This hands-on paint alternative is perfect for younger children.  • 1 cup each flour, salt, and water • empty plastic squeeze bottles • watercolor paints • spoon and bowl for each color • cardboard squares or heavy paper With your child, mix flour, salt, and water in a bowl. Stir in paint until the mixture is the desired color. […]
You can support your toddler’s writing development by having materials available. Keeping materials for writing and drawing handy will encourage your toddler to draw and “write.” Children take pride in their work and like to have their attempts acknowledged by parents or caregivers   Drawing is a complex task, but it helps toddlers become […]
These engaging activities help build the foundation for reading.  • Storybooks • Books with rhymes  1. Take a picture walk. Before they can read words, young children use picture cues to retell stories. Invite your toddler to describe what is happening in the illustrations of a favorite book. Ask lots of questions to hone his observation […]
Help your children with early writing skills by having them trace their name onto wax paper! Sandwich their name written on a wordstrip or other paper in between folded wax paper. Have them trace over their name with marker (preferable to crayon or pencil which won’t show up as clearly). Save the wax paper each […]
Find fast ideas for introducing your baby to books. 1.     Create reading rituals. Set aside a specific time of day to be your daily reading time. Make a routine of picking out the day’s books together and then sitting in your designated reading spot. 2.     Cuddle. Find a comfortable, quiet place to read and snuggle […]
Literacy begins at birth. The early reading and writing experiences children have help prepare them for later success in school. That’s why rich and varied language and literacy experiences at home and at preschool are so important. Children who have been read to, who know nursery rhymes and chants, who hear a great deal of […]
One of the best ways to introduce books to your child is to put a board book in her hands. The small-sized, thick cardboard pages that can easily be turned and the bright illustrations will engage your child’s attention and will put this particular reading event under her control. Spend time with the cover. What […]
 For our story we read It’s Pumpkin Time by Zoe Hall and Shari Halpern. A brother and sister get ready for Halloween early- by planting their own pumpkin patch! Readers will discover the simple joys of gardening and enjoy watching the exciting transformation from pumpkinseed to jack-o’-lantern. simple, bold illustrations inspired our project this […]
