Activities for 5Yo

Hi,

Get this book The Preschooler's Busy Book by Trish Kuffner, I got it for my 4 year dd and it has so many activities such as baking and craft cost about $10 but its well worth it.

Why in todays world does a 5 yr old child have to do a "we did jumping jacks ". I came from a large family in the years where children entertained themselves, played together, alloparented by extended family and neighbors. Children thrived. It is not for parents to be so involved directly but to set the environment for the child to explore with others their age or near their age. The word "organized" "concentrate" and "we"( in regards to a 5yr old and mom, as if on same level)is what caught my attention. I have operated a child care center for over 20 years and have tried to hold the line of parent expectation and control, it extends to coaches as well. I was involved in sports when "girls weren't allowed. I started the first track team at my HS and started the first softball team for women in my area. Let your child get together with some friends and kick a soccer ball, run and let them play games freely until they get a little older and by all means step back.

I agree with the previous responder that unstructured playtime is also very important, especially outside. That said, I also love the strength and concentration my girls got out of gymnastics. Dedicated gyms have wonderful equipment but are expensive. Community centers often have a less expensive option with less equipment. I've also heard nothing but good things about Karate although we haven't tried that.

I think Karate is an excellent option. My girls are in gym classes and they are able to burn energy and stay focused. My youngest who is 6 still will comes home with more energy to burn, that's just her personality.

www.bounceu.com - great, safe play for kids to get their energy out.

did you think about karate it helps you with the concentration and to discipline

Soccer, gymnastics, karate, swimming, dance lessons?

I'll 3rd the suggestion of karate! We haven't gotten my daughter in it yet, but I would love to once we can afford it. A friend of mine and his kids have taken karate for years, and now my friend helps teach a couple of the classes.

My daughter is 4 and has been going to a "kindernastics" class at her daycare once a week for a couple months now. They take them during daycare hours in the morning. I think she likes it, but she did go through a time when she wasn't listening to the teachers. She still has trouble following their directions, but I'm told so do some of the other kids. I don't get to witness the class tho, so I'm not sure how she's doing. I'm hoping she will do better with karate by the time I can get her in.