Fizzing Shamrocks

March 1, 2016

This preschool science activity is great for St. Patrick’s Day! We experiment with baking soda and vinegar using a special dough mixture to make Fizzing Shamrocks. Here is a step-by-step picture tutorial of how to complete the activity, including expanded questions to discuss with the children. This activity requires freeze time, so plan to provide other activities while waiting.

Books for Tender Topics

February 17, 2016

Books are a great resource for helping children to learn about and cope with difficult topics. Below is a list of books that might be helpful to providers and families in talking with children about diverse, unique, and challenging circumstances. Please note: Not all suggested books in this list will be a good fit for all families. Books should be screened and shared according to their need and relevance. Your local librarian may be able to help you find additional resources for specific topics.

Hearts for Art

February 8, 2016

As Valentine’s Day approaches, children are likely to be interested in adding hearts to valentines and other artwork. If you take a few minutes to teach them how to cut out a heart without a pattern, they will be empowered to create hearts of all sizes from any paper they like. Here’s an easy way:

Gummy Bear Science

February 2, 2016

Invite your little scientists to do an experiment with gummy bears! This is one of our most popular STEAM activities.

Early Literacy – Writing Development

January 28, 2016

Children learn about writing long before they are able to write themselves. They discover more about written language each time they see print in their environment. It was once believed that children would not be able to write until they had mastered the basic aspects of spoken language, but children are “writing” when they experiment with different paint strokes or when they scribble various marks across a paper. We now know all developmental aspects of early literacy (speaking, reading, and writing) build on each other and develop simultaneously.

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