SYNOPSIS: In the party boxes today, a belt and a pair of trousers - or is it a snake and a flag? Meanwhile Buddy is showered in donuts after his pancake disappears.

1) EXPLORING YOUR BODY    "threads"
Take a piece of thick cardboard and sketch several coloured circles or draw some numbers on it. Put some holes in or near the circles and have your child thread a shoelace, belt or piece of string from hole to hole.
This is a task a child finds very rewarding once they are able to master it. It develops eye-hand coordination as well as providing an opportunity to develop hand strength.

2) EXPLORING YOUR MIND
Take a pair of your trousers and a pair of your child's trousers. Compare them with your child - find the similarities and differences. Use words such as 'bigger' 'smaller' along with discussion of what you use trousers for. Compare other items of clothing if your child enjoys this.
An early maths concept - things that belong together can be arranged into sets or matched into pairs. This sort of ordering (or 'seriation') builds an understanding of comparison.

3) EXPLORING YOUR SELF
Remember that very young children have a short attention span. They will often return to a task after having taken a natural break. Make sure your child isn't too tired when attempting a new task - this leads to frustration.


Party Animals Parent Teacher Activities created by Elizabeth Donnelly.
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