Acknowledgements - gapitc

Learning approaches for
development and
school success
Activities and Strategies
for Development
Soil Investigation
On a sunny day, take small hand shovels, buckets, and strainers out to the yard
or park.
Select a spot that has sandy soil and lots of small rocks, leaves, acorns, and seeds.
Show your child how to pick up a shovel full of soil and put it in the strainer.
Shake the strainer and see what is left in the bottom.
Take out each item and tell your child the name of the item.
Invite your child to investigate the soil with her own strainer.
Encourage her to save leaves or stones that she likes, in the bucket.
Remind your child never to put anything in her mouth that she finds on the
ground or in the soil.
Hooked on Books
After your child has had a period of active play, let him know that it is your
special time for sharing a book.
Invite your child to select a book that he enjoys.
Sit together and read each page.
Help your child ignore distractions such as TV, radio, others talking, and
nearby toys.
Pause at each page and encourage him to follow the story from the pictures.
Ask questions to focus his attention on the story and show your own interest
in it.
Encourage him to “read” the book all the way to the end. If he loses interest
before the end do not force it, but try to read a little more each time.
Special Needs Tip
For a child who is easily distracted, turn off the TV and radio and
go somewhere quiet.
185