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. […]
Shape-ly Sculptures  Learn about numbers and letters with these tasty bread sculptures.  • 1 cup water • 1 tsp sugar • 1 Tbsp quick-acting yeast • 1 tsp salt • 2 cups flour • 1 Tbsp oil • measuring cup • wooden spoon • bowl • plastic knives and forks • wooden board • baking sheet • cookie cutters (optional) Preheat the oven to 400ºF.  With […]
 Scoop up some geometry, spatial reasoning, and creativity when you make this cool cone.  • construction paper • tissue paper • tape • glue • glitter • other collage or decorating materials Cut a sheet of paper into the shape of a triangle. Explain how the triangle can be rolled into the shape of a cone. Invite your child to […]
A reflective look at how two halves make a whole.  • construction paper • markers, crayons • scissors • safety mirror Ask your child to draw a few simple pictures of familiar objects. Then cut the pictures in half lengthwise.  Let him place the mirror next to each half-picture. What does he see? Draw half a shape on a […]
Simple sorting games teach your child how to categorize. • small boxes or containers with lids • multiples of the same or very similar toys • animal stickers • sturdy cardboard Put one small toy in a box and five to eight small toys in another box. Encourage your child to explore what is in the boxes. Count the toys […]
This sticky situation is perfect for toddlers.  • clear contact paper • collage materials — felt, ribbon, paper scraps (construction, wrapping, tissue) • construction paper (optional) Cut a piece of clear contact paper — approximately 12 to 15 inches square — and peel off the back. Provide your child with collage materials, and encourage her to stick them […]
Make an “Idea Box” for times when your child says “I’m bored!”. Start with a tissue or shoe box and let your child decorate it. When you come across an idea that strikes your fancy, write it on a slip of paper and place it in the box. Send them running to the idea box […]
 Children will create a classroom mural to help learn one another’s names.  ·      camera ·      butcher paper ·      pushpins or stapler ·      glue or tape ·      crayons, colored pencils, or markers  Take an individual headshot of each child in the class.  Cut butcher paper to fit the bulletin board. Paste pictures of […]
