Six months ago I posted a blog entry about the game Scrabble and my daughter’s fascination with it. Then, a couple of months ago I stumbled upon Scrabble Junior. Though the game says, “Ages five and up,” I figured I’d still get it for my, now, three and a half year old because it was a good alternative to the version for older children and adults. As soon as she saw the game, she loved it and was excited to play. Sometimes, I modify instructions to games or let Quinn come up with her own way of playing when it is meant for older children, but she was actually able to follow the instructions.
You may be wondering, “Wow, your three and a half year old can spell?!” No, not exactly. This awesome game has a double-sided board. For younger children, the words are already spelled out. It is a matter of the players selecting the tiles to put on top of the words. The player earns points and gets to move across the board as he or she spells the complete word with the tiles selected. Whereas the other side of the board is played in the more traditional Scrabble way for when Quinn begins learning how to spell and wants more of a challenge.
At first, I figured I’d hold back on spelling the words out to build up Quinn’s confidence, but I soon realized that I did not have to do this because she actually is good at this game and caught on to the concept quickly. She was even able to use some of the pictures to figure out what the words spelled. I just love games that are fun and educational, and Scrabble Junior fits that description. It’s a great way to not only get my daughter even more interested in learning to spell and eager to learn but for us to have a great time together! How did I not know that Scrabble Junior existed? Well, I know now and highly recommend this game, which is about $14 or cheaper if you get it on sale, to anyone with a young child who is interested in spelling or reading or if you are looking for a fun way to get a child interested and eager to spell and read.
All the best,
Tanya
“Are you still doing your blog entries?” and “I haven’t seen any post from you in a while?” a few of my family members and friends have been inquiring. Since my daughter started school and I started having a five day a week teaching schedule instead of two, it’s been a very busy transition. Between Quinn wanting to play from the moment she arrives home from school until dinner and then after dinner until bath and bed time; and with me tending to grading, prepping and other teaching duties, my entries have not been as frequent these past couple of months.
It’s official! My daughter and I attended our last parent and child class at the Little Gym last week. Now that she’s three, my big girl will be in class all by herself this upcoming Monday. I remember starting class with her when she was just six months old and just crawling around, giggling and babbling. Now she’s jumping, running and climbing and able to verbalize how she feels and what she’s thinking.
When I asked her what type of class she would like to do for the summer, she excitedly said, “I want to do a dance class, Mommy!” While my little girl loves to dance around the house, makes up her own little fancy moves and is very eager to wear her little tap and ballet shoes, I’m not too sure if she understands that I will not be in the class with her tomorrow. It does, however, it please me to know that she is already familiar with the teacher and really enjoys going to The Little Gym.
Both my daughter and I love spending time outdoors. Though it’s not quite spring, today was absolutely lovely. Of course, my soon-to-be- three year old enjoys going to the park, but she also likes to explore nature. She wants to run up and down hills, which makes me a bit nervous at times. She points out the clouds, blue sky, squirrels she sees running around and even birds she hears chirping. “Are the birds chirping because they’re happy, Mommy?” she inquires. To which I respond, yes, they may be happy or talking to their friends and family. It’s nice to slow down some and enjoy the simple things and important that we do not take nature for granted. What would we both do without lovely days to explore and enjoy each other’s company?
Mommy's Baby Steps 