From the Desk of Aly B.
Happiness Is a Butterfly
It was from American novelist, Nathaniel Hawthorne, that I first heard the phrase “Happiness is a Butterfly…”. It seems that every year in the month of May I start to see more butterflies or references to butterflies. Butterflies in songs, butterflies on greeting cards, butterfly crafts, and even LIVE butterflies hovering in the garden. A butterfly is a beautiful example of hope and transition. What starts as a tiny caterpillar becomes something so lovely.
There is a lot of transitioning that happens in May. We see college Graduates enter the workforce. We see High School students make decisions on their next step in their life journey (college, technical school or work). We see Kindergarteners advance to primary grades. And we see Preschoolers reach the growth level that delivers them to kindergarten. It’s all a big cycle of life.
Since our focus at Growing Sound Play and Learn is primarily on early learners, I thought it might be a good time to highlight some of the great products caregivers can have on hand during the summer months to help these preschoolers keep their learning skills fresh, but also have fun!
- Preschool Pairs: Colors or Numbers-Great puzzle games not only to enhance color and number recognition, but also help to develop pre-reading, counting, visualization and motor skills.
- Simple Words Puzzle Pairs: A great foundational activity for pre-readers. Boosts phonological awareness and builds confidence.
- Unstoppable Me Affirmation Cards: A sense of “self” is emerging, and this activity promotes creativity and self-awareness that leads to the awareness of others. A critical skill as children become school age.
- What Happens Next?: Picture Sequencing Game-Another fun pre-reading game that helps strengthen visual and logical thinking skills.
Yes, butterflies teach us all about life cycles, adaptation, and the incredible diversity of our natural world. Although life seems to move fast, a caterpillar that transitions to a butterfly is a slow and gradual process. We need to remember this with our youngest learners because before you know it, they too will be floating away. Playtime is happy time. Happiness is a butterfly…
Of course, if you ever want to drop us a note you can do so via email, or through our contact page. We welcome your feedback, comments, collaborations, and encouragement. info@gsplayandlearn.com