Acknowledgements - gapitc

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Can-Do List!
Observe your child outdoors as she is playing and practicing new skills such as
sliding, pulling a wagon, or walking the tricycle with her feet (rather than the
pedals)!
Say to your child,“I like to watch how you can…..climb to the top of the slide or
pull the wagon around the tree. You can do many things!”
Show your approval with a smile, clap, or other signal of your enthusiasm.
When you come inside, use a magnetic pad on the refrigerator to record the
date and new skill you observed. Another idea is to hang a calendar on the refrigerator
and record the information on the date!
Read the list to your child and add new skills often.
Ask your child’s teacher to tell you about new skills she has learned at school
and add these to the list! Share the list with family members.
Can We Cuddle?
Pick out a special chair or sofa in your home that offers a quiet place to cuddle
with your child. This is a spot for enjoying a book together or for your child to
seek comfort after something frightening or hurtful happens.
Let your child know that this is a “cuddle place” for sharing special times.
Place a basket near the chair and encourage him to put a few of his favorite
books there.
Take time regularly to cuddle in your special place.
I’ll Catch You!
Stand at the bottom of the toddler slide at a playground.
Encourage your child, especially if she is not a risk-taker, to slide down by saying,
“I’m here to catch you.”
Provide several opportunities for her to slide down and build confidence while
you are there to catch her at the bottom.
As your child develops stronger muscles and wants more challenge, show her
how to spread her legs and slow down her speed on the slide.
Say often that you are there to keep her safe. Whenever she is ready, she can try
new things by herself!
Special Needs Tip
A child who does not walk can be seated at the top of the slide.
One adult can walk beside the child to help her slide down, while
another adult catches her at the bottom.