A homemade picture book is a personal introduction to literacy.  • sturdy plastic photo album with plastic photo protectors • photographs, greeting cards, and pictures cut out of magazines • heavy card stock • nontoxic glue Gather materials to get started, then let your baby’s or toddler’s interest dictate the content.  Feature family photos. Glue photos to card […]
Introduce your child to the wonder that is her sense of touch.  • My First Taggies, by Kaori Wantanabe • several pieces of cardboard • hole punch • glue • velvet/velour • sandpaper • satin • ribbon • fleece • any other kind of fabric • permanent marker If available, read My First Taggies with your child. Introduce him to the different sensations of touching […]
How to get organized for the busiest season? My friend Ann (a.k.a. FamilyFun magazine editor Ann Hallock) gave me the answer–a customized Holiday Planner, neatly divided by topic, with pockets for stashing various memorabilia. It organizes the entire season into one three-ring binder. It provides a place to write down all your lists in one […]
Intrigue your toddler with this sticky stuff.  • ½ cup water • food coloring • cornstarch (one handful) • plastic plate or bowl Add a few drops of food coloring to the water. Place approximately one handful of cornstarch on a plastic plate or bowl. Talk with your child about how the cornstarch feels. Is it soft or hard? […]
1. Spin toothbrush — we love these disposable things, and chew through them quick! 2. Animal flossers — good for your teeth, and great to keep little hands (and mouths!) busy. 3. Flavored toothpaste (vanilla from Tanner’s Tasty Paste) — this stuff tastes like REAL ice cream; if your kid hates to brush, this may […]
Make fruits and veggies fun! • Dog Food, by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers • an assortment of fruits and vegetables • paint • paper plates • paper Read Dog Food with your child (if available). In this newest creation by authors Freymann and Elffers, you find fruits and vegetables cut and arranged to make all kinds of dog “sculptures” […]
Help your child to make her very own daily newspaper. • newspaper • art supplies • builds vocabulary • promotes social awareness Look at a newspaper with your child. Talk about the different sections, such as sports, weather, and entertainment. Point out how headlines look different from articles. Find one or two articles and pictures that interest her and […]
What is a male turkey called? What is female turkey called ? Where will you find the turkey’s wattle? Where will you find the turkey’s caruncles? Where is the turkey’s snood? About how long does it take a domestic turkey to grow from birth into a turkey that is plump enough for market? Check your […]
