ABCs of Physics by Chris Ferrie (All Ages) Similarly to the other titles in the Baby University series, this book introduces new physics concepts to the very young – one for every letter of the alphabet, all the way from Atom to Zero-point energy. Little ones will enjoy the pictures and older children (including grown-ups) Read More
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STEM Activities for Curious Kids
Not sure where to start with experiments, messy fun, and playing with simple concepts? Here are some of our favorites STEM-y sources for curious kids. From Little Bins for Little Hands: Toddler STEM Activities Preschool Science Experiments From Playdough to Plato 24 Soothing Calm Down Jars (ages 3 and up) 40 STEM Activities for Kids Read More
Ways to Explore STEM for Curious Kids
Here are some ways that you help your child develop STEM skills at a young age: Provide manipulative toys and help/ask your child to control it For example, making a rattle quiet or loud / building a short or tall tower Explore together how simple tools in your house work For example, a can opener Read More
STEM for Curious Kids
Children are natural born scientists. Since they need to figure out how the world works, their boundless curiosity is practically built into their DNA. This means STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is the perfect fit for most kids of any age. Sometimes STEM can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to mean electronics and robots. Read More
Books to Talk About Racism
Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy (Toddler, Preschool) This book celebrates Black history and culture with beautiful illustrations and poetic language. For those who may miss some of the references, the end of the book holds more details about Black History. ▸ Get it at the Library Skin Again by bell hooks (Preschool) Read More
Activities to Practice Inclusiveness
Play is a really useful tool for rehearsing different situations and demonstrating inclusiveness. Learning to Share | 6-12 months The building blocks of sharing start early Cooperative Play | 12-18 months Back and forth play is the beginning of learning to cooperate Share the Box | 24-30 months It’s all about learning to share space Read More
Ways to Talk to Children About Race
It’s time for real talk. Talking about race and racism can be sensitive, but too often taboos and difficult topics prevent us from being open. If ever there was a time to embrace being uncomfortable, it’s now. Set an example Learn more so you can have informed conversations and be a bridge builder Help your Read More
Talking to Children About Race
Alaska is a diverse state with a rich indigenous history, and home to people of many races. It’s important that we not shy away from conversations about racism. If the protests following the death of George Floyd proved anything, it showed that it is never too early to speak with children about racism. It’s heartbreaking Read More
Books You’ll Love about the Outdoors
Enjoy the outdoors by exploring books about everything outside. Here are some of our favorites. You’ll find instructions for accessing the Alaskas Digital Library and Tumblebooks via SLED down below. Walter’s Wonderful Web by Tim Hopgoode (Toddler, Preschool) If you ever take a nature walk together as a family, you might see a spider’s web Read More
Activities for Outdoor Literacy
There are so many fun ways to learn when you’re outdoors. Here are some literacy activities you can do in your neighborhood: Paint alphabet rocks Paint a letter on each rock until you have a whole rock collection of the alphabet! Did you know there are groups of people across Alaska who paint and hide Read More
