Helping your child explore the world of friendships, rules and reality
For parents an important developmental stage in their lives occurs when their children reach school age, and it may take some time and attention to adjust to the changes in their child. By the time children enter kindergarten they begin to form strong feelings about others. They may have a best friend with whom they share a point of view. However, at the same time they are somewhat self-centered and may have serious disagreements with other children. Parents may be challenged by their child's emerging fascination with reality, rules and friendships.
These characteristics of children in grades K-3 prompt both parents and children to begin exploring appropriate activities outside the home. Sports teams, music lessons and youth programs are among the choices. Children this age need time to develop large muscle skills while not straining their growing muscles and bones. Children in this age group also thrive on non-competitive games and activities that develop fine motor skills, critical-thinking skills, reading and writing skills and creativity. Table and board games, model building, craft projects, puppet shows, gardening, field trips, science experiments, woodworking and cooking are some of the favorite activities of children just beginning school.
Develop four basic human goals
Develop four basic human goals
Extension youth development experts recommend that parents use the 4-H program's approach to the four basic human goals as a guide when selecting an activity for their K-3 grade child. These four basic human goals are belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. Perhaps the most important of these for children in grades K-3 is belonging.
Developmentally, K-3 youth are still learning how to behave in a group and relate to adults and each other. Skilled adult leaders can give youth the opportunity to feel physically and emotionally safe while actively participating in a group. Competition and activities where children are singled out for performance are not appropriate.
Adult behaviors
Parents can observe whether the adult leaders exhibit these behaviors:
- Greet children warmly each time they arrive-even if in the middle of an activity.
- Notice children during an activity and let them know it.
- Help children get to know each other's names.
- Help children have fun and feel connected to each other by playing cooperative games.
- Encourage children to interact with each other during individual activities.
- Notice when a child has been absent and welcome them back when they return.
- Get to know the child's family and call them by name.
Building self confidence
Children's self confidence develops when they feel they meet challenges capably and successfully. Children in grades K-3 can find opportunities to practice and develop a wide variety of small motor skills while doing activities that include cutting, pasting and drawing and develop large motor skills with activities such as hopping, jumping and running. Another important strength of programs for this age group is to have alternate ways to complete tasks.
Children in grades K 3 are still learning about cause and effect. Parents should look for programs that let youth work out disagreements themselves whenever possible. It is also important for children this age to clearly understand what is going to happen before an activity begins. Other ways that programs can help children in grades K-3 develop independence include opportunities for self-expression and ways to participate in making choices. Quality programs for children in grades K-3 keep community service activities focused on how others will be helped rather than on competing for prizes.
4-H Cloverbud program
The adult volunteers that lead Extension's youth development programs are trained in child development and have materials specifically designed to provide age-appropriate experiences for children. This makes the 4-H Cloverbud program a perfect choice of children in grades K-3. Hands-on learning activities based on the developmental stages of youth that promote positive development is the keystone of the 4-H Cloverbud program. Contact your local Extension office for information on Cloverbud programs in your community.
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Home fire escape planning and practice saves lives
Everyone, including preschoolers, can be taught the basics of home fire escape. Only a small number of families (16%) have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan, yet doing so is the key to survival should a fire occur in the home.
A home fire escape plan should include:
- Working smoke alarms on every level of the home and outside all sleeping areas.
- Two ways out of each room.
- Unobstructed and easy-to-use exits.
- A meeting place outside.
- A posted emergency phone number for the fire department next to every telephone.
- A twice-a-year practice for every member of the household.
Make sure exits are not nailed or painted shut. React to the sound of a smoke alarm immediately, and make getting out your priority. NEVER go back inside the home for personal items or pets.
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The Whole Grain Difference
Both whole and refined grains are high in carbohydrates. But whole grain does offer advantages. Whole grains contain all parts of the plant kernel, including the fiber- rich bran and the germ. Refined grains are stripped of these nutritious components during milling. Eating refined grains can drive blood sugar levels up quickly, while the fiber in whole grain slows a rise in blood sugar.
Whole grains provide important nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin E and health-promoting phyto-chemicals.
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