Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

Genealogy for Preschoolers

by Amy Mumper

July 05, 2009

As you may know, I teach preschool.  Specifically, 2 ½ year olds.  It's amazing fun to teach this age level because absolutely everything is new to them:  the seasonal projects, various art supplies - everything.  And, you've got to be careful about them taking things too literally.  For instance, this year, we did a keepsake project that is a "family tree".  Whew!  They could NOT figure out why it was a tree of all things.  So, we went for a really concrete look for the project.  You might enjoy trying it at home; it's a great start for talking about the family relationships that are so precious to you and your child.

First, start with some green and brown tempera paint.  Then, ‘paint' you child's hand green (they LOVE this - we talk about how tickly it is).  Then, print their green hand on a piece of paper, toward the top.  Wash your hands - and your child's - and then one or both of you paint the trunk of the tree with a paintbrush and brown paint.  Once your tree dries, you're ready to add on the family.  Use a quarter sized circle for each person in the family - pink for girls and blue for boys.  Then, find a picture of each person and glue it in the circle.  Write the family member's name on it and voila!  Your child's family tree!

If you're really ambitious, I think a butcher paper-sized family tree would really be fun.  I say this because my husband is one of six children.  Needless to say, my children have MANY cousins on that side of the family.  They know we're all Mumpers, but visualizing each individual family takes a lot of explaining.  Seeing each nuclear family on a different branch on paper, sharing Grandma and Grandpa, would make SO much sense to them!

More genealogy for preschoolers can be simply talking about your surname.  For instance, find on a map where your ancestors came from.  Tell about what language your name was originally from and whether or not it has changed.  Try out the kids' first names with an O' or a ‘Mac' in front of your surname.

 If you're like me, you've named your children after elder people in your family.  My kids LOVE this connection.  We tell specific stories about the person whose name they have.  We've given them special keepsakes "from" their namesake, showed pictures of Mommy and Daddy with this special person.  It's a great connection and gives them great pride in not only their family name, but their first name as well.

Need a book as a starting point for knitting family yarns?  Try Todd Parr's The Family Book.  Or, for little ones, simply insert pictures in this cutie book!  And, for a fun look at family vacationing to one another's homes, check out The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. 

What's Going on This Weekend?

by Amy Mumper

May 28, 2009

Preschool just ended this week and it feels like summer.  But, perhaps you find yourself, as I do, trying to explain that "IT'S SUMMER!" but "summer doesn't really start until June, but, IT'S SUMMER!"  Well, I sure feel like it is.  Many area pools are open and ready for business.  So, officially, it's summer!

A perennial favorite of mine is the Summer Reading program at the Cincinnati Library.  All locations are hosting a kickoff event from 2-4 pm on Saturday, May 30. (but, if you're swift, you might get to see Zak Morgan at the Erlanger Library "Cookout Kickoff" Friday the 29^th.  In Hamilton County, the kick off event is decorating your own tote bag and getting a first peek at the prizes and of course, you pick up your official game card.  It doesn't matter how young your children are - you can count by how many books you've read (together or independently) or by how many hours, so it's fun for all involved.  I also noticed yesterday at a stop by my library that they have an adult summer reading program, too.  I thought I might check that out for myself and encourage a little friendly competition with Mommy around my house.  (Lately, I'm the proverbial "rotten egg" all the time.  Shh - don't tell them that I let them win!)

Summerfair is another venue to check out this weekend.  It's hosted at Coney Island and what's better than feelin' that you're by the river on the weekend?  (Ever go "tubing" in the Ohio River?  What a blast!!  Ok, I was 10 and had no idea The River shouldn't be brown.)  Anyhow... Summerfair.  Lots of fun, cool crafts for kids (painting flower pots, creating your own t-shirt or your own ant house!)  There is also a "Youth Arts" performance stage where your little ones might get inspired to try the arts!

Of course, with Cincy humidity, there's always the sprinkler!  Have a good one!

Recipe for Organized Photos and Artwork Around Your House

by Amy Mumper

January 15, 2009

You will need: -2 designated display areas (your fridge, the living room) -A storage area in each child's room (optional - My daughter happens to be a pack rat and likes to have her things in her room, at least for a while.) I use the flat, see-through scrapbook portfolios from Michael's. -At least one central storage area (mine's in my bedroom, but maybe you have a den or  Read more...

5 Things You Must Do in Cincy before the kids grow up!

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

Whether you?re a Cincy native or a transplant, you?ve just GOT to do these 5 things here in the Queen City ? get going, time flies, you know! Cincinnati history has been part of my family for generations. Literally! Thinking over the best places to go before your ?Littles? becomes ?Bigs?, I can?t help but think of my Grandma, who probably took me to each of these things. Visiting the CBD in  Read more...

The Littlest Picasso

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

Art is such a rich form of expression, especially for little ones that are still learning words to put with their world, experiences and emotions. No wonder you want to know about city resources to enhance your child's natural sense of curiosity. Various mediums abound take your pick! Ceramics your bag? Try mymadpotter.com for some QT and creativity! How about 2D mediums? Try Gymboree  Read more...

The Budding Art Critic

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

My friend Kari and I recently proved that kids are indeed art critics! And you know what else? They REALLY enjoy it! Your Little can gain an appreciation of any type of art. First, visit the art museum or get books to find an interesting subset of art (Sculpture, photography, impressionism, etc). Then, stock up at the library and learn what you can by checking out the web. Allow your  Read more...