Everyday Learning Inspired by the HIPPY Program

Spring has officially arrived, and at HIPPY Halton, we’re celebrating with activities that nurture creativity, literacy, connection with nature, and joyful learning! Each week in May is packed with simple, engaging ways for families to grow and explore together — just like we do in the HIPPY Program!

Week 1: Spring Is Here!

Skills We're Building:

• Creativity & self-expression

• Observation skills

• Early literacy

• Numeracy through play

Activities:

1. May Day Baskets

   1. Create a small basket or paper cone. Fill it with flowers, small treats, or drawings. Secretly leave it on a neighbour’s doorstep to surprise them!

2. Spring Scavenger Hunt

   1. Go for a walk and challenge your child to find spring treasures: a yellow flower, a puddle, a spider web, animal tracks. Bring a notebook to draw what you find!

3. Read Together

   1. Cuddle up and read Where’s Spot? or The Bear and the Bee. Ask questions like, "What do you think will happen next?"

4. Outdoor Math Fun

   1. Pick a number (1–10) and hunt for matching objects. Example: Find 3 big rocks or 5 sticks! Count aloud together.

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Week 2: Celebrating Teachers & Moms!

Skills We're Building:

• Fine motor development

• Creativity and sensory exploration

• Language and communication skills

• Nature observation

Activities:

1. Creative Sensory Play

   1. Set out paint and different textures like sand, shaving cream, and glue. Let your child mix, touch, and explore freely. Talk about how it feels.

2. Nature Listening Walk

   1. Take a quiet walk. Stop and listen carefully: birds singing, bees buzzing, wind blowing. Talk about the sounds you hear together.

3. Read Together

   1. Share the story The City Mouse and the Country Mouse. Ask: "Would you rather live in the country or the city?"

4. Fine Motor Prep

   1. Practice hand strength: squeeze a wet cloth, crumble paper into balls, or use a dropper to move water between two cups.

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Week 3: Family Fun & Sweet Treats!

Skills We're Building:

• Language and literacy

• Creativity and critical thinking

• Observation and documentation

• Fine motor control

Activities:

1. Paint on Unusual Surfaces

   1. Collect rocks, cardboard, or old containers. Use washable paints and encourage your child to decorate their "canvas" in creative ways.

2. Adopt a Tree

   1. Pick a tree near home or at the park. Visit it weekly. Take a photo or draw it. Notice new leaves, flowers, or animals visiting it.

3. Read Together

   1. Read The Fox and the Crow. Pause and ask, "How do you think the crow felt when he lost his cheese?"

4. Cutting Practice

   1. Start with snipping strips of paper. Support them by holding the paper steady. Use child-safe scissors and let them cut playdough too for extra fun!

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Week 4: Smiling all the way into Summer!

Skills We're Building:

• Creativity and artistic exploration

• Responsibility and nurturing (gardening)

• Language and storytelling skills

• Fine motor strength

Activities:

1. Painting with Fun Tools

   1. Offer tools like straws, sponges, pinecones, and toothbrushes instead of brushes. Dip them in paint and create unique textures!

2. Plant a Garden

   1. Plant seeds (like tomatoes or sunflowers) in a pot or small garden. Water it together daily. Talk about how plants grow.

3. Read Together

   1. Read The Bird and the Whale.Talk about how the bird and whale are different but still friends.

4. Fine Motor Play

   1. Flatten playdough and use cookie cutters or scissors to cut shapes. Strengthens hand muscles for future writing skills!