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Father/Child Activity Night
Looking for an activity to interest the men in our children’s lives that would be different, but fun for everyone we held a Race Car Night! At first we thought about Matchbox cars but then found something better! Small, unfinished wooden cars were purchased for $9.95 a dozen. Each table setting (2 seats, one for child, one for parent) was provided a small palette of paints and 2 brushes. Each child also received a plastic cup with racing flags and stickers of two race cars that they could detail with more stickers (some used these same stickers for their wooden race car) We looked at soap box derby tracks (which are very expensive) and decided to petition one of the dads for help. The dad went to a local Hardware and a Contractor and got all the material donated to construct and paint the track. We used milk cartons and a piece of wood to allow the children to step up to place their cars on the track. The starting gate was hinged and lifted to allow an even start and the children were able to help with this gate. Five cars raced down the track at one time with other children and parents cheering almost as if at a “real” race track. The children proudly displayed their cars and all were winners-although we did discuss how some cars were faster than others. As the child and parent entered the room, the race track was in the center of the room. Behind the race track a giant screen television showed the CARS Movie (muted) for visual effect and the children enjoyed this. Each parent was handed a sheet as they entered titled Race Car (copy enclosed). Before we began, staff reviewed the information and explained to the parents about how the activity they will be doing with their child influences the child’s development. We also suggested that the parent talk to the child about how a color changes if two colors are mixed together, and also about manners as they eat and taking turns as they race. The parents were reminded there was no right or wrong way to create their cars but that this was a night to have fun, get away from the television, and enjoy time with their child. Staff were available to answer questions and assist as needed but allowed the parents to work with the children. I heard one dad asking his son the colors in his palette, another father/son team shared one card for their sticker car and dad painted dad on one side and child’s name on the other with the date for a keepsake. As the parents worked with the children, staff completed dinner and set up buffet style. Dinner of spaghetti, salad, bread, and fruit was served to allow the race cars to dry. This also gave the fathers a chance to talk amongst themselves and it was noticed that nods and handshakes were being given as dads met other dads. We decided not to put any formal program into the dinner time as we hoped that the fathers would interact with other dads and children and this is what happened. We wanted the focus to be upon the children and parents, not a speaker. After the initial race, each child was awarded a medal and the children could return to the track and race as often as they wished. Comments on the activity have been favorable, and children came into class the following morning making their engine sounds and proudly wearing medals letting others know they are winners! |
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Father & Child Group Activities Father
Race Car
Development: This activity will encourage your child to use his or her imagination, language, and fine and gross motor skills.
Pretend Play: Pretend play is great. Your child will imitate the activities you display. Take this opportunity to bond and model appropriate behaviors for your child while you play.
Imagination Play: Imagination play is a way for your children to understand their world. When your child tells you how they want to paint their car it shows that your child’s thinking is going from concrete to more abstract. This shows a true progression in brain development and creativity and imagination. With encouragement from you, creativity and imagination will be enhanced in your child.
Language: Describe what you are doing. Name different parts of the car, such as wheels, steering wheel, or other parts of the car.
Fine Motor: Fine motor development refers to the control, coordination, and the refined movement of the small muscles of the body. Painting or peeling stickers and placing them on the car will help develop more defined fine motor skills.
Gross Motor: Gross motor development refers to the maturation and coordination of the large muscles of the body. This activity provides many opportunities to use large muscles. Standing at your side while painting, walking on stage to place car on track and arm movement will help to develop gross motor skills.
Social/Emotional Development: Your child will be learning to take turns with others. Your child is also beginning to understand patience while waiting for his or her turn to race their car. Your child will also begin to understand that not everyone comes in 1st place, but everyone can have fun. |
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Father/Child Activity Night Thursday September 20, 2007 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
2499 Cypress St. Westville, FL Are you a father or father figure of a Head Start child?
If so, bring your enrolled child to this activity night and paint and race a
Enjoy all you can eat Italian Food!!
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Sample Flyer: |
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negar@fl-hsa.org | Phone:386-846-0704 | Fax: 386-845-9301 |