Friends & Family: Activity 2

Benefits for Your Child:

• Develops independence
• Develops self-confidence
• Recognizes what he/she can do
• Acknowledges likes and dislikes

Children need to know their likes and dislikes. When you let them know that their feelings and abilities are important to you, they become more independent and cooperative. In addition, when children are able to express their likes and dislikes, it is easier for others to work with them.

Kindergarten Connection

In kindergarten, children will learn to recognize their own values, talents, and skills.

Activity: I’m a VIP Poster

Help your child write his/her name and draw a self-portrait, or put the child’s photograph on the poster. Look through magazine ads or photographs with your child (save time by cutting out pictures ahead of time, then let your child choose from the pictures you cut out). As you look through the pictures, talk about things he/she likes to do. Cut out pictures and glue them to the poster. Celebrate your Very Important Person by displaying the poster and having your child describe it to others.

More Ideas:

• Allow your child to decorate the sidewalk by drawing pictures of what he/she likes with sidewalk chalk or water and paintbrushes.
• Invite your child to choose a favorite food for a meal or snack.
• Encourage your child to choose a favorite book for you to read aloud.

Tips:

• If this is your child’s first experience with scissors, place your hand over your child’s hand on the scissors, opening and closing as you say, “Open/close.”
• Scissors should only be used under adult supervision.
• This activity may take more than one day.