Pennyrile Area KEIS- First Steps

05/29/2026

Summer Feeding starts Tuesday and there’s still time to sign-up!

05/29/2026

30+ SUMMER SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS

Learn about ocean waves, see what melts in the sun, and so much more!

LINK: https://frugalfun4boys.com/summer-science-experiments-kids/

05/29/2026

www.makinglearningfunwithmrsh.com
Monday 1st June 2026 is National Dinosaur Day. So over the next couple of days I'll share a few ideas you might like to use in provision or at home. Today a STEM activity that teaches children about the states of matter, melting points, and paleontology. By encasing small dinosaur toys in ice, your little ones can act as real paleontologists, using problem-solving and fine motor skills to excavate their dinosaurs. Use sensory tools such as magnifying glasses, dull chisels, or toothbrushes. Children can scrape away at the ice, learning the importance of patience and careful digging so they don't damage their "fossils" 🦖🦕🦖🦕

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

Encouraging Two-Word Phrases in Toddler Speech Development

Toddlers typically begin combining words into simple two-word phrases as a natural part of language development.

These early combinations might sound like “more milk,” “mommy go,” or “big truck.”

Two-word phrases are an important milestone because they show growing understanding of how words connect to meaning.

Instead of focusing on perfect speech, the goal is to encourage communication in any form.

You can support this by modeling short phrases throughout the day in simple, natural ways.

For example, if your child says “ball,” you might respond with “big ball” or “roll ball” to expand their language.

Give your child time to respond instead of rushing to fill in silence or correct them.

Repeat and emphasize key words during play, routines, and daily interactions.

Offer choices that encourage language, such as “want juice or water?” to invite responses.

Celebrate all attempts at communication to build confidence and motivation to speak more.

Reading books, singing songs, and narrating daily routines all help reinforce word combinations.

With patience and repetition, toddlers naturally begin to expand their phrases and communication skills grow.



Image credit: Pathways.org

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

This is an easy and fun way to work on pincer grasp, wrist stability, open thumb web soace, separation of the sides of the hand, arch development, AND hand eye coordination skills! https://www.theottoolbox.com/play-dough-color-match-learning-activity/

05/28/2026

Work on letter recognition and learning their name with easy and fun name activities that are perfect for your preschooler!

https://handsonaswegrow.com/35-name-activities-for-preschoolers/

05/28/2026

Every ride matters. The right car seat, installed correctly, helps protect children in crashes and keeps them safer on the road. Take the time to check your setup. It matters more than you think.

Families are eligible to receive one car seat per child by completing the online Car Seat Basics educational session.

👉 To sign up for the course in Stark County, call the Early Childhood Resource Center at 1.877.691.8521.
👉 Families in Summit, Portage, Trumbull, and Mahoning counties should call Akron Children’s Hospital at 330.543.8942.
👉Families in Medina County should call the Rainbow Injury Prevention Center at 216.983.1109.

05/28/2026

Laugh and Learn June 5th! Please register by June 4 by calling 270-365-2787 or visiting https://bit.ly/3nu6Akl.

05/28/2026

You've probably seen the fine motor worksheets where you place colored craft pom poms onto the dots. Do you know all of the skills being targeted with a tool like these activity sheets? Eye hand coordination, pinch strength, bilateral coordination, and heavy work through the hands is just the beginning!