Educational Play - Start with Vowels

What activities can I be doing with my daughter (she will be three in October) now that are fun and educational?

Its so fun to hear from you! I'm glad you tracked me down. Congrats on your daughter! I divided your question in two - and I'll answer about Preschools soon...

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

- Pablo Picasso

I'm in love with this quote and the question you pose is similar. So, first, I'll just say what I think "educational" means to me. There is so much stuff out there - the name of every construction vehicle, the name of animals and animals, you can learn every planet, Greek God's, every car model, obviously the list goes on and on. And I think that it really isn't the stuff that's important. Its more the process. The most educational thing you can do for your child is help them be interested in the world. So I think good "educational" play - means its a lot of fun and interesting.

I remember scooping my little one in my lap and trying to read to him, only to have him squirm away. And at first I was crushed - why won't my child listen to a book being read? Its because he was more interested in building a block tower at the moment (or whatever). What I have learned is that being interesting in what they like is the best place to start. So, if they like trucks - learn everything there is about trucks - go find one to sit in. Read truck books, build playdough trucks, park the trucks to line up into big A's...

What?! You ask - ok, here's the little trick. Whatever they are really interested in - I use as the tool to open new doors. So, let's say your child loves plastic necklaces, and princess jewelry. Then play princess with them, and before you put on the lovely pink treat put it down on the ground and exclaim, "Oh, I am so lucky, I have an "O" necklace. This is the most wonderful thing in the whole world. O, o, o, o, oooo!" Then show your daughter her necklace makes an "O" - Show her her magical "O" ring. And your excitment will help her start to learn letters. Never with flashcards or pressure. But, just sneak little moments in like that! Start with vowels! And in a few days, use the necklace to make an "I" on the ground! Use playdough to make big "I" shaped Islands where Ice cream cones live...

Shapes, Colors, Letters, Numbers - just make sure they are fun! I have a few more ideas - if people like this one...what do you do?

Painting" The Peace Dove by Pablo Picasso