Children learn best through meaningful, real world experiences. They also learn best when they feel safe, accepted, and truly important to their caregivers. Summer is just around the corner, and is a wonderful opportunity to spend some meaningful time with your child. Turn off all the screens and distractions in your home, play with them, let them lead play, and take them out into the world for some experiential learning! Here are some free ideas in the Kansas City area:
Mid Continent Public Library - check your local branch calendar or website for free learning events all summer long. The summer reading program is free, and offers an opportunity to read with your child and earn free books and other great prizes. The library does offer special events, but you can also stop by anytime for a cool and quiet place to read and play together. Check out the Play and Learn time, the Storytime for Families or Storytime for Preschoolers, and Horse Hooves in the Grass at our Grandview branch. http://www.mymcpl.org/events/calendar?audience=2234 The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum - The Nelson is one of the top rated art museums in the country, and most exhibits are free! You may be surprised how much kids enjoy art when you give them the chance. You could even bring a picnic, and let the kids explore the big green lawn, the glass maze, and outdoor sculpture garden. The Nelson also offers free festivals throughout the year, including Chinese New Year, Passport to India, Juneteenth Celebration, Kansas City’s Big Picnic, American Indian Cultural Celebration, and Day of the Dead. All festivals are made to engage both children and adults. http://www.nelson-atkins.org/things-to-do/events/ Deanna Rose Farmstead - Feed the baby goats, go fishing, ride a pony, see the animals, ride the tractor trikes, visit a tee pee, and more! The Farmstead is free Monday through Thursday after 2 pm, and $2 per person during other hours and on weekends. http://www.opkansas.org/things-to-see-and-do/deanna-rose-childrens-farmstead/ See our Parks! - Grandview Parks and Recreation has a wonderful selection of parks in our area! Valley Park is a family favorite, and is one of the most unique parks in the metro area. All you will need is some cool water and comfortable shoes. Turn off your phone, and play together! http://www.grandview.org/work/city-government/parks-recreation/parks/full-parks-list/valley-park Get Outside Together - eat some popsicles, paint the sidewalk with water and an old paintbrush, catch some fireflies, read a book in the shade, and run in the sprinkler. All of these can be sensory experiences, learning experiences, and play experiences that families can enjoy together. Even a trip to the grocery store can be a learning experience when you make it fun and allow the little ones to contribute.
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AuthorHi, I'm Brie Krentz, and I'm the School Psychologist at HGECC. I care about the social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health of all of our children, and I believe in Conscious Discipline as a way to minimize behavior problems and to help children connect meaningfully with others. Archives
October 2021
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