Language
Many language concepts can be easily implemented into everyday activities at home. Here are some activities and tips to target various language skills:
CATEGORY SORT
Help put away groceries (fridge/pantry/freezer; fruits/vegetables/breads)
When cleaning up your room, pick up 3 ____ (stuffed animals, cars, dolls, balls, etc)
Gather items from places in the house, and sort by which room they would go in (toothpaste, mug, pan, shirt, laundry soap, DVD)
IDIOMS, SIMILES, METAPHORS
When reading a book, look for figurative language--find 3 and tell them to your mom/dad. Explain their meaning.
BOOK SUGGESTIONS that have tons of idioms, similes and metaphors that children enjoy: Amelia Bedilia books, Parts and More Parts by Ted Arnold
WH QUESTIONS
WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, & WHY
After reading a short story, ask some WH questions to help with comprehension.
During/after making a recipe, ask WH questions & SEQUENCE the steps
Take turns asking eachother get to know you questions.
DESCRIBING
Look around the house and take turns describing objects in the room.
Make a favorite recipe and describe what it looks/feels/tastes like.
Go on a walk outside and collect objects (rock, woodchip, grass, feather, pinecone)--describe how they feel (hard, soft, sticky, prickly).
Compare/contrast 2 items--find ways objects are similar/different.
The concept of describing is built into many common games: I SPY , Guess Who, Headbandz
VERBS & PRONOUNS
Look through photo books and describe what is happening in the picture (ex. She is jumping on the tramp; He is kicking the ball), or what you did on that vacation (I swam in the pool; We hiked to the top of the mountain; I bought a cool shirt)
Describe/write down what you did yesterday.
INFERENCING & STORY RETELL
After watching the video shorts:
Retell the story, sequencing the events in the correct order
Pause video clip to predict what might happen next, identify emotions, cause & effect, etc.
PIGEON IMPOSSIBLE
ONE MAN BAND
PIP