Literacy

We’ve been all about telling stories this summer – try “storytelling” with your family without words! Acting out charades is a fun way to communicate using your movement and motions. You probably know that charades is acting without speaking, but this website gives a clear outline of the rules and some tips for giving clues.

Some public athletic facilities are open for limited play – how about mixing up your routine a little with some basketball? It’s OK if you think you’re the worst b-ball players ever (sorry, but my household actually wins that title!) – you’ll get some sunshine, a little physical activity, and most likely, some giggles. Our favorite game is HORSE.

A few months ago, we featured these Build-A-Story cards from Barefoot Books. They’re a fun way to Imagine Your Story - write or tell a story of your own! This time, we’ve got more cards with new characters, settings, and ideas for you to use.

Kitchen exploration is a fun way to spend time with your kids!

They might try new foods.
They will learn lifelong skills.
They can practice reading by reading recipes.
They can work on math (fractions, anyone?!). Try doubling or halving a recipe! 

Ever thought about writing a book? Maybe a really short one? Literally… short…

We’re living through a global pandemic – a situation which almost no one still living has experienced before. Many people are keeping “COVID Journals” to record their thoughts, feelings, challenges, and small triumphs as we carry on, day by day. (Have you seen these coloring pages?

Letter writing has become a bit of a revived craft over these past months as people are looking for creative ways to connect with loved ones near and far. It’s also a great practice for kids learning how to organize a letter, work on their handwriting, or just learn a life skill (stamp goes on the top right!). Consider writing to your favorite author or illustrator. Many are inundated by too many letters to respond, but others do try to send some sort of reply. Maybe you’ll get a surprise in the mail too!

Some tips for writing to authors

Using these really fun cards from Barefoot Books, take the following elements to write a story of your own! Work on your writing skills by creating a story (make sure it has a beginning, a middle, and an end!), or share a story out loud with the whole family as a bedtime story!