Archive for Literacy Activities

The Olympics have begun! Talk with your children about this world-wide event in which every country can participate.  If you can, watch an event or two with your children and explain the event to them. Find a map in the library or online and show your children where…

Fireworks are a traditional part of Fourth of July celebrations – the candles for America’s birthday! Now you don’t have to wait until dark, you can create your own fireworks at home with your children (these won’t be as loud). Paint fireworks are a fun way to get…

Happy Memorial Day! The unofficial kickoff to summer is upon us and that means time for lots of outdoor play – not only running around play but also the kind of art projects you don’t want to do inside!  Outdoor play is fun for children (and adults as…

Today is Arbor Day! Today is a great day to take a walk outside with your children, and talk about the importance of trees and why we need to plant and care for them. If there is an opportunity to plant trees today in your community, we encourage…

Spring is here!  Celebrate the arrival of a new season by talking with your child the changes that occur during the springtime.  Ask them what they like about the spring or what they look forward to doing in the warmer weather.  Do a fun art activity together to…

Everyone can join in celebrating the Lunar New Year with this great Dragon Puppet! Dragons are a Chinese good luck symbol.  The dragon dance is usually performed during Lunar New Year and the longer the dance the more luck it brings to the community. Make a dragon puppet…

February 2nd is Groundhog Day! Explain the day by reading great Groundhog Day themed books with your children such as the ones below, having conversations with your child as to what it means if the groundhog sees its shadow or not, and ask your child if he or…

This art activity is fun for children of all ages. If your children do not know what a resolution is, explain to them that it is their plan for the good things they want to do in the coming year. Not only is this a great conversation topic,…

Young children love playing with paint, crumpling paper, and gluing things! For Thanksgiving, help your child make their own turkey!  Try the classic handprint by having them put their hand in paint and then on paper. Then be adventurous and try out a footprint! All you need is some…

Fun fall art project for parents and children to do together!   Tissue Paper Fall Wreath You will need: Paper plates Tissue paper Glue Brown construction paper or paper colored brown with markers or crayons Artificial leaves or flowers or real fall leaves collected in your neighborhood or…

  You will need: Brown paper bags Orange, green, and black or brown paint, crayons, or markers Paintbrush if using paint Magazines/Newspaper/Tissue Paper Green ribbon or string Construction paper Glue   Directions: Paint or color the lower portion of the lunch bag orange. Make sure to paint all…