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 […]
A page for an alphabet book   Hole punch Green, black, yellow, and white construction paper Scissors Glue Thin black marker 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper   Draw some leave shapes and have your child cut them out. Cut out a ‘stem’ for your milkweed plant and some grass for the […]
 Teach your children how to find information rather than concentrating on the information itself. There’s so much to learn and so many sources of information, that you have to know how to find what you want.  PROJECT: To find information using different library reference materials to encourage kids to learn how to do […]
 Sounds can be fun, especially when you’re trying to stump your mom or dad. Your child may enjoy this guessing game so much, he won’t even know he’s getting ready to learn to read!  Tell your child you are thinking of a word that begins with the f-f-f-f-f sound. Ask him to repeat […]
Here is a fun activity that integrates art, science and language arts.  To introduce color mixing To develop fine motor skills To strengthen pre-writing skills   Have all materials ready: heavy-duty ziploc bags, masking tape and paint.  Have the children pick two primary colors of the paint to put into their bag. […]
It is important for children who will be entering kindergarten to have some understanding of prepositions. So I use this learning technique before story time that they really love. Parents often comment that the children do it at home too! Understanding spatial relationships Learning prepositions Reinforcing concepts about print  At circle time when you […]
Make a book that shows off your child’s favorite physical feats. photos of your child oak tag paper hole punch small binder rings glue sticks markers or crayons stickers or small rubber stamps Tell your child you will be making a book about his physical skills. What does he know how (and love) to do: […]
Favorite words about being on the go make up the art and design of this homemade book. magazines construction paper glue markers, crayons, pencils or paints Invite your child to find a variety of pictures in magazines that show people or animals moving, and cut them out. Create a list of words that describe the […]
