1) EXPLORING YOUR BODY "faces in the mirror"
Looking at themselves in a mirror is a great way for children to become aware of their body. Sit in front of a mirror with your child on your knee and point out their facial features - eyes, nose, ears, hair, mouth, teeth, cheeks, chin, nostrils, and so on. Point out your own facial features. Have your child touch their faces. An older child may like to draw their reflection on the mirror using lipstick or similar.
In this exercise children gain an understanding of the relationship between different parts of their body in relation to other parts.

2) EXPLORING YOUR MIND "circle morning tea"
Have a 'circle morning tea' to discover big and small circles in your home. Use apples and oranges and cut them in half to illustrate 'circle'. Place circles of orange onto a large circular plate and compare with your child the different sizes. Slice carrots and bananas into small circles and include these on the plate too. Squash raisins or peas for tiny circles.
Learning shapes and sizes is an aspect of early maths. The child masters the different shapes first (for example circle, square, rectangle) and from here can create groups of similar shapes.

3) EXPLORING YOUR SELF
Let your child help you prepare a meal. Explain that eating good food is necessary as it gives them energy and good health. Let them choose things they like from a wide variety of healthy foods.
Including your child at mealtimes is a way of acknowledging their special place in the family unit. When they contribute to a household project their sense of belonging is affirmed.


Party Animals Parent Teacher Activities created by Elizabeth Donnelly.
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