Best Beginnings has just published Yup’ik-language Activity Guides containing fun, culturally relevant activities to help babies’ brains grow in ways that will help them succeed in school and in life.

There are three guides, one for each of three age ranges: Infant (birth to 18 months), Toddler (18 months to 3 years), and Preschooler (ages 3 to 5). They can be ordered by calling (907)297-3300 or by completing a Request Form.

All activities described in the books are based on the Alaska’s Early Learning Guidelines, developed by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development and the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

They are designed to assist parents, and other adults who work with babies and young children, in understanding child development. The activities are geared to specific developmental stages.

Activities for the Yup’ik version were reviewed by Yup’ik educators for cultural relevance, with many new activities added and others modified or exchanged. All translations were done by Marie Meade, a Yup’ik translator originally from Nunapitchuk who now lives in Anchorage.

The guides were funded by grants from the Alaska Children’s Trust and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, with additional support from BP and ConocoPhillips Alaska.

Suggested activities in multiple languages are posted regularly and appear below.