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
Parent Center
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
Tips for Outdoor Literacy
As you spend time outdoors with your child, there are so many ways to have fun that support literacy skills. Observe what you see outdoors Name the things you see growing, crawling, or flying Learn about animals, insects, and plants that are new to you Count everything you see! Compare sizes, shapes, colors, and other Read More
Outdoor Literacy
TGIJ – thank goodness it’s JUNE! After months of hunkering down at home, raise your hand if you’re ready for a sunny, busy Alaskan summer season. At long last, here’s the chance for your family to spend time outdoors fishing, camping, picnicking, biking, boating, berry picking, hiking, and more. Spending time outdoors is a great Read More
Books You’ll Love to Build Resiliency
Reading about characters who overcome challenges and work through their feelings can be very helpful for young children. These stories of resiliency are great ways to build their confidence using characters and storylines they can relate to. You’ll find instructions for accessing the Alaskas Digital Library and Tumblebooks via SLED down below. The Itsy Bitsy Read More
Activities to Build Resiliency
There are several ways to encourage a positive mindset, which goes a long way to building resiliency. Here are a few we really like. Explore STEM Learning to fail is part of problem-solving. STEM activities are one of the most natural ways to learn how to continue trying in the face of failure. For example, Read More
Ways to Build Resiliency
A positive mindset and strong relationships are two basic components of resiliency that increase your ability to bounce back during tough times. A third helpful, but optional component is spirituality and/or cultural connection. For some people, religious practices, spiritual beliefs, and/or cultural identity can have big impact too. Relationships are key Use your words Teach Read More
