If you’re ready to experiment, we have some suggestions for you! Animal related STEM activities Build a Nest : there’s nothing more fun than using different materials to make a nest. If things are still frozen outside, try some shredded paper. Whirly Twirly Flying Birds : use a balloon and a few other things to Read More
STEM Reads
Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through Books On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring by Buffy Silverman (Toddler, Preschool) In the early days of spring when the snow begins to melt, plants and animals stir to life. Find it at the Library Spring for Sophie by Yael Werber (Preschool, School Age) Sophie listens and watches for the signs of spring–the melting ice, the blue Read More
Spring into Stem
Remember when we declared 2024 a year of curiosity? Now that we’re starting to see clear signs of spring, it’s time to bring some fresh ideas home. There’s nothing more miraculous then watching Alaska break up transition into a season with new plants and animal migration. This makes it a perfect time to learn about Read More
Talking Activities
ACTIVITIES to encourage Talking with your little ones Encouraging talking and fostering communication is both enjoyable and beneficial. Here’s a list of fun activities that can help promote conversations with your little ones. Talk to me, Baby | Birth-6 months | Repeating what babies say lets them know you are listening and that communication is Read More
Books all about Talking
Here are a few talking tales that are all about conversations. Ask Me by Bernard Waber (Toddler, Preschool) During a walk together outside, a father and daughter share a conversation. She says to her father, “Ask me what I like.” When he does, she answers with lists of her favorite things. Her father asks more Read More
Talking Tips
Sometimes talking to a young child who can’t talk back can seem awkward. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in that feeling. Once you start talking with children, it’s easy to get on a roll. We have some great suggestions below to keep the conversation going. Also, many families use baby sign language to help their Read More
Let’s Talk
It may sound like a given, but talking to your child is extremely important. Since 80% of your child’s brain development happens from birth to age three, words are vital to building that structure. Babies are wired to pick up sounds, words, and gestures. Thankfully adults are ready to provide all of that through baby Read More
Taking Turns and Sharing Activities
Sharing Ball Super simple. Roll a bowl to your child and say “my turn” – when they roll the ball back, say “your turn”. This game will evolve as children get older and have more coordination. Alternative: share bubbles by taking turns blowing and/or popping bubbles Build a tower together (LoveEvery.com) Another simple Read More
Activities on Taking Turns and Sharing
Here are a few activities that can help teach Taking Turns and Sharing, together. Sharing Ball Super simple. Roll a bowl to your child and say “my turn” – when they roll the ball back, say “your turn”. This game will evolve as children get older and have more coordination. Alternative: share bubbles by taking Read More
Books about Taking Turns and Sharing
Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler (Preschool, School Age) One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground. Everyone agreed to obey his rules to play in King Jonah’s kingdom … Everyone except for Lennox … because she wanted to rule the playground, too. A gloriously rendered, hilariously deadpan tale of playground politics. Read More