PASO del NORTE Chapter of txaeyc

Very Hungry Caterpillar Day is March 20 and this year we’re celebrating the wonders of nature with Eric Carle’s beloved character. Join the festivities with a read-aloud of all your favorite books or a nature walk. Fill the day with lots of fun activities for your little ones and share online using .

𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗢 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!
https://tinyurl.com/m9rvrf73 (TCEA)
If you have a LEGO wall, table, or center, these cards are a great way to provide creation, inspiration, & innovative thinking. For the classroom, consider putting out a colored set each month or use them to group students. Groups are formed by the color of card each student pulls. Then, as a group, they could decide which activity to build.
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀: https://tinyurl.com/225rtthk

upsidedownhomeschooling.com

📱💻 As classrooms embrace digital tools, one-to-one computers, and voice-to-text technology, the role of traditional handwriting ✍️ is fading.

While typing is faster and more efficient, 🧠 research reveals that handwriting has unique benefits for the brain!

Educators, it’s time to rethink how we shape learning experiences—handwriting still matters! 🖋️✨

We love this super easy way to work on intrinsic hand strength and arch development (as well as thumb positioning for pencil grasp and separation of the sides of the hand!)
All you need: play dough and some straws.

Skills being addressed:
🩵Intrinsic strength- https://www.theottoolbox.com/intrinsic-hand-muscle-strengthening/
💙Thumb IP joint mobility- https://www.theottoolbox.com/tripod-grasp-trick-better-pencil-grasp/
💜Separation of the sides of the hand- https://www.theottoolbox.com/motoric-separation-of-the-hand-fine-motor-skills-toys/

💚💙

💕 Dyslexia Reading Center

We therapists like to break things down into smaller parts, working on the prerequisite skills first and gradually building up until kids can put them all together! 🧠✨

Here are some of our favorite ways to extend these skills and work up to cutting with scissors ✂️🖍️!

Want one of our best resources for helping kids practice cutting? Comment ✂️ below! 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

Free Classroom Resources For All Grades

Insects fascinate and frighten kids in equal measure! Those unpredictable movements, potential stings, or simply the unknown can create anxiety that limits outdoor exploration.

Don't let insect fears keep your little adventurers inside! I've got practical strategies to help transform that fear into curiosity.

Check out the full post for the complete guide to raising bug-brave explorers!

Children who engage in block play are not just constructing towers; they are building the very foundations of their future success. It is so simple, but it has deep effects. Science has shown us that play is beneficial for the development of children’s brains in many ways.

🧱 Aides in spatial reasoning
As they experiment with different arrangements, sizes, and shapes, children hone their spatial reasoning skills. Understanding how objects fit together and visualising structures helps lay the foundation for concepts like geometry and architecture. A study by Yvonne Caldera and her colleagues observed the construction activities of 51 preschoolers and discovered a pattern. The kids who showed more interest in construction, and built more complex structures, performed better on a standardised test of spatial intelligence (Caldera et al 1999).

🧱 Defines motor skills and hand-eye coordination
The physical act of handling blocks, whether large or small, refines fine motor skills. As children grasp, stack, and manipulate blocks, they increase their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. These skills are crucial for later tasks ranging from buttoning shirts to writing with a pencil. Block play provides a hands-on way for children to develop the muscles and control necessary for intricate movements.

🧱 Builds cognitive flexibility
Block play nurtures problem-solving abilities. When children encounter challenges while constructing structures, they engage in critical thinking to overcome obstacles. They learn to anticipate potential issues, adjust their approach, and experiment with different strategies. This process of trial-and-error nurtures a growth mindset—an essential mindset for lifelong learning and success.

🧱 Boosts language skills
Block play sets the stage for language and communication development. When children engage in collaborative block building, they naturally engage in conversations. They negotiate, share ideas, and work together to bring their creations to fruition. This interaction nurtures vocabulary expansion, expressive communication, and active listening skills. The process of describing their designs and explaining their choices to others sharpens verbal communication abilities, an essential tool for effective interpersonal relationships.

🧱 Creates creativity
Block play is a canvas for creativity. The freedom to construct unique structures from a handful of blocks encourages the imagination to flourish. Children become architects of their own miniature worlds-crafting cities, castles, and abstract sculptures. This creative expression not only fuels artistic thinking but also instills a sense of pride and accomplishment. As children bring their imaginative visions to life, they develop confidence in their abilities to transform ideas into tangible realities.

🧱 Makes room for social competence
Block play offers a sense of autonomy. Children have control over the blocks they choose and how they arrange them. This autonomy fosters a sense of agency and empowerment, contributing to healthy self-esteem and a positive self-concept.

🧱 Strengthens engineering skills
Block play serves as a foundation for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. The skills acquired during block play—critical thinking, problem-solving, spatial reasoning—form the bedrock of STEM disciplines. As children progress through their education, these skills become crucial for tackling complex scientific and technological challenges.

This is why blocks rock for little ones and big ones alike!

Reference:
http://parentingscience.com/toy-blocks/?fbclid=IwAR2POaHTpiQd-ogwwc3h9PSHQCWVNrXdV1JkkAvzfwsmT-JA3Ajq4fSi_ck