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
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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
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
Ways to Learn the Paths to Print
The easiest way for your child to learn about directionality of print is by reading together with you. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your reading time: Sit close with your child as you read together. When you snuggle close with a book, it is easier for your child to Read More
Paths to Print
Do you remember pretending to write when you were a young child? You probably scribbled from left to right and top to bottom without even realizing it! That’s because you were learning to recognize the direction of print in your written language. Children in other countries, like China or Jordan, would pretend to write in Read More
Ways to Nurture Generosity
What does it take to raise a generous child? There are many ways! Here are some ideas you can use to foster generosity and social emotional growth by engaging your family in these activities: Ways to Foster Generosity Collect food for your local food pantry/food bank Give toiletries to your local shelter Volunteer with a Read More
Generosity
For many people, December is a month filled with gift giving. But what about that other G word? We’re thinking about generosity this month (though gratitude isn’t a bad one either). It is never too soon to introduce your child to the idea of generosity. And this time of year presents – pun intended – so Read More
