Games

Each week we play games that relate to our story.  Often we are just acting out a part of the story or pretending to be a character from the book.  Sometimes we are practicing a specific skill.  (Throwing, hopping, pedaling, pincher grasp).  We try to have a good mixture of gross motor activities and fine motor activities.  We often repeat successful activities with a little twist.  One week you might see us throwing fishy beanbags and the next week throwing newspaper balls.  The kids enjoy the familiarity.  They feel successful when they can do something more than once.   Right now some of their favorites are parachute games, throwing games, and any kind of Hide-and-Go-Seek we can think up.  We play quiet group games, like Bingo, too.    Occasionally,  with our one to one ratio, we are able to divide up and play a game just with our Mommy!  

We NEVER play competitive games with our little ones. at Mommy and Me.  We find ways to make our games cooperative.  That way the little ones can focus on the enjoyment of the game ,and not whether or not their friend is faster, stronger, or throws better.

I do feel learning to lose or win graciously is a valuable skill.  But it is one I practice at home with my 3 year old, without the pressure of peers and their mommies' eyes upon him.  There are lots of opportunities in family life to learn how to be a good winner or a good loser.  And as they get older, plenty of teachable moments in and outside of the safety net of family.