Walk and See Opposites by Rosalind Beardshaw (Infant, Toddler) Little ones can enjoy this adorably illustrated opposites book that showcases many fun things to do in wintertime as we follow two children on their walk in the country. ▸ Get it at the Library Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre (Toddler, Preschool) This non-fiction Read More
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Winter STEM Activities
Make your own Bear Den with pillows, sheets, blankets, boxes, etc. If you’re feeling especially adventurous, we suggest making some Sizzlin’ Snowballs (think classic science fair erupting volcano turned into an exciting winter chemical reaction). Even though we have plenty of snow, you can always make Snow Dough for some indoor snowy, sensory, science-y fun. Read More
What makes a reader?
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” This is attributed to award-winning children’s author, Emilie Buchwald, and exemplifies the work of Best Beginnings – getting books into the hands of young children and supporting their parents’ efforts to prepare them for school and life. You probably have seen or heard about Alaska Read More
Host a We Count! Census 2020 Event in Your Community
As early childhood partners you all have a unique opportunity to help ensure that every Alaskan child is counted in the 2020 Alaska Census! Did you know that children are one of the most undercounted populations in the state? Roughly two million children under the age of 5 were not counted in the 2000 census. And the Read More
Tips for Winter STEM
STEM isn’t all about coding Sure coding is fun, but STEM does not have to be screen based or super technical. STEM is also learning about animals, following a recipe, observing the weather, building with blocks, sorting objects, and other simple things. Of course, if you have a future coder in your house, start with Read More
Winter STEM
“Research shows that having a strong foundation in early math, for example, can lead to higher achievement in both math and reading later in school. In addition, interacting with many different materials in early childhood prepares students for science and engineering later in school.” Source: Let’s Talk, Read and Sing about STEM! (Too Small to Read More
For the Love of Reading Challenge
February is all about love, and we love nothing more than sharing a story with our young children! Join us this month by reading 15 minutes a day with your child. Keep track on this printable sheet– you can simply check off each day or reward your child for finishing story time with a sticker. Read More
Alaska Counts!
Alaska Counts! Did you know the very first person counted in the 2020 US Census was Lizzie Chimiugak, a 90-year-old Yup’ik elder in Toksook Bay on the Bering Sea? Difficulties with mail and internet services in much of rural Alaska means census workers will go door-to-door to be sure everyone is counted. More urban areas Read More
Books You’ll Love to Learn Paths to Print
We Dig Worms by Kevin McCloskey (Preschool) In this graphic novel-style nonfiction book, preschoolers can learn about how worms work and all the ways they help our planet. Even little ones who shy away from bugs or other “yucky” things can be drawn in by the charming illustrations. ▸ Get it at the Library I Read More
Activities to Learn the Paths to Print
While you can do everything from the Hokey Pokey (to reinforce left and right) to tracing words as you read, here are some really fun suggestions to practice directionality and pre-writing skills. Squishy Sensory Bags from Learning4kids All you need to make these awesome sensory bags is re-sealable storage bags, flour, water, and food coloring. Kids Read More