Keeping Kids Moving in the Winter

Hi there! Today I wanted to talk a bit about a predicament we caregivers and our young children can easily find ourselves in on a cold day- we're inside most of the day, and let's face it, we get a little stir crazy. I've talked before on my blog about things you can do to help keep everyone occupied and in a good mood- try a change of scene, an indoor play place, music, children's media you both enjoy. Today I'd like to focus on movement.

Getting those kiddos to move and release that pent up energy can be beneficial in so many ways. It's recommended that kids get at least an hour of physical activity daily (CDC). This movement can prevent serious illness, increase children's ability to focus, and promote better moods. The department of Health and Human Services also released a new "Move Your Way" campaign that helps people incorporate daily tasks into part of their physical activity. (Special plug for my sister Francie who helped manage the promotion of this campaign). No matter how you decide to get your family moving, keep in mind all the benefits for the parenting or caregiving win!

I've been including more of my YouTube videos on my blog lately because I'd like to create context for them- explain a bit why you might want to check them out. My video this week is one you can move to. It's to that familiar tune from the song "Wild Thing," and hopefully it'll get everyone moving and releasing some of that wildness- in a way that hopefully won't make a huge mess or destroy your house. Your welcome!!

"Little Bird, Go Through My Window"

In January, it can be difficult to summon the spirit to sing. The holidays are over, the weather is dreary, and people might not be feeling 100%. To liven things up a bit, I've focused on singing about birds of all things. Birdwatching in winter is one of my favorite things to do, and children can easily take part-  filling or even making bird feeders or houses. Birds like cardinals and blue jays are easy to spot, and it's exciting to see nature come alive when the birds accept the gifts of food and shelter that you offer them.

I use a song called "Little Bird." Watch it in full below. I discovered the way I do it is different (I learned it differently), than the traditional "Little Bird, Go Through My Window." I also pair this song with a singing game called "Go in and Out the Window." In it, children stand in a circle and hold hands, then lift their arms up to make an arch under which a child can weave in and out.

Whether you use the song as part of a winter music class, or for early language learning, try to pair it with some nature exploration as well. If you don't have the opportunity to make a bird house or feeder, and either bird watch or listen for bird songs, ask children to share their experience if they have done this before. If they haven't tried observing birds, perhaps you can spark an interest! Happy singing and bird watching!

Play and Early Learning- Part II

As promised, today I recommend some ways to provide rich and varied play experiences for your child. And just to be super clear- this early learning blog is meant for those kiddos under six. And today's article is about play experiences outside of a daycare facility or school. We're talking sandboxes, tot lots, the library children's section- and even some classes. Of course there are classes for you and your young one! For instance, I often see parents in my drop in music classes with their babies. I remember myself as a first time parent with a child their age, and I'm so happy I could offer an destination for play accessible for these parents.

To be sure, having a plan for how your day will go when you are a first time parent is helpful, but not always easily attained. I found myself wanting to connect with other parents, but I wasn't always sure how. I felt like I needed to prioritize nap times, access to sustenance, and travel methods (stroller, wrap, etc.), often over coordinating with a class time or meeting with another parent. However, I found that when I was successful in scheduling in some time to socialize for both myself and my son, our day was much happier and better overall- even if it meant not totally sticking with our usual schedule.

Here's how to get started scheduling some beneficial play experiences for your little one!

1. Get connected online- Join your local parent's Facebook or Meetup group. Look for websites that list or recommend classes in your area. If there isn't one available, consider starting one! My son and I had access to the BerkeleyParentsNetwork.org (BPN), which is an invaluable resource for parents to communicate and share information. I started my own playgroup through an announcement on BPN, and the people I met that way are some of the best friends I've ever made. Other online resources I have seen that seem particularly helpful are HilltownFamilies.org and MacaroniKid.com. Both list opportunities for parents to take their kids out and about.

2. Join a playgroup- The playgroup I started on BPN was so beneficial to both the parents and the kids! We set up times to meet at playgrounds, library storytimes, indoor play areas, and at each other's homes. The children learned so much from each other, and it was an opportunity to talk with other adults. This was by far the best thing I did for me and my young son!

3. The playground is your friend- Opportunities to gain gross motor skills and socialize abound on the playground. Get to know your local playgrounds, and consider them your second home in nice weather!


4. Learn what your local library has to offer- Ask at the check out counter if you can have a schedule of the children's librarian's offerings. You may be surprised how much your local library has to offer- not only as a place for your child to listen to, look at, and acquire language, but as a destination to socialize. There are also often toys, puzzles, and opportunities to color in the children's section.

5. Learn about your local children's museums- These are elaborate play spaces created just for young children. In Berkeley there was Habitot, and that is the museum I took my son most often. There are themed exhibits, and hands on and kid-sized everything. Your little ones will LOVE these places.

6. Get out into nature- Find out about nature centers in your area. Not only can you go for a peaceful walk in the woods and enjoy a playground away from the city, there are often indoor centers with areas designed for young children to play. Often these centers offer classes for preschool age children, so be sure to check that out as well.

7. Include the arts in your child's play- Even if it's as simple as turning on some music at home and listening during play, including music in your day is a great way to help you and your child get energized, play, or relax. Music is an excellent way to help even adults regulate mood, and as a music teacher/performer, I of course recommend finding a class to attend or an event with live music for you and your young child. You can find dance and visual art opportunities for your young child as well.

8. Play can be incorporated anywhere, anytime- Stuck in the car? Put on some music, break out the toys- your child now has a play experience. Bringing your child to yet another trip to the grocery store? When they are small enough to sit in the front part of the cart, you and your child surely have some time to chat, play peek-a-boo, etc. Grocers also LOVE to play with and talk to kids.

Wherever you are, there are many opportunities for your child to play. We know play is a valuable opportunity for your child to develop, and we know how to get started incorporating play in our busy schedules- now what to do when your child doesn't want to cooperate? Yes- no matter what we may wish for our children, they may get fussy and have different plans for us! That will be the subject of my next article. Stay tuned!

Play and Early Learning- Part I

Today we talk about the importance of play based discovery in early learning! Observe a young child at play, and it is almost palpable the amount of energy and inner workings behind it. A young child's brain is busy developing and myelinating- this is the process where neural pathways are strengthened with a myelin sheath to promote faster travel of neural impulses. When children play, they are learning from their environment in a way that promotes myelination. So, whatever children are exposed to repeatedly, through play or otherwise, the brain responds by building a neural pathway for quick response to that stimulus.

So- why is that important- and how can play help with this brain development? Play can especially help with the development of the cortex- that's the part of the brain that is the least developed at birth. That's also the part of the brain that helps us do things like process sensory information and language, and decide things. It's the part of the brain that helps us control our impulses. When children are at play, the cortex has a chance to myelinate- or "wire up"- pathways, within the cortex and to other important parts of the brain, that will enable them first to perform these important functions- then be able to do them more quickly and easily.

Here's how- give children the chance to play on a playground, for example, and they have many choices to make. Will they swing, climb, slide? How high will they climb, and how do they need to balance to do that safely? Will they do these things with other children at the playground? Will they share the equipment? Will they be sensitive to the other children's space and desire to use the equipment as well? Will they play pretend- pretend the play equipment is a ship for example- and ponder any problems that may occur- pirates, sharks, or crocodiles, for instance?

As a parent who was a teacher first and observed many children at play- I have to admit, sometimes when I observed children struggling to make good decisions to keep themselves or others safe on the playground, to "use their words" instead of violence to express themselves, to control the impulse to keep something to themselves rather than share it, I thought to myself, "When I have my own child, they won't be this difficult." The truth is- ALL children go through this important brain development. And yes they will make what we perceive as mistakes along the way. That's how they learn!

Here's how you can help with your child's brain development through play:
1) Provide play experiences with other children- the more chances they have to play the better!
2) Provide feedback for your child to help promote good decision making- When your child is in need of assistance- with making a safe choice, using their words, sharing- help them out. Just remember, patience and practice. That's what your child needs to develop- however frustrating their behavior can sometimes seem as a young child. Also, be mindful of what your child is capable of figuring out without assistance. Sometimes doing something "all by themselves" is what a child needs to take ownership of their new skill.
3) Play with your child- channel your inner child and rediscover the world with them anew! Have fun!

Here's some other articles you can read about play and brain development:
Scientists Say Child's Play Helps Build A Better Brain
Childhood Stimulation Key to Brain Development, Study Finds
The Cognitive Benefits of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain

Since we focused on mostly the science behind the the importance of play in early learning this time, next time I'll make some recommendations for providing varied and rich opportunities for your child to play- stay tuned!