Age range: Grades K–2 (Extension: grades 2–4)  To get the children moving, demonstrate that dance is a way to communicate, and show how modern dance is different than other forms of dance. Students will learn about body language and moving through space in new ways.  • A “scarfâ€(piece of colored fabric) for each […]
Make meals more fun with these math mats kids create.  • several sheets of colored construction paper • clear contact paper • Velcro tape (adhesive back) • adult-type scissors • markers, crayons, or colored chalk Invite your child to choose several colors of construction paper. From these, cut out squares, triangles, rectangles, and circles. Name each shape as you […]
Turn on your child’s fascination with how things work with a simple homemade game.  • Catalog or magazine pictures of different types of large and small machines and appliances your child recognizes • small basket or container • oaktag or index cards • large sheets of paper (chart paper or newsprint) • drawing paper • glue stick • scissors • markers • crayons […]
Turn a tour of your home into an easy alphabet lesson. • index cards • markers or crayons • tape • paper (as large as possible) Help your child write the letters of the alphabet (in upper- or lowercase) in index cards, putting one letter on each card. Pick a room in your home to start with — the living […]
  Make stamps perfect for little hands.  • potatoes (smaller white potatoes work best) • knife (adults only!) • tempera paint • paper plates • construction paper (different colors) • aluminum foil (optional) Prepare for this activity by cutting potatoes to a size small enough for your child to grasp. Next, cut away the outside of the potato so that […]
 • family photos • postcards, tickets, and greeting cards • 8″ x 10″ piece of cardboard • picture frame for an 8″ x 10″ photo, with mat • crayons • fabric, paper scraps, or other decorative items • child safety scissors • glue Read a book about families, such as The Family Book, by Todd Parr. Talk about your own family. How […]
Write a story and make a moving picture book to display it. • four paper-towel tubes • one narrow cardboard box • roll of brown paper • washable paint, markers, glue, and masking tape • adult-size scissors and utility knife • child safety scissors • ruler • old magazines First you and your child can create the “case” for his moving picture book. […]
Make your baby his very own book.  • cardboard • pictures from catalogs or magazines • glue • markers • clear contact paper  Cut a long strip of cardboard — approximately 24–30 inches long by 8 inches high. Fold the cardboard back and forth like an accordion (or a paper fan). Glue pictures cut from catalogs or magazines onto […]
