Make cleaning a learning opportunity
What You Need:
- Microfiber Mop or Microfiber cloth
- ½ Cup White Vinegar
- 1 Gallon of Water
What To Do:
- Mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
- Dip the microfiber mop or cloth into the water.
- If the mop is adjustable, twist the handle to a shorter length for your child.
- Play some music and ask your preschooler to join you in a mopping dance as you clean the floors.
- Alternatively, have your child use the microfiber cloth to wipe down counters and toys. Thank him for all his help!
Children’s first learning experiences with water usually include all kinds of pouring.
What You Need:
- Container of water
- Shallow pan
- Plastic or paper cup
- Measuring spoons
What To Do:
- Place an empty cup on top of the shallow pan.
- Use a measuring spoon to scoop water into the cup. You can place your hand over the child’s hand and scoop the water together.
- It’s fine if your child just enjoys splashing the water with the spoon or his hand. Use this opportunity to talk about what he is doing and encourage this sensory activity.
- As your child gets older, you can incorporate tools such as funnels and activities such as counting how many spoonfuls of water it takes to fill the cup.
Safety Alert: Supervise your child closely. Babies can drown in just a few inches of water, so never take your eyes off him when playing with water.
Encourage movement with your infant
What You Need:
Nothing
What To Do:
- Lay your infant on his back on a soft surface such as a changing table, carpeted floor, or a comfortable blanket.
- Take hold of his feet in your hands.
- Start moving his feet back and forth, slowly at first and then faster.
- Recite the following rhyme as you move his feet:
Motorboat, motorboat, go so slow (while moving his legs slowly)
Motorboat, motorboat go so fast (move his legs a little faster)
Motorboat, motorboat step on the gas! (move his legs even faster)
- Watch to see if your infant starts to move his legs with you or push against you.
- Do it over again as long as he seems to enjoy it.
Encourage keiki to move while making a delicious treat
What You Need:
- 2 cups flour (all-purpose, plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cup flour (whole wheat)
- 3 T milk (powdered, nonfat)
- 3 T sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 T yeast (rapid rise)
- 3 T vegetable oil
- 1 cup warm water (120-130 degrees F)
- Flour (as needed, extra for kneading)
What To Do:
- Combine flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, sugar, salt, and powdered milk in a one- gallon re-sealable freezer bag. Squeeze the air out and seal the bag.
- Have your child jump and shake the bag to blend the ingredients.
- Add oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Reseal the bag. Mix the ingredients together by working the bag with your fingers until the dough is completely mixed and pulls away from the bag.
- On a floured surface, knead the dough for 5 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed. Put the dough back into the bag and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shape dough on a greased baking sheet or put it into a 4x8 greased loaf pan. Cover with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise until it doubles in size.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Place a toothpick into the middle of the bread and it should come out clean.
- Remove from pan and cool on a wire rack or clean dish towel.
Adapted from myplate.gov
