May 2011
Read Aloud Picture Books: The Umbrella May 31, 2011
Jan Brett's picture book, 'The Umbrella,' begins as a story about young Carlos and turns into an adventure following his abandoned umbrella. With rich illustrations and a witty narrative, 'The Umbrella' is a great read aloud story that includes...
Tips for First-Time Art Museum Visitors (and their Parents) May 31, 2011
Art museums, with their valuable paintings and quiet rooms, can seem like daunting places for a family field trip. Yet both young and old children can greatly benefit from visiting a local museum. With effective planning, you can make a field...
Great Books for Young Children: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? May 27, 2011
'Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?' was the first book illustrated by Eric Carle, who has continued to illustrate and write dozens of children's books, including 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar.' With text by Bill Martin Jr., 'Brown Bear,...
Learning Opportunities at the Local Bakery May 26, 2011
If your child has ever asked to help you as you bake a cake, cookies or cupcakes, then a field trip to a local bakery may be a hit. It's a great opportunity to teach your child about professional baking while also getting a peek behind the scenes...
Timeless Books to Share with Your Child: The Giving Tree May 25, 2011
Shel Silverstein's 1964 story ''The Giving Tree'' is a timeless tale about a boy, a tree and their lasting bond that transcends age and time. This book is ideal for reading aloud with your child and provides wonderful opportunities for thoughtful...
Great Books for Bedtime: I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon May 24, 2011
Published in 1994, 'I Love You Sun, I Love You Moon' is a board book written by Karen Pandell and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. The simple text and comforting drawings make it a great choice as both a read aloud story and a bedtime story with...
Teach Children Respect for Animals at the Wildlife Sanctuary May 23, 2011
A wildlife sanctuary is a terrific field trip idea if you're interested in teaching your child about animals. Unlike a zoo, wildlife sanctuaries often allow animals to live as they would in the wild. These sites can be highly educational and help...
Learn About the Animal Kingdom at the Zoo May 20, 2011
The zoo is a great place to see animals and learn about the environments in which they live. Going on a field trip to your local zoo helps encourage your child to understand the diversity of the world's creatures and habitats, a lesson that you...
Geology Lessons at Rocky Mountain National Park May 19, 2011
Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park provides a plethora of family activities for all ages. The majestic park is an ideal trip destination throughout the year, though it's most accessible for children during the summer months when the weather...
Books to Engage the Young Reader: Elmer May 18, 2011
David McKee's 1989 picture book 'Elmer' is the first in an extensive series of stories about a patchwork elephant who has many adventures. 'Elmer' is well-suited to reading aloud with your child and it can act as an excellent source for engaging...
Local Field Trip: Fire Station May 17, 2011
Firefighters hold a powerful mystique for many children. A trip to a local fire station can therefore be both exciting and educational, but there are several things to caution your child about before you go.
Read Aloud Stories: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie May 16, 2011
'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' is a picture book from 1985 that was written by Laura Numeroff and illustrated by Felicia Bond. The story follows a mouse who is first given a cookie by a little boy, only to continue asking for favors while wearing...
Family Field Trip: The Museum of Natural History May 13, 2011
Did you know that dinosaurs lurk in the Upper West Side of New York City? Share the wonders of science with your kids by visiting the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH). Enjoy an IMAX movie and see what's on display inside its 46...
Family Field Trip: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island May 12, 2011
For millions of immigrants, the Statue of Liberty was the sign that they'd arrived in America, a new world of hope and freedom, and Ellis Island became their first stop and the gateway into the country. Many families visit the Statue of Liberty...
Family Field Trip: The Lincoln Memorial May 11, 2011
The Lincoln Memorial is a must-see for many visitors to Washington, D.C. The impressive tribute to our 16th president is a symbol of Lincoln's legacy and an inspiring memorial of freedom. Taking your child to visit the Lincoln Memorial can...
Family Field Trips: The Freedom Trail May 10, 2011
The Freedom Trail, a red brick path winding for 2.5 miles through Boston, is an entirely unique family field trip opportunity. Along the trail you'll encounter historic and educational sites that are mostly significant for their connection to the...
Mental Math Tricks May 10, 2011
Impress your teachers, parents and friends by being able to solve equations in your head as fast as a calculator! Here are a few of our favorite tricks to make mental math easier.
Family Field Trip: The Smithsonian Museums May 10, 2011
The Smithsonian is a sprawling collection of 19 museums, nine research centers and the National Zoo, most of which are located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. All together, the Smithsonian forms the largest museum and research complex...
Picture Books to Read Together: The Carrot Seed May 09, 2011
'The Carrot Seed' is a picture book written by Ruth Krauss and illustrated by Crockett Johnson. Originally published in 1945, the short book provides opportunities to both engage your child while you read and interact after the story.
Kids' Learning Resources: PBS Kids May 06, 2011
Did you know that you and your children can watch your favorite PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) shows, like Sesame Street, Curious George and Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, on the Web at any time? Explore streaming videos, interactive games and...
Family Field Trip: The Grand Canyon May 05, 2011
More than five million people are drawn to the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona each year. This breathtaking geological wonder, which earned National Park status in 1919, can provide your child with a memorable and enlightening lesson in geology...
Math Around the House May 04, 2011
Are you looking for ways to keep math skills sharp over summer vacation? Sparking your child's interest in math is as easy as 1-2-3 with these activities.
Great Books For New Readers May 02, 2011
Are you looking for fun learn-to-read books for your preschooler or kindergartner? It's not easy to find engaging materials that also help your child learn phonics, sight words and grammar. Check out some of these books recommended by parents and...