Dearest Y families,
I hope you have been able to enjoy some of the resources I sent out a couple of weeks ago. Again, I know I speak for everyone when I say we are missing our classrooms, our kids, and our families of the YMCA. Spending time at home myself, I’ve been inspired to share with you again some NEW helpful links and resources that I’ve found! Let’s get started.
First off, be sure to head over to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL where the YMCA has combined all departments to keep you busy during your time spent at home! We are here for you. Everything from workout routines to story times, there is something for you to enjoy from our family to yours. Thank you for staying connected!
Next, I wanted to share with you a special rainbow project that I have started for our Y and the following has been amazing so far! You see, it’s times like these where something so simple can make someone’s day and bring us all together. So as the Down East Family YMCA community, let’s make it happen! Make a beautiful rainbow (out of paper, wood, chalk, anything you like!) and put a visible Y somewhere on your artwork. The purpose of this project is to come together and show that “everything will be okay,” which is also something you can add to your artwork. I’ve seen many articles about children and families doing this all around the world for the past few months as they practice social distancing. How humbling it would be for us all to join in on this worldwide unity as the Y community.
Post your artwork around your home, in your windows, along the roadside, anywhere your fellow neighbors can see. Then take a photo and send it to us! Thank you for supporting our Y.
Now, here are some new links of things that may be helpful for the kiddos during their time spent at home. Since a lot of these ideas are computer based, at the end I will list some fun things I’ve seen online recently that are more hands on creativity.
MINDFULNESS BASED ACTIVITIES
Rainbow breath – Mindful breathing and body awareness.
Zen Den – “Be The Pond” exercise.
“Frozen” Yoga – Stretch with Elsa!
*GoNoodle and Cosmic Kids both have lots of fun mindfulness and yoga practices.
Positive Psychology – This website has some great games and tips for practicing mindfulness with children, all the way through elementary school! I have used them in the classroom myself. Check it out!
And if you have access, these are some of my favorite books for practicing mindfulness with children:
Breathe Like A Bear by Kira Willey
Good Morning Yoga by Mariam Gates
Yoga Bunny by Brian Russo
Peaceful Piggy Meditation by Kerry MacLean
Alphabreaths: The ABCs of Mindful Breathing by Christopher Willard
PRESCHOOL MOVEMENT
Here are some of our favorites we listen and dance to all the time in preschool!
The Goldfish Song
(A HUGE hit – we love Laurie Berkner!)
Check out The Learning Station on YouTube for other movement songs we love!
FREE TIME FUN
20 Virtual Field Trips to Take With Your Kids
Story Time In Space – So cool!
Free Online Videos from famous authors
Shadow art – There are so many ways to make shadow art! Not only are the children being creative with something so simple, but they are learning fine motor skills by tracing what they see. Fun for all ages too!
Car Parking Numbers Game – I can’t wait to do this once we’re back in the classroom!
Sensory play at home – Some great fun here with crafty items hanging around the house.
Milk carton & bottle ideas – Get creative while recycling! Yay Earth!
And lastly, SCAVENGER HUNTS! A fan favorite.
I will be creating an upcoming Earth Day Scavenger Hunt to do with your family – stay tuned for that in the next few weeks! Earth Day is April 22nd.
For now, here are some fun and creative scavenger hunts to do around the house!
Click for each:
Indoor scavenger hunt
Inventor scavenger hunt
Rainbow scavenger hunt
Scavenger hunt with books
Visual math scavenger hunt
Five senses scavenger hunt
Backyard scavenger hunt
Nature scavenger hunt
Again, thank you for allowing me to share with you! Hope you enjoy.
Jill Rossi
Preschool Lead/Family & Community Coordinator