check out my book, SCHOOL IS NEW TO ME: A Beginner's Guide to Starting School.
2 Comments
Heather link
4/19/2021 11:01:01 am

Very creative post

Reply
Carla Taylor-Pla link
4/19/2021 11:41:19 am

Thank you!

Reply



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    Author

    I'm a Parent Educator, Author, and Founder of Carla & Liv KIDS. My mission is to prepare every child for a strong start in school. One of my tools is my quick-read, research-based book, SCHOOL IS NEW TO ME: A Beginner's Guide to Starting School.

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  • ABOUT US
  • MARKET YOUR PROGRAM W/ MY CUSTOMIZABLE PARENT ENGAGEMENT BOOKS
    • FLAGSHIP BOOK: SCHOOL IS NEW TO ME
    • LA ESCUELA ES NUEVA PARA MI (English/Spanish)
    • COMPANION & PERSONALIZED ACTIVITY BOOK (English/Spanish)
    • Custom Book Options (Patented Design)
  • Parent Workshops & Corporate Sponsorships
  • Virtual Programs
  • Who We've Worked With & Testimonials
    • Teacher Testimonials
  • Our Team
    • Carla Taylor-Pla, Author, Founder
    • Advisory Committee
    • Special Contributors
  • STORE
  • Contact
    • Sign up for newsletter