What exactly is a “literate home?” It is an environment that encourages children to learn to read and write and become lifelong readers and writers. Transforming your home into a literate home is simple and inexpensive. You need to consider what kinds of materials to have on hand and how to arrange materials so your […]
 Make a Super-hero costume out of household items  This activity will work best for older toddlers. Outfitting your youngster won’t take a lot of time- I’ve found kitchen items work great with little trouble. Try the following items:  – For a shield, use a pizza pan or cookie sheet.  – For […]
A marble, some paper towel tubes and tape can be the basis for this fun game. Challenge your kids to move a marble from one spot to another through tube tunnels. Start easy (say, from a chair to the other side of the room), then get harder (around the corner and downstairs). For older children, […]
 Your child’s likely got buckets of submersible plastic animals, figurines, and cars. But if your imagination feels waterlogged when it comes to fresh ways to play with them, we’ve got some ideas that are sure to float your little one’s boat.  Noah’s Ark It’s raining! Forty days and 40 long nights. Send a […]
Cardboard or card stock Pencil Scissors 2 new 1/2-inch-thick kitchen sponges, in different colors Washable marker  Make a template. To do so, trace the perimeter of the sponge onto the cardboard, and then draw a simple shape in the center of that rectangle, leaving at least a 1/2-inch border between the sides of the […]
 The tub makes a great place for your child to paint. When they are finished, just rinse them off.  Paint Recipe:  1/2 C. Cornstarch 1 C. Cold Water 1 Envellope Unflavored Gellatin 2 C. Boiling Water Food Coloring  Combine cornstarch and 3/4 C. cold water in a sauce pan and mix […]
The next time you’re on the road or waiting for a meal, give this classic family game a mathematical twist.  1. Play this game with your child while riding the bus or driving in the car, waiting at the doctor’s office or shopping together in the supermarket. For starters, find something in clear view […]
This easy salt dough project encourages imagination and gift-giving. • 1 cup flour • 1 cup salt • 1/2 cup water • Food coloring 1. Mix the flour, salt, and water. If necessary, add more flour until mixture has a doughy, but not sticky, consistency. Add food coloring for vibrancy. (Dough can be stored in a plastic container for a […]
