This activity is an opportunity for our children to strengthen their ability to visualize. Visualization is required in two ways. First, our children must plan ahead so as not to leave impossible spaces. Second, they must try to turn each piece in their ”mind’s eye” to decide which is needed for a particular gap. COVER… Read More
Many of our children enjoy working on puzzles. They can be easily motivated to adopt learning strategies that will improve their puzzle-solving skills. These puzzles require patience… try working as a team. ************************************ Puzzle with the Digits 1-8 ********************************** How Many Triangles Are There?
When we look for patterns, we notice what changes and what stays the same from one picture to the next. Drawing or building the pattern helps us think about what comes next! Support your children’s thinking by working together using drawings and/or colored blocks. ********************************************* What do you notice? Discussion suggestions The pattern starts with 1… Read More
The friendship between this unlikely pair of buddies shines from the first lines of this story. They are a team! They see each others’ good qualities, and when they make mistakes, there is no blame – they help each other out. ******************************* SLOTH & SQUIRREL IN A PICKLE Cathy Ballou – Author Kelly Collier – Illuistrator… Read More
Good thinkers collaborate and communicate. These problems are ideal to work on with a partner. If we encourage our children to work in pairs or small groups and share ideas, they may learn to recognize that two heads can be better than one. *********************************** SORTING SHAPES Age 5 to 7 Challenge Level Sara and Will were… Read More
This is a feel-good story of conviction and friendship. It celebrates Bear’s determination and acknowledges that reading is not an easy task, something our children will be able to empathize with. Fundamental to the story is the subtle message that there’s a difference between not being able to read and not wanting to read. ********************** BEARS… Read More
With cardboard, scissors, and art supplies, our families can create DIY construction sets with interlocking slots. We all have a steady supply of cardboard these days, so I started playing with the idea of making multiple pieces from cardboard. I traced and cut out cardboard circles, then tested out ways to connect the pieces. I cut… Read More
At a time when kindness, friendship, and community are more important than ever, author Nina Laden brings us her incredible book, You Are A Beautiful Beginning. It is a celebration of self-love, friendship, and community. Inspired by the timeless adage, this book is meant to empower our little ones and help them find their self-confidence and… Read More
Hedgehog searches for her lost friend, Mutty. The cast of creatures she meets during her journey each contribute to the search in their own special ways. Soon, Mole, Beaver, Hen, Owl, and Annika Mae teach Hedgehog that when you are going through tough times, the ones around you can offer strength, connection and perspective. ***************************** Sometimes… Read More
This is a perfect story to share with our children at any time, but especially with a little gardener at springtime. Perhaps it will inspire you and your little helpers to plant your own perfect garden! *********************** BADGER’S PERFECT GARDEN Marsha Diane Arnold – Author Ramona Kaulitzki – Illustrator It is spring. Badger has dozens of… Read More
