Summer Camp - What is coming up the summer of 2018

Here is a link for printable instructions for a camp for your kiddo along how to register, location, etc:

http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/ParksAndRecreation/Programs/SpecializedPrograms/SpecializedSummerCampBrochure2018.pdf

10 Benefits of Building Blocks

Did you know the benefits of development when it comes to building with blocks or legos?

1. Problem Solving 

Problem solving is beneficial in block building as it requires the builder to think about how to make this block structure stand on it's on. Problem solving on how to place the pieces to benefit the structure. 

2. Imagination

Imagination comes into play when the builder decides what to build. Sometimes it is thought of beforehand and sometimes the structure just comes together as they problem solve. They get to follow their own plan or work together as a team to create the structure they envision. 

3. Self-Expression

When children get to express themselves through art no matter if they are drawing, dancing, or building they are expressing their thoughts and in turn themselves. 

4. Mathematics

Carefully calculating the number of blocks on each side or tall is vital in the building process. You must calculate out the blocks in order to create a sturdy structure. 

5. Continuity & Permanence

Building block engages spatial awareness and mobile abilities. It can be in the sense of parallel play or working together as a group. 

6. Creativity 

Along with self-expression, children get to be creative on what they build. They use their imaginations to come up with a concept and problem solve to make it come to life!

7. Science

This activity is an opportunity to test hypotheses and build scientific reasoning through play and imagination. 

8. Self-Esteem

Children discover that they have ideas and that they can bring their ideas to life by creating, transforming, demolishing, and re-creating something unique. 

9. Social and Emotional Growth

Blocks help children learn to take turns and share, develop friendships, become self-reliant, increases attention span, follow directions, and develop confidence in their abilities. 

10. Fine Motor Skills

Using your fingers to manipulate different size and textures of blocks helps in the development of fine motor skills. 

9 Summer Learning Activities

Keep the learning going this summer with these fun activities! 

1. Visit a museum - Check out our previous blog here

2. Write in Journals

3. Language Games - Apples to Apples, etc.

4. Read, Read, Read

5. Gardening

6. Scavenger Hunts

7. Family Activity Day Planning - Have your kiddo plan a day out regarding all concepts (Time, Cost, Lunch, etc)

8. Visit the Zoo 

9. Colors Calendar - Click here for the free download

Library Cards Benefits!

Did you know that each county library offers free tickets to museums/attractions in their local area?! You can "check out" admission passes at the library just like you can check out a book! Click the links below to learn more about specific Libraries/cards!

King County Library Card Holders:

• Washington State History Museum - Admission for up to 2 adults and 4 children
• Bellevue Arts Museum - Admission for up to 2
• KidsQuest Children's Museum - Admission for up to 2 

Pierce County Library Card Holders:

• Museum of Glass - Admission for up to 2 adults and unlimited children
• Tacoma Art Museum - Admission of up to 4 (children under 5 are always free) 
• Washington State History Museum - Admission of up to 2 adults and unlimited children

Seattle Public Library Card Holders:

• Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum - Admission for 2
• Burke Museum - Admission for 2
• Center for Wooden Boats - One hour row boat rental for one adult at 3 others on Lake Union
• Museum of Pop Culture (Formally EMP) - Admission for 2 adults and 2 children
• Henry Art Gallery - Admission for 2 adults and all children are free
• Living Computer: Museum and Labs - Admission for 2 (children under 5 are free.) 
• LogHouse Museum - Admission for 4
• Museum of Flight - Admission for 2 adults and 2 children (children under 4 are free)
• Museum of History & Industry - Admission for 2 (Children 14 & under are free) 
• Northwest African American Museum - Admission for 4
• Nordic Heritage Museum - Admission for 2
• Seattle Art Museum - Admission for 2
• Seattle Aquarium - Admission for 2 (Children under 3 are free)
• Wing Luke Museum - Admission for 2

Benefits of Summer Camp - AAC

For children and adults with communication or developmental disorders, summer camp is opportunity to interact with others in a fun, nurturing, and safe environment. 

Camp Jabber Jaw is a Summer Camp hosted at Mississippi State University. It is specifically for children using Augmentative and Alternative Communication. (AAC.) 

In an article regarding the camp, a speech pathologist mentioned that parents often tell her that their children hesitate to use their device at school because it makes them "different" from their classmates.  

This summer camp gave these children the opportunity to connect with peers who also use devices to communicate, helping them overcome those hesitations. 

Check out the article! 

Reference the Article Here

Summer Sensory Activities

There are many benefits of sensory activities. 

Sensory play is extremely beneficial to children with developmental delays and is often used in Sensory Integration Therapy. It has been proven that sensory integration therapy improves daily function in children with autism. 

It's not just children who have difficulty with sensory integration who benefit from sensory play; it's all children!

These activities help to stimulate your child's senses: touch, smell, taste, movement, balance, sight and hearing. Sensory play also supports language development, cognitive growth, fine & gross motor skills, problem solving skills, and social interaction. 

Frozen Fractals Ice Art is an activity I recommend you try this summer. This activity allows your child to have creative freedom and is less structured than others. It is a messy activity, so make sure you take it outside on a sunny day! 

Erupting Ice Chalk is another outdoor activity I highly recommend! Just make sure when it is time for the vinegar portion of this activity that your child does not touch their eyes. 

Click here for more sensory activities to try this summer!