Self Help Skills

Preschool Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

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February 20, 2019 by Stacy Leave a Comment

The Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity we did last week with Mother Goose Time In the Kitchen theme was a hit! Mother Goose Time provided the Slice and Count food mats and bowl cards. We just added play dough.

Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

I laminated the slice and count play dough mats and bowls so they would hold up for extended use. This is an activity I can pull out any time in our play dough center!

play dough and knives for Kitchen math slice and count activity with play dough

Children explore measurement and counting while slicing “fruits and vegetables” made from play dough.

Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity by Mother Goose Time preschool curriculum Number concepts

How much fun is it to cut up a play dough banana?? In this case we have more than twelve slices but she’s just 2 years old. I could guide her cutting but she’s working on different skills than the older children.

Older children can work on counting the correct number of slices for the bowl.

slicing and counting bananas Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

We also talked about safety in the kitchen. Who should use knives? Is it okay to use a knife if an adult isn’t around? What could happen?

Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity number recognition and number concepts for preschool

Little hands are very capable!

slicing play dough berries Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

Slicing berries!

Types of Utensils

Children love to use knives and cut! Try plastic knives, wooden knives as shown, or child sized cutlery sets.

strawberry play dough Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

Mother Goose Time provided wooden knives which were exciting for the kids to use and more durable then plastic knives. It’s interesting that they are actually compostable as well. I like that idea!

Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

Oberservations You Can Make

While the children work, you can make authentic observations about the child’s development. Along with observing fine motor development, check to see:

slicing play dough carrots kitchen theme activity for preschoolers Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

Was the child able to count out the correct number of pieces to match the card?
Did he/she demonstrate an ability to count up to 10 pieces of play dough?

counting carrots into a bowl Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity

We had fun with the Slice and Count Play Dough Math Activity in the kitchen!

More Health and Fitness Activities

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November 10, 2012 by Stacy 2 Comments

Something I strongly believe in & support in my child care! (as you can tell, I left this little guy to try on his own & this is what he did!)

Hand Washing Helpers {printables}

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March 1, 2012 by Stacy 2 Comments

I like this “hand washing steps” printable sign I found at 2Care2Teach4Kids. (green sequence cards on right)

Download Song Card

We’ve also been using this little hand washing song – it’s the first one I’ve found that I really like. I laminated both and stuck them to the mirror with double stick tape so I can teach the kids this process and they also have reminders.

3 Healthy Bathroom Habits for Kids {Self Help Skills}

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September 7, 2011 by Stacy 2 Comments

I’ve had some new kids join my group {of 2-5 year olds} the last few weeks and one thing I see consistently is that kids need to be taught simple bathroom routines. Sure, they might have potty training down pat, but basic habits need to go along with that.

1. Close. I want the lid closed for several reasons – I don’t want to look at it open {who does?}, the little kids are less likely to play in it and the cat stays out. Also, did you know, closing the lid keeps germs from flying around the room when the toilet is flushed. (Don’t keep your toothbrush on the back of the toilet or on the edge of the sink near the toilet! Ick!) It’s just a good habit.

2. Flush. Why not insist the child flush every time? They are capable and should do it every time. Why should someone else do it for them later? It’s a responsibility and it’s courteous.

3. Wash. This is so necessary. Every. Single. Time. I insist on it. Once a parent told me: My bathroom is so clean I don’t worry about it. I believe her home is immaculate {she didn’t work and brought her child to me so it should be!} Not only does the child touch the toilet, other surfaces in the bathroom, but also his own body and possibly fluids. Eww. What about teaching healthy habits? He won’t always be at home.
Some kids I have to tell every single time. Others catch on right away. I do think some of these things start at home and can start habits that will last a lifetime.

Oh, it’s so good when kids are encouraged to be independent and taught self help skills! It’s a big part of my job.

Here is a nice guide for self help skills: All By Myself. Of course each child develops differently. If we give opportunities for kids to learn self help skills and enough time for them to try, they will learn important skills, develop confidence and build self esteem. Resist babying a child that is old enough to do something on their own. The goal is one day to have independent people and little people can do a lot of things now! I find it eventually makes life easier if you invest the time to teach them.