SYNOPSIS: In the party boxes today a hat and a coat - or is it a cushion and a flag? Meanwhile Chopper is in his room tap dancing - but his feet are making strange noises.

THEME(S): keeping warm, bouncing and jumping

1) EXPLORING YOUR BODY
Be a kangaroo - play a jumping game with your child. Children learn first by bending their knees, then jumping holding onto your hands, then on their own. You can extend on this by trying a jump with a half turn then a jump with a full turn.
Practicing movements like jumping gives your child confidence in themselves and awareness of their bodies in relation to the space around them. It is important that your child feels safe at all times.

2) EXPLORING YOUR MIND
Explore some different temperatures - place ice, cold water, tepid and warm water in several containers. Let your child taste and touch them. Use words like 'freezing' 'cosy' and 'cool' once your child has grasped the concept of 'warm' and 'cold'. (Be very sure that the water isn't too hot at any stage).
Measurement is an aspect of early maths. Temperature differentiation is a way of learning to classify things into sets.

3) EXPLORING YOUR SELF
Learning to dress takes a child many hours of practice. Within reason, let your child decide some part of what they wear each day. This affirms them as a valued individual and member of a household.


Party Animals Parent Teacher Activities created by Elizabeth Donnelly.
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