Animals in Winter: Preschool Science and Math

 

As any parent knows, young children are curious about the world. At the library, we explore a range of topics during Preschool Science and Math. When the weather turns cold, I turn to one of my favorite themes for preschool science: Animals in Winter. Here are some of the activities we did in December!

 

Dressed for Winter

Children were invited to "dress the animals for winter" by gluing cotton balls onto shapes of a hare, fox, and weasel. This activity helps to illustrate an animal adaptation, where brown fur changes to white so that the animals are better camouflaged in the snow.


Dressed for Winter

 

Fat? Feathers? Sweaters? Which is the Best Insulator?

Discussing the world in a scientific manner, helps children expand their vocabulary and build knowledge. This simple experiment provides a great introduction to the scientific method. First, children were asked to predict which insulator would best keep them warm: fat, feathers, or yarn. We indicated that prediction on a chart. Then, the children were asked to experiment and observe each insulator using prepared plastic bags lined with each insulator. The children placed their hand in the insulated bag and dunked it into a bowl of ice. Once they experimented with each, they evaluated whether their prediction was correct.

Fat Feathers Sweaters

 

Animal Tracks

On a table covered with white paper, we placed foam stencils of bear, dear, bird, and fox tracks. During the program, children created a jumble of tracks in the snow using the stencils and black markers. In order to create an opportunity for writing, children were encouraged to label the tracks.

 

Animal Tracks

Bird Feeder

This is a simple bird feeder that preschoolers can assemble fairly quickly -- and should stay useful if it is under cover. The bird feeder provides an opportunity for the children to continue their observation of animals in winter at home. The instructions for the feeder can be found at this blog.

 

Birdfeeder

Nurture your young child's fascination with the natural world! The more they know, the smarter they'll grow.

Look for Early Literacy Spots at the Library

EarlyLitandPatThere are so many everyday opportunities to talk with your young child about letters and numbers and other early literacy concepts -- things your child knows about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. You can point out letters on street signs and store names, or note the numbers on speed limit signs and addresses on buildings. We are reinforcing this idea that developing a child's knowledge of letters, numbers, colors, shapes, sizes, etc. can happen in small ways every day, by creating "Early Literacy Spot" activities throughout the children's area of the Main Library.

This month, we have been talking about "transportation" in many of our programs, so our newest early literacy spots relate to this theme. Next time you are by the "Ask Questions Here" desk, look for the red column where we have posted pictures of different vehicles with a ruler noting how tall the wheels on these vehicles are. Is your child taller than the wheels of an old covered wagon? What number is by that vehicle? We have even posted some activities in the family restrooms! How many green cars can your child find driving across the wall?

Look for these and other early literacy spots in the library on your next visit -- and consider other everyday moments that can help your young child develop the skills they need for learning to read. For more information about early literacy, see the Every Child Ready to Read section of our website.

Early Literacy at The Learn and Play Space

If you know a child who is 7 years old or younger, the Learn and Play Space in the Children's Department at your Monroe County Public Library is the perfect place to visit. Children and their adult caregivers may explore several learning stations that were designed to help build early literacy skills. Children grow vocabulary when they work puzzles and play with puppets. Imaginary play in the store and the kitchen builds narrative skills which help children make meaning of words when they begin to read. The letter wall is a great place to learn the names of the letters and to practice the sounds the letters make. The writing center is stocked with cards, paper, envelopes, and markers so children can write books, mail letters, and draw pictures. Trained supervisors are available during most open hours to guide learning experiences, play games, and provide craft materials. There is even a dedicated space that is reserved for infants who are not walking and their caregivers exclusively. This engaging space has been made possible by support from the Smithville Charitable Foundation and the Friends of the Monroe County Public Library. Paper supplies for the writing center are received from the Reuse Center at the District.

When you come to the Learn and Play Space, don't forget to share books. Reading aloud to a child is a great way to build early literacy skills. Children learn that books are important when their adult reads to them. When adults read with expression and enthusiasm, they communicate the joy of reading to children. It is also great fun to "take a picture walk." Choose a page in a book with interesting illustrations that show some action. Ask open-ended questions. "What do you think is going to happen next?" "What would you do if that happened to you?" "How would you feel?" "Why do you think that happened?" Expand on what your child says by repeating or paraphrasing, adding details, and using new words.

You can read more about how libraries and caregivers are partnering to promote early literacy in
Early Literacy Storytimes @ Your Library : Partnering with Caregivers for Success by Saroj Ghoting.

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