Today I was visiting the Day Nursery at the State Government Center to prepare for a special event we are doing tomorrow as a warm-up for the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus coming to town September 4th. More about that tomorrow. During my visit, I snapped this picture of 1-year-old Alex (isn’t he cute??) having some fun outside. He was sitting in the sun and some of his classmates were sitting in the shade. It reminded me how every moment with a young child is a “teachable” moment.
Here’s an idea you and your toddler can explore together courtesy of Parent Central at NACCRRA. The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies has a great website. Parent Central is dedicated to helping parents access current information on children’s issues as well as the most recent parenting resources. Their website offers information on child development, tips related to raising children, finding quality child care.
Set up two outside play areas on blankets, one in the sun and one in the shade. As the weather gets cooler, you can also set this up inside. Choose a sunny room and a shady room. Invite your toddler to play freely with favorite toys. When he is in the shade, talk about how the shade feels; when he is in the sun, talk about how the sun feels. Your toddler will feel the difference between cool and warm. Talk about how the sunny spot is bright and warm, and how the shady spot is cooler and darker.
- Let’s put these toys in the shade.
- Where is the sun? Can you point up to the sky?
- Let’s put these toys in the sun.
This helps your toddler begin to understand the concept of “same and different.” Check the blogroll to the right for a link to Parent Central. I would encourage you to sign up for their emails.
