Looking for fun camp ideas for your little one?

I have had a few parents ask me about good programs for their younger children this summer.  You can always check your local library or park for different daily programs.  They are usually free or have a small fee and they will range in length and time during the day.  However, if you are looking for something different 1/2 or full day, below are some cool options.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum:
All camps have a high staff to camper ratio (1:5 for four-year old camps and 1:7 for all other camps).  Camps incorporate plenty of unstructured time in nature, including constructing outdoor forts and water tables, hiking the grounds surrounding the Nature Museum and observing local wildlife!

http://www.naturemuseum.org/programs-events-and-camps/camps/summer-camp

The YMCA offers a variety of camps for prek 3 up through teens.

http://www.ymcachicago.org/leaningtower/pages/summer-day-camp

Old Town School of Folk Music:
Old Town School also has a drop-off summer camp for little ones 4 and 5 years old. Led by Camp Director Lindsay Weinberg and four teaching artists, children get lots of attention in small groups as they explore the arts in our studios, classrooms, and concert hall at our vintage 909 Armitage location. This camp runs Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Camp begins at 9:00 AM and pickup is at 11:30 AM.

https://www.oldtownschool.org/classes/kids/camp/

Near North Montessori:
Explore learning – programs in math, languages, robotics, computer programming, science and Spanish immersion.
Explore arts and culture – programs in ceramics, photography, gardening, Native American lifeways and more.
Explore the city – ChicagoGo Camps include boat rides, trolley rides, museums and guided city-wide adventures.
Explore sports and activity – swim in our pool; play in our two gyms and three outdoor play areas.
 
http://www.nnms.org/enrichment-programs/summer-camp/

Our Lady of Victory School
Summer Camp with a variety of activities for children ages 3-14.

http://olvchicago.squarespace.com/summer-2014/

Oak Park Art League
For kids 5- 12. The Oak Park Art League offers art camps that run from June 16 to August 8 and meet weekdays 9am – noon. Each week we have a different camp offering for 5-8 year olds and 9-12 year olds.

http://www.oakparkartleague.org/summer-art-camps/

Steve and Kate's Camp at St. Vincent Ferrer
http://steveandkatescamp.com/location/river-forest/

You can also find a large selection in March's Chicago Parent.  There are camps for all ages in the magazine. Good luck!

Tanya

Play with Purpose

Many of you have seen this quote:

How many of you have really thought about it? This society is so focused on getting children to read and write at 3 and 4 that we forget that children actually LEARN major skills through play and exploration.  They learn math, pre-reading, science, social emotional skills and so much more. They increase their communication skills in a real life way.  

I have often had discussions with my parents and friends about what playing with certain things can actually teach their child.  Giving a workbook at the age of 3 is not NEARLY as effective as going on a scavenger hunt or making a collage or building something or sorting or even playing school with their friends.   The children are so much more engaged when they get to use their WHOLE body.  They absorb when they get to play, not just PRODUCE.  

A big motto in my classrooms over the last five years has been PROCESS not PRODUCT.  The children can tell you how they did something and why it was or was not successful.  Sometimes this is messy, but in the end it is worth it. 

Many have seen me post this quote from Albert Einstein, I even have a tshirt with the quote.  It really sums up a lot of what we need to remember.  Imagination and dreams give the children something to strive for, something to try out and explore. 

Want to read some articles?
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/play-important-early-childhood-development-4435.html

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182.full

Ok, I am off my soapbox.  Please, let your child play and play with your child!
Tanya

Rainbows and Fine Motor Skill Work

Now is usually the time we start talking about rainbows.  Here are some great things to do at home that work on the ROY G BIV color scale for Rainbows.  These activities also work on small or fine motor skills which makes those little hands stronger.

Read some great books on colors and rainbows:
How Do Dinosaurs Learn Their Colors
The Crayon Box that Talked
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?
White Rabbit's Color Book 
Mouse Paint


The great thing about these activities is that they can be done together or independently.  I know it may be hard now because of the gloomy winter, but some color can really start to make you feel better!

Tanya

Have the Children go on a color scavenger hunt.

Use toothpicks with small marshmallows to paint.  This forces the use of little muscles.

Tear or cut of ROY G BIV rainbow colors.  Tearing is an easy exercise for children who are just learning to print, draw and use scissors.  It makes those little hand muscles work hard.

A bucket of buttons makes for a great time! You can have your child make rainbows, patterns or really anything.