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trekbody 
Taking a trip with your preschooler this summer? Here are some word games that will appeal to her, and the older kids in the family, too!
“Word Parade”
Simply pick a category, such as animals or colors, and take turns naming as many things as you can that fit into the category. Older children can play using more sophisticated categories.
“I Spy”
As you look out car, train or plane windows or while taking a walk, suggest to your preschooler that he/she “spy” particular shapes or colors. Older children can search
for letters or objects beginning with a particular letter.
Rhyming games
Take turns trying to think of as many rhymes as you can to a particular word. How many words can you think of that sound like take, bat, ball etc.? Older children can try rhyming more difficult words.
Summer is a wonderful time to have extended conversations. Whether in the park, at the beach or walking around your neighborhood, there is lots to see and talk about. Here are some topics, activities, and questions to explore with your preschooler:
The weather
Ask your child how the breeze feels on his/her face. Look for leaves blowing in the wind. Blow some bubbles and watch the wind carry them. Look at the clouds and discuss their shapes.
Small animals and insects.
What are the squirrels and the birds doing? Examine insects (a simple magnifying glass can help) and listen to your child’s observations. Ask open-ended questions like, “How does the caterpillar move? or “Why are the ants following each other?”
Shadows.
Look for shadows cast by trees or buildings. Ask your child to find his/her own shadow and make it move.
Rocks or Shells.
Collect different kinds of rocks or shells and look at them under a magnifying glass. Group them by size, color and texture. Talk about which ones are the same and which ones are different. Look for books about the beach. (See our recommended books below.)
The Parent-Child Home Program Recommends:
Maisy at the Beach, by Lucy Cousins — (Candlewick Press, paperback)
Help Maisy and her friends collect seashells and build sandcastles in this sticker book. More than 25 reusable stickers included. Ages 3-5.
Bear in Sunshine, by Stella Blackstone — (Barefoot Books, hardcover)
Through sun, showers, snow, mist, and thunderstorms, bear dresses for the weather and teaches young readers the seasons on the way. Suitable for toddlers to beginning readers.
Recommended books and toys are available on our website by clicking on the Amazon.com link: www.parent-child.org
© 2001 The Parent-Child Home Program, Inc.
The Parent-Child Home Program
1415 Kellum Place, Suite 101
Garden City, New York 11530
www.parent-child.org
Reprinted with the permission of the Parent-Child Home Program, Inc.
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