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Why Music Lessons Might be Helpful for Child Development

We’ve discussed ways to get your little one involved in extracurricular activities and one of the ideas mentioned was playing an instrument. Playing an instrument can do a lot of good for your little one. There are a multitude of benefits such as the development of physical and social skills, patience and discipline and a boost in self-esteem.

Physical skills are improved, as certain instruments require movement to be played. Drums require coordinated arm and leg action while violins entail simultaneous movement from both hands. Instruments help develop ambidexterity as well an improvement in coordination.

Social skills can also be improved through music lessons. If it is a group music lesson, then teamwork and communication are required to play as said member of the group. Children need to understand their particular role in the larger ensemble to create music.

Patience and discipline also play a large role in learning to play an instrument. Discipline is used in habitual practice of the instrument. Patience is required, as one will not master an instrument immediately. Many instruments have a steep learning curve. For example, before an instrument can even be played, one has to know how to read music notes.

As a child learns to play an instrument, self-esteem is built. Constructive criticism and the slow progress of getting better will teach your child that hard work pays off.

At Minnieland Academy, children gather to create music, sing songs, clap and dance each day.  Age appropriate musical instruments are available in our classrooms.

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Repurposing Old Toys into Something Useful

 

Do you have old toys scattered around the house the you don’t know what to do with? Are your children too old to play with their toys, but you don’t want to part with them? Whatever the reason for the accumulation, it is not a pleasant sight to see a lot of toys cluttering your house if your children are no longer using them. Instead of letting them lie around, why not convert them into something more useful?

Here are some fun ideas for repurposing your old toys:

  • Create a uNew Entrepreneurial Hub Opens in Tulsanique lamp base out of them. If you have old character toys, you can use a lamp kit to convert them into a lamp stand. For example, your child’s favorite teddy bear may not be something they play with anymore, but displaying it as a light source is a fun way to keep it around for sentimental purposes.
  • Change your old cabinet hardware with a few themed toys. Add a screw to the backs of dinosaurs and other animal toys, or even toy cars, for fun cabinet pulls.
  • Form a mirror frame design. Do you have a number of small similar toys like race cars, Legos, or tiny action figures? Arrange them in a collage around your mirror and spray paint them with gold or silver.
  • Make art out of your toys. You can select themed toys or let your imagination run wild. Stick them on canvass and see where your creativity takes you.
  • Use Legos to form a storage container or rack for hanging items.
  • Repurpose old board games. Varnish your wooden board game. Install a stool leg in the middle and you have a new side table for your kid’s room or a game room.
  • Turn old puzzle pieces or Scrabble pieces into magnets. Glue a magnet on the back, and you have instant refrigerator art!
  • Transform small toys to key chains or bracelets. Your girls will love to wear their small memorable toys in their hands. Or, you can even be reminded of your children by attaching a toy to your key chain.
  • Use old toy trucks as bookshelves. It’s a great way to display your favorite in a way that appears as intentional decor.

Chris George Homes
Oklahoma City Realtor
Let’s get in touch: 405.843.8188

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Basic Outdoor Safety Tips to Keep Your Child Safe

 

The outdoors are great for your children. It gives them fresh air, sunshine, and overall better health. They can play with their friends and run around, which keeps their bodies active. They can explore your yard and gardens and use their imaginations to create fun scenarios in their heads.

There are so many things that the outdoors can offer, but safety is not always guaranteed. In order to let your kids play outside without worrying about them, here are some basic safety tips you should keep in mind:

  • Do not let them play outside without adult supervision. Even if you don’t join them in playing, keeping a watchful eye can save them when danger arises.
  • Teach your child never to go beyond the fence. It is important that your child understands that rule and follow it strictly.
  • Always lock the gates. There is no need for your child to open the gates and get out of your yard.
  • Remove any hazardous, sharp, or electrical materials from their play area. These are potential sources of dangers.
  • Apply sunscreen during summer and proper warm clothing in winter. Always dress your child appropriate based on the season, so they do not become overheated or develop a cold from being too chilled.
  • Equip your child with a safety helmet and kneepads when riding bicycles, skateboards, or other moving toys.
  • Keep outdoor tools and equipment in sheds or away from your children. Bring your gardening tools and barbecue grills inside if possible.
  • Inspect their play area. Is all play equipment working fine? Is there any damage on the seesaw, monkey bars, or swing? Check it out to see if there are possible sources of accidents.
  • Allow your child to play only on equipment appropriate for their age. Certain equipment like monkey bars is not safe for toddlers for example..
  • Watch them closely when they’re swimming in the pool. Never leave them unattended.
  • Remove or section off plants that could be potentially hazardous to their health. Educate them on what they should and should not touch.