Teach Kids How https://www.teachkidshow.com/ Preparing Your Child For Life Thu, 14 May 2026 23:24:41 +0000 Teach Your Child to Be A Good Listener Thu, 14 May 2026 18:24:41 +0000 Preschool Babies and very young children are very good listeners. They listen for and instinctively know the difference between Mom and Dad’s footsteps on the floor. The soft hum of a lullaby can work wonders. So can the rattle of a favorite toy. Much pleasure is derived from the sense of hearing. Until children are a little older, listening is not an option. As the will develops, listening can become more deliberate and at times optional! Using music, singing or saying rhymes and catchy songs can keep listening skills developing. Talking to your infant often throughout the day can keep them “plugged in Eand responsive to you. Maintaining eye contact with your baby is important. Varying your expression to suit the situation will help your young child learn the subtle meanings that accompany changes in tone, volume, pace and pitch. As your child begins to babble, then form recognizable sounds and words it is good to show interest by your facial expression and listening posture. Modeling real listening will let them know you are listening and that it is something people do to communicate with each other. Main points to address:
  • A hearing baby uses the sense of hearing as a means to survive and to get meaning from his experience.
  • Use your voice, music and other sounds to stimulate and soothe.
  • Model careful listening by attending to your preschooler with sincerity, using eye contact, appropriate facial expression, and listening posture.
Grades K-3rd Children ages 5 to 9 are developing listening skills along with all the other learning they are doing. Watching a kindergartener or first grader listening to a story is a joy. Their whole body is in tune with the teller. No one needs to say “Listen!” Communication with playmates is purposeful, listening and speaking being fairly evenly portioned. As children age, they begin to lose their careful listening in deference to their urgency to communicate their thoughts and wishes. This is the time, between ages 7 and 9, when deliberate care needs to be taken to preserve and build listening skills. Playing listening games can be fun and helpful. Musical chairs can keep the mechanism of attending to sound active. Having children follow a clapping pattern, then having them answer in like will do the same. The classic game of sending a whispered message around a circle will inspire careful listening. Listening to poetry, especially rhyming poetry can keep a young listener engaged. Playing musical games, having fun with homemade percussion instruments or learning to play the piano can keep kids listening. This is the age when children must be reminded to listen to each other and to you. Interrupting should be met with an insistence to wait and to listen first. If consistently applied in a matter of fact way, they should get the message! Practicing listening manners can be made fun by role-playing or pretending. Continuing to model good listening must be balanced by the expectation that you want to be listened to. When your child fails to listen to you, he must be gently reminded to attend to your voice and to what you are saying. This will become increasingly important as time goes on. Main points to address:
  • Listening sometimes takes second place to talking.
  • Musical and listening games, role-playing, storytelling and poetry can keep kids listening.
  • Children need to be gently but firmly reminded to attend to you.
Grades 4-6th Socialization is a major activity at this age. Children 9-12 are usually very adept at listening to peers and responding with enthusiasm. They may not communicate as well with you or with their teachers! Use the quiet sounds in nature to remind them how to listen. A quiet walk in the park or the woods without chatting can activate their listening ears. Taking a rest from verbalizing while listening for the call of a bird or the peep of the tree frog will refresh the listening skills of your older child. Taking your child to concerts, a well-chosen movie or to hear someone speak on a favorite topic will further develop their receptive skills. If your child will not listen to you at times, asking them how they feel when someone does not listen to them may hit home. Taking time to sit with your child and listen to them is time very well spent. This will give them practice with appropriate listening and response. Interrupting again needs to be firmly dealt with, as it sabotages even adult interchange! Appealing to their sense of fairness can open their ears. If you are conscious but casual about your child’s active listening skills, and if you truly listen to him, expecting to be listened to in turn, you will likely have helped your child to become a good listener. Main points to address:
  • Children need to know you expect them to listen to you.
  • Connecting with the sounds of nature will reawakening deliberate and thoughtful listening.
  • Attending concerts, movies and presentations will provide extended times of pleasant listening when talking would be inappropriate.
]]> https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-to-be-a-good-listener/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-to-be-a-good-listener/ Teach Your Child How to Make a Scrapbook Wed, 13 May 2026 17:22:12 +0000
  • Scrapbooks document life, saving precious memories for later.
  • Scrapbooks preserve photographs safely through time.
  • Kids can express their creativeness in a tangible form that can be shared.
  • Scrapbooks encourage sentimentality and family closeness.
  • Kids of all ages can do it- even the youngest toddler can take part.
    • Why not introduce the craft to your child? It’s fun, and represents an evolving record of your child and their accomplishments. You will need:
    • Acid-free paper of favorite colors, shapes and sizes
    • Crayons, markers, pens of various colors, tempera or poster paint
    • Safety scissors
    • Glue
    • Glitter and/or sequins, stickers, yarn
    • Favorite personal items- buttons, ribbons, certificates, photos, etc.
    You may want to buy a pre-made scrap-book with acid-free pages. You can also take shirt box or cereal box cardboard and make your own, fastening the sides with yarn or ribbon. Either is fine. There are loads of sites with great ideas. Preschool Preschoolers will love the idea of making a “Me Book E Combining early photos with birth records and announcements, Mom and Dad’s anecdotes, and your child’s art work can form the basis of the book. Adding decorations, special items like memorabilia from a walk in the woods or a trip to Grandma’s, and perhaps birthday cards or invitations will round out the content. Don’t forget to have your preschooler dip their hand and foot in their favorite color tempera paint and press on a page. Adding new prints every year or so can be a fun family tradition! Store the work in progress in a large Ziplock bag and keep in an out of reach place, as your toddler may want to carry it from place to place! Main points to address:
    • Use photos and memorabilia along with inexpensive decorations.
    • Don’t be too fussy! Let your preschooler safely cut and glue some of the decorations.
    • Include some favorite artwork and whatever else comes to mind.
    Grades K-3rd This is an age when children are growing and branching out into the world in a big way. Use life’s everyday richness to add to the “Me Book Eor start a new one! School provides lots of people and events to remember. Keep select photos, certificates of accomplishments and souvenirs from parties, celebrations and family vacations. Take time every month or two to add to the scrapbook. Children of this age love to design and decorate! Supply them with fabric, ribbons, twine, burlap, colored cellophane and watch them go! They will still need to be supervised with scissors and glue, but they will be able to do much of the work all by themselves. Main points to address:
    • Children of this age love to “do their own thing E
    • Vary decorating materials.
    • Save memorabilia, photos and other potential items in a clear bag for your child to pick and choose from.
    Grades 4-6th This may be one of the optimum times for childhood scrap-booking! Spending time with friends and family is a priority for the upper elementary child. They are beginning to be more active in clubs, sports and outings. There will be many people and events to remember. Boys will enjoy including items from camping and field trips and documenting important current or sporting events. Girls may want to include a lock of hair after a major haircut, pictures of animals or faraway places, or even recipes from a favorite aunt. Having a place for titles of favorite books, movies or hobbies will preserve this time of their life to remember and enjoy later. Kids this age are old enough to matte their own work and use fancy edged-scissors. Leafing through a “how-to Ebook on scrap-booking or visiting a few websites can inspire them. Teaching your child to make a scrap book will help them learn to treasure and celebrate their life! Good luck! Main points to address:
    • Older children need little or no assistance.
    • Providing them with information on scrap-booking from a book or a good website can fuel their imagination.
    • Help them find a safe, but personal place to store their scrap-book.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-make-a-scrapbook/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-make-a-scrapbook/     Teach Your Children How to Defend Themselves Tue, 12 May 2026 17:05:14 +0000 Preschool We always think of physical strategies when we think of defense. But most times defending yourself means being able to speak up on your own behalf. Teaching your baby and preschooler that it is okay to express their feelings will let them know their feelings and needs are important. Having limits and boundaries that are clear shows your little one that life has rules that apply to everyone. Play groups are great settings for learning to respect others while still asserting yourself as needed. Learning to take turns, share and move away from a rough or selfish child can be the start of self-assertion and defense. Forcing a young child to surrender what they have been enjoying (first!) is not always a good idea. A very young child should not always have to submit to a play mate. Hitting or pushing back is not okay with toddlers. but moving away from a mean or careless child or saying “Stop! Eis appropriate. Helping your child to find phrases that get their message across without escalating a situation will teach them that most times they can defend themselves by 1) their words or 2) by steering clear of trouble. Also, let your child know it’s always okay to talk to you about a situation that’s troubling them. Seeking help from a big person is better than engaging with a selfish or bullying child. Main points to address:
    • Have clear limits and boundaries at home to show life has rules.
    • Let them know their feelings of anger, hurt and confusion are natural.
    • A very young child should learn to share, but not be forced to always surrender a turn or an object to another.
    • Help your youngster find appropriate phrases for stating their position.
    Grades K-3rd Young school age children have a better idea of their rights. If they feel over-powered by another, they are quick to “tell E Continuing to teach them key phrases such as “I don’t like what you did. Please don’t do that again, Ewill help them come to terms with the situation themselves. Children aged 5-7 need more help with this. Practicing at home with role play can help them rehearse their response to a difficult situation or person. Just practicing can let some of the fear and anger out. Kids 8 and 9 are learning to stay away from “bullies E Something as simple as playing with a gentler group or moving to another activity can prevent problems. Many schools initiate anti-bullying or anti-violence programs at this level. Tattling at this age can be a problem. Letting them know that telling is saved for when they cannot work things out for themselves will show your confidence in their ability to do so. Of course continue to listen to complaints, but look for their small successes and mirror them back to them. There may be times when you need to help your child, however. Repeated bullying must be dealt with on an adult level. Hurtful or threatening behavior or words must never be dismissed. You are really all your young child has between him and the world. Depending on your personal philosophy, you may need to give your youngster permission to fight back as a last resort. Main points to address:
    • Continue to teach and practice verbal defense strategies.
    • Advocate for your child if hurtful or threatening behavior has occurred.
    • Let them know fighting back physically is a last resort.
    Grades 4-6th Older elementary children are highly aware of their own rights and the rights of others. They are also better able to articulate issues of fairness and to advocate for themselves. At this age they are also able to see their own part in a situation and if there is anything they could do to avoid conflict. Children eventually find a comfort zone at school or on the play ground, based on what they have observed in the past and a more acute awareness of cause and effect. If your child seems to have been a “victim Emore than seems normal, you may want to introduce him or her to some form of martial arts or child self-defense. Chances are they will never have to use it, but knowing they are equipped to physically defend themselves may build self-confidence. Learning martial arts can be a family activity that is also fun and good for everyone! If your child ever needs to defend himself physically, he will be better equipped. Again, don’t hesitate to talk with your child’s teachers or other school personnel if problems persist or become an issue of dread or fear for your child. Remember too - your child still needs dependable supervision at all times at this age. Main points to address:
    • Children eventually find a comfort zone with children most like them.
    • Try some form of martial arts or take a family self-defense course.
    • Keep listening and continue to advocate if needed.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-children-how-to-defend-themselves/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-children-how-to-defend-themselves/     Teach Your Child to Trust Their Instincts Mon, 11 May 2026 15:39:50 +0000 Preschool With babies and very young children, the primary way of preserving their natural protective urges is to validate their feelings with words and body language. They need to get feedback from you as they experience the world. When they startle when a pan hits the floor, casually say, ”That was loud, wasn’t it? Your affirmation of their everyday experiences will help them trust all their feelings. As they get a little older, feel free to discuss what they already know to be true. “That lady on TV was scary! Or, “It hurts to be left out. Reflecting back in a simple way what you see your child experiencing will let them know their perceptions are valid. If your way of relating with your child about feelings common to everyone - pleasure, love, anger, fear, has been natural and consistent, then talking to them about dangerous situations and untrustworthy people will be natural also. Letting them know that their protective feelings or instincts are real and that they should pay attention to them will set the stage for later discussions. For now tell them a few simple rules: Always stay with the big person you’re with. If anyone tries to give you a gift, or asks you to help them and it feels like a trick, it is. Scream “No, you’re not my Mommy (or Daddy). EAnd run to the nearest mom, policeman, store clerk. Main points to address:
    • Children are born with natural protective instincts.
    • Reflecting back what your child is experiencing in the moment helps preserve those instincts.
    • Teaching your child to trust their feelings can keep them safe.
    • Keeping safety rules simple minimizes hesitation when instincts are activated.
    Grades K-3rd Children in early elementary are much more “worldly" in a sense. Going to school with children of many different family styles and backgrounds helps keep those instincts active. Feeling compassion for an embarrassed classmate, or disappointment at a friend who breaks a rule keeps that inside “knowing" active. Children have an innate knowledge of right and wrong, fairness and unfairness and of safe and unsafe. As they develop a greater awareness of the world around them, some of the trusting innocence is lost to reality. This is a natural process and a parent’s part is to stay positive, but “real". Stranger danger is explicitly taught in most schools. Teaching children simple self-defense can build confidence in their ability to survive a dangerous situation. Role play various scenarios if not overdone can empower an older child to trust their instincts and respond quickly. All danger aside, you want your child to be able to trust the information they are receiving from their senses. Just as the saying goes- dogs and children are good judges of character. Believe your child. Show understanding. Sometimes you will have to help them sort it all out. Just letting them know that you trust their perceptions and their instincts will give them permission to trust them too. Main points to address:
    • Many schools teach stranger danger and simple self-defense.
    • Learning about the world and its dangers is a natural process.
    • Be positive, but “real"
    • Trust your child’s inner sense of right and wrong, safe and unsafe.
    Grades 4-6th As time goes on, life will provide more cause for using and trusting instincts. Children of this age group face moral dilemmas often in school and on the playground. As children venture out from the safety of their parent’s continual vigilance, they will face predicaments that call on their instincts. Sleepovers and slumber parties are opportunities for doubtful discussions and activity. Have them at your house! Be the parent chaperon on camping trips and extracurricular events. Make sure supervision is reliable if you can’t be with your child. Have the family sit down together and develop some agreed upon safety rules. Write them down and post them. Review the family’s safety rules before a vacation, outing or shopping trip. Tell them to trust their instincts and follow the plan! Respect your child’s unwillingness to do something they don’t feel ready or comfortable with. By honoring their reluctance, you are showing them their “inner knowing" is reliable and trustworthy. This self-knowledge will help them develop confidence in their ability to make sound judgments. Remember to be respectful of your child’s developmental readiness when you discuss sensitive matters. You will do just fine, Mom and Dad, if you trust your own instincts. Main points to address:
    • Children will need to rely on their instincts to a greater extent as they grow older.
    • Be a chaperon. Have the sleepover at your house!
    • Develop a set of family safety rules together and review them periodically.
    • Respect your child’s reluctance or discomfort. Listen to them. Then honor your own instincts.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-to-trust-their-instincts/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-to-trust-their-instincts/     Teach Your Child How to Play T-Ball Sun, 10 May 2026 14:59:07 +0000 Preschool Children ages 2 and 3 love to toss and catch. Start with a rubber or stuffed ball of about 6 inches in diameter. Practice rolling the ball back and forth while you both sit on the floor. Peels of laughter will echo as your youngster eventually gets the hang of tossing and catching. Add bounce-catching after a bit, then mix it up- rolling, underhand tossing and bouncing. When your child is around four they have the motor skills to start swinging with the goal of connecting with the ball. Set up the T-Ball stand, adjusting it to your preschooler’s height and place the ball on top. Telling your preschooler that hitting the “fat “part of the ball makes it go farther will help with the hand eye part of batting. Making no distinction between hitting and missing is important. Just have fun! The next step is to go to a baseball field (when no one is playing) to see the diamond. Run the bases together, always in the same direction. Set the stand up and have a few swings, then run the bases. Because the ball must travel at least 10 feet in T-Ball to not be a foul, start distinguishing between a “run Ehit and a “stay Ehit. If there is a team in your neighborhood and you feel like attempting weekly practices, sign up and remember to keep it fun. Coaches will emphasize skill development and making it enjoyable. Parents often participate, but are not required to. Main points to address:
    • Start out slow with rolling, tossing and bouncing.
    • Gradually decrease the diameter of the ball and increase the distance away from each other as you catch.
    • If you feel your 4-6 year old is ready and will enjoy it, find a team. If no interest is shown, or you think they are not ready, wait.
    Grades K-3rd Children in early elementary school are beginning to learn how to take turns and follow directions. T-Ball will reinforce these important skills. If your child shows continued interest in T-Ball as a team sport, sign up and get ready! It is a good idea to practice catching, throwing, batting and running to prepare for the T-Ball season (usually April to June). Make sure your youngster’s glove fits and that they have practiced with it. Remember it will take some time to learn the rules and that all kids have to begin somewhere. Because everyone gets to hit each inning and everyone gets to play the field each game, fairness is built-in. Being a good sport will help your child become one also. As Ken Singleton, a former Oriole and T-Ball dad says, “… remember that not everyone is talented in the sport, so create a belief in your sons and daughters that they can learn to play well. More important than skill, the type of bat, or the rules, is the quality time you are afforded together as a family. E So go have some fun! Main points to address:
    • Children do not have the motor skills, patience to wait their turn, or attention span for team sports earlier than age 5 or 6, some later.
    • Using a T-Ball stand, rather than trying to hit a pitched ball, sets players up for success.
    • T-Ball is good practice for team sports that will come later.
    • Have fun! Show your youngster what it means to be a good sport.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-play-t-ball/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-play-t-ball/     Teach Your Child to How to Use a Family Code Sat, 09 May 2026 13:49:05 +0000 Preschool Most preschoolers are wary of strangers and prefer to stay close to Mom and Dad. Teaching them to stay next to you at all times when out and about can prevent an opportunistic attack. Some children, however, love to run from parents when out. They must be corrected promptly and brought back to your side. You may need to use a tether to keep them from running into a crowd and out of your control. Preschoolers may not understand the meaning of a family code. But your child needs to know they must stay with you or whoever is supervising them. Let them know that not all people are safe and they should not speak to or go with any stranger-ever, no matter what they say or offer. Main points to address:
    • Protect your child when out of your home by keeping them next to you. Carry them if necessary or use a tether.
    • Let them know not everyone is safe.
    • Teach them not to talk to or go with any stranger - ever.
    Grades K-6th Prepare your family to use a family code by teaching them more fully about the possibility of abduction. Explain that not all strangers are bad, in fact most are good, but there is no way to be sure. Let them know it is not likely they will ever need to use the family code. Being safe means being ready “just in case E Parents should agree on a phrase or word that will indicate a safe person to your child. Making it something your child can recall is important. Decide who, outside of your immediate family, will have the code. Let your child know who that is. Practice using the code this way. Tell your child if they are ever approached by a stranger who claims Mom or Dad sent them to pick them up, to stand at a distance and ask for the code. If the person does not immediately produce the code they are to run to the nearest store clerk or mother they can find. Have them practice saying, “No! You’re not my mother and then “No, you’re not my father. Teach them to turn quickly and run screaming. After practicing at home, try a trial run at a park or other public place, minus the screaming. Praise them for asking for the code and running fast. Older children who visit friends and are sometimes at activities without you need to know that if the worst happens they will be ready. Require them to inform you of any change in their whereabouts- every time. All school age children should know their address including postal code, phone number, and parents complete names. In the case of abduction they may have a chance to call for help. Being prepared is empowering. Knowing that they will probably never have to use the family code will be a comfort to them. But if they ever need to use it, they’ll be ready. Main points to address:
    • Being safe means being aware and prepared.
    • Agree on a code that your child can recall.
    • Practicing and role playing using the code will empower your child.
    • All school age children need to know their complete address, phone number and parents Efull names.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-to-how-to-use-a-family-code/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-to-how-to-use-a-family-code/     Teach Your Child How to Crochet Fri, 08 May 2026 13:28:28 +0000 Some pointers before beginning:
    • Start with a fairly large hook, size G or larger.
    • Put your skein into a ball before starting.
    • Make sure chain stitches are not tight. The hook should enter the loop easily.
    • Pick a simple project to begin with to maximize success and mastery of the stitch.
    • Use patience and humor when beginning to teach your son or daughter.
    Grades K-6 Children will profit by learning to crochet as it develops fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. If your child can use scissors well they probably can handle a crochet hook. Get comfortable alongside your child. If your child is right handed, you will want to sit on their left. Put the yarn ball in a paper bag or knitting basket at your child’s feet on the right. Pull up the starter yarn and make a single loop knot. Have your child hold the hook in her right hand with the string in the left. Show her how to insert the head of the hook through the loop and pull up the string to form a new loop. Make sure it is not too tight. This is called the chain stitch. Repeat until the chain is about 18 inches long. This is a good length to manage at first. You may want to practice making a chain for a day or two before beginning to add the single stitch. Learning the single stitch is the simplest way to begin. After she’s made a good chain, show her how to go into the first link and draw up the string from the left hand. Have her repeat the process going all the way down the length. Then turn your “snake Eand insert the hook into the first stitch pulling up the yarn and repeating again in the next stitch. Go all the way to the end and turn again inserting hook into the first stitch in that row. Practice this stitch, keeping string tension even. If a stitch is missed, no worries- this is practice. Once your child has mastered the stitch have her choose a simple project. Follow the directions exactly. If you start to notice the rows getting wider or narrowing, you have miscounted. You can take rows out and do them over counting carefully. Once your child has completed the project according to the directions, tie it off and weave the end through the stitches to hide it and keep the knot secure. Your child is ready for a fancier project or a new stitch. Purchase a book illustrating steps of each stitch or go online. The variety of patterns is nearly infinite. Your child will love going to the store to choose among the many types and shades of yarn. Keep it simple for a while and never allow your child to start a new project till the present one is done. This will prevent a houseful of unfinished projects! Crocheted items make wonderful gifts. Potholders, coasters, scarves, doll blankets are all easy and fun projects. As your child grows and becomes more able, you can let them pick more challenging patterns and projects. An important note: Crocheting looks easy, but requires much practice to keep the string and stitches where they belong. Try to keep teaching sessions short and light-hearted. Take a break for cookies and milk while you look at pattern books together. Inspiration can go a long way toward lessening frustration. This creative method of knotting is fun for boys too. Let them experiment with rug yarn or twine and a bigger hook. They may have fun creating items useful in their play. Have fun with crocheting. Teaching your child this old craft might bring a lifetime of satisfaction and pride in seeing a single string magically turn into something complex, unique and beautiful! Main points to address:
    • Learn or review basic stitches previous to teaching your child.
    • Keep materials organized and away from pets and younger siblings.
    • Wait until your child has fairly good fine motor skills.
    • Teach with patience and love.
    • Follow directions faithfully. Tear out stitches fearlessly if need be!
    • Use a good how-to book. Collect pattern books.
    • Finish what you start before going on.
    • Add new stitches and fancier projects when ready.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-crochet/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-crochet/     Teach Your Child How to Do Needlepoint Thu, 07 May 2026 13:27:15 +0000 Grades K-6th Young school age children can begin to needle point if supplies are selected carefully. Basic supplies for needle point include:
    • Tapestry needles with large eyes and blunt tips
    • Thread and/or yarn
    • Canvas
    • A scrollframe or stretcher bars
    • Something to keep your work in
    • Scissors suitable for your child
    • A needle threader
    Younger children will need a blunt plastic needle and yarn or thread that is medium weight. They will also need a kit with a simple design on plastic or coarse canvas. Older children can use regular needle point needles and finer thread. They also can start with a kit. As they progress, patterns can become fancier. Basic stitches should be practiced first. They are the basketweave, continental and half-cross stitch. There are variations on each of these stitches you can teach later. If you need to learn the stitches first, get a how-to book available at needle work shops, or go online to find a site that illustrates needlepoint stitches and techniques. Keep sessions short, as frustration will come early and often! Children want to dive right in with a pattern. Finding a simple design that uses one type of stitch may encourage them. Let your child select the colors to use. Small projects will not need a frame, but larger ones will, and a frame may keep the canvas taught making it easier for your child to work. The edges of your canvas must be prepared by binding the edges with seam tape or masking tape. This will keep the edges from raveling. Put the canvas on the frame if you are using one, stretching fairly taught. Get comfortable. Have all supplies at arms length. Cut off about 18 inches of thread and thread the needle, tying off the end. As you begin to stitch leave some thread behind with the knot about 6 inches from the first stitch. Begin stitching, being careful of the tension. As you work, cover the thread end and clip the knot. Children younger than 8 years old will probably need a kit designed for younger children. Help them follow the directions, reading through and highlighting key points. Older children can create their own designs after mastering basic stitches. Teach them to work with a goal in mind for that session. For example, if they are working on a horse, they may be able to finish the mane or tail in one sitting. As your child becomes more proficient, try different canvas meshes and threads. Yarn is easier to learn with but many children are very able with thread. Picking out thread can be great fun. Being in a needleworking shop will inspire them! Take time to look through pattern books and how-to books. And eye the supplies and yarns. Visit a museum that is featuring tapestry. Let them see the timeless beauty of pieces from faraway places and cultures. They will quickly see needlepoint is not just a craft. It is an art! Make sure works in progress are stored carefully. Small projects will fit in a ziplock plastic storage bag. Larger projects can be slipped into a pillow case. All other supplies should be kept out of the reach of younger siblings and pets. If you find your child gets bored with a piece, encourage continuation by admiring their progress. Generally, younger children should finish one piece before starting another, but serious needle pointers may have several projects running at once. The Internet has several helpful websites that teach basic stitches and other needlepoint techniques. Some sites also have galleries you can browse and appreciate. Remember to be patient with your youngster. Teaching too much too fast, or requiring them to sit longer than they want to or are able to will turn them off to this craft. Start with very short lesson times, say 10 minutes and follow your child’s readiness to extend sessions. Showcase finished projects by blocking and framing. Needlepoint art makes wonderful gifts as the receiver usually appreciates the time and love that goes into a finished piece. Main points to address:
    • Teach this exacting craft with patience and love.
    • Get comfortable. Begin small.
    • Use supplies that match your child’s ability.
    • Shorter sessions will prevent frustration.
    • Visit websites and museums to see the variety of needlepoint art and to inspire your child.
    • Block and frame your child’s finished projects to let them know their work is valued.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-do-needlepoint/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-do-needlepoint/     Teach Your Child Yoga Wed, 06 May 2026 12:16:11 +0000 Preschool Doing yoga is a wonderful way to bond with your baby. Joining a mother and baby yoga group can help Mom get back in shape, too. Some parents attend prenatal yoga classes, making the transition from pregnancy and birth to parenthood an easier one. Babies and preschoolers love the relaxed rhythmic movements of yoga. Combining yoga with music and dance doubles the fun. There are many videos, books and classes that can help you learn the basics well enough to share with your child. Young children especially like the animal yoga poses. Doing “down dog Eor the “lion Epose can cause great laughter as your youngster gets fully into character. Yoga can help your child celebrate life each day in a fun and healthy way. Main points to address:
    • Yoga is fun, promotes health and a great way to bond with your baby or young child.
    • Children pick yoga up quickly. Books and videos can help you teach them basic poses. You don’t have to be an expert!
    • Follow your child’s lead. Try combining yoga with music and dance.
    Grades K-3rd Young school age children are able to approximate yoga postures by watching others. They are aware of the connection with nature and the Earth that yoga seems to invoke. Children of this age love to practice yoga in a group. They tune into the sense of community that practicing together creates. No one needs to explain the benefits of doing yoga to a child this age- they already know. Kids with attention problems or hyperactivity love the calm and quiet of yoga, deep breathing and meditation. This natural prescription for impulse control costs nothing, has no ill side effects and is enjoyable. Providing your child with a small mat and loose clothing is all that is necessary. You will enjoy the quiet time you spend together as you do your postures. Main points to address:
    • Children learn from watching and imitating others.
    • Join a kid’s yoga group if you can find one. Create one if you can’t find one!
    • Provide a simple mat and loose clothing for your child’s practice.
    Grades 4-6th Older children are better able to correctly perform and hold the basic poses. With practice, they can even develop or copy a sequence that they enjoy. At this age, children are also able to deliberately work with their breath. Practicing the three-part breathe will help them develop greater body awareness and control. It is a good idea to find a certified yoga instructor to continue your child’s learning. If yoga has been a regular activity for them, chances are they will want to deepen their knowledge and involvement with yoga as time goes on. Many schools are adopting yoga as part of their physical education program for the obvious health benefits it provides. Main points to address:
    • Older children are able to correctly form and hold postures.
    • Breath work can be practiced at this age.
    • Finding a certified teacher can help your child expand on what they’ve learned.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-yoga/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-yoga/     Teach Your Child How to Do Laundry Tue, 05 May 2026 10:46:50 +0000 Preschool Preschoolers love chores and household tasks. Just watch a toddler with a mop! Getting your child to love doing the wash will be easy. In fact, you may need to deal with their over-eagerness! A good place to start is with letting your child dispose of worn or soiled garments by placing them in a hamper or basket. Make sure lids are provided, but will not come crashing down on little fingers or heads. Be careful also around the laundry chute if you have one. Provide each child with their own container. Children love to watch you add the detergent and other additives. Make sure they know this is not their job yet. Close the lid tightly and when finished your little one can “help Eload the dryer or hang the wash. Let them know that handing you clothes pins is a big help! When clothes are dry, use folding time to name shapes- rectangles, squares- and let them attempt washcloths and towels. Have your little one help put his or her clothes away. They will learn organization and order by putting things where they go. Main points to address:
    • Capitalize on your preschooler’s willingness to help.
    • Start simply and remember to be safe.
    • Provide your child with a basket or hamper of their own.
    • Teaching times can be fun times. Use praise and thanks.
    Grades K-3rd Young school children can begin to do more. In addition to placing soiled clothes in their own basket or hamper, kids this age can bring their clothes to the laundry area when it’s time to wash them. They are old enough to sort by color, so if separate containers are provided, they can sort clothes into the right piles. School age children love to measure and pour. If supervised, they can measure out the detergent and even set the controls. Care still needs to be taken with laundry chemicals and with lids of washing machines. Children of this age are tall enough to get hurt by agitators, so make sure lids are down tight. Kids of this age can begin to fold their own clothes as well as towels and washcloths. Perfection is not the goal. Self-reliance and pride in a job completed is. Pointing out the symmetry of a well-folded piece might be enough to encourage careful folding. Children can also begin to care for the laundry area by emptying the wastebasket and wiping down the machines with a damp cloth. Knowing they are performing a very necessary task builds self-confidence! Main points to address:
    • Children of this age still need to be supervised.
    • With help, they can complete the job from start to finish.
    • Setting a “laundry day Eor schedule will help children develop discipline and a sense of accomplishment.
    Grades 4-6th Older children can begin to do their own laundry with some assistance. After sorting, clothes can be washed and dried, then folded and put away in drawers or hung up. Children involved in sports or dance can begin to be responsible for their own uniforms. Kids aged 9-12 can begin doing simple mending with a needle and thread. With supervision they can replace missing buttons. Knowing that most clothes can be repaired and “handed-down Eteaches children to value and care for their clothes and to think of the needs of others. Keeping a chore chart can help your child plan and prioritize their time. Knowing that doing their laundry is as important as doing homework or playing with a friend will increase the likelihood that the good habits you’ve helped them to develop will carry over into adulthood. Main points to address:
    • Older kids can begin to do their own clothes on a regular basis.
    • Teach them simple mending.
    • Hand down gently worn clothes to someone who needs them.
    • Use a chore chart to help your child develop regular habits.
    Resources Resources that can help you in your venture include: ]]>     https://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-do-laundry/ http://www.teachkidshow.com/teach-your-child-how-to-do-laundry/