Letters & reading
1st gradeReading Punctuation with Expression
Use end punctuation as a cue for spoken meaning. We found it. and We found it! can sound different.
9 min readFOR THE GROWN-UPS BEHIND THE LITTLE EXPLORERS
Early Learning Activities & Parent Guides · Page 2
Page 2. Practical activities for children ages 3–8: letters, counting, shapes, colors, science, and social learning, with examples and tips for parents.
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300 guides to explore
Letters & reading
2nd gradeDescribing a Character with Evidence
Support an idea about a character with a story detail. A character who returns a lost toy may be acting thoughtfully.
10 min readLetters & reading
1st gradeChoosing a Just-Right Shared Reading Challenge
Adjust a reading activity without treating a child’s pace as a race. A familiar animal topic can reduce the effort of understanding new print.
10 min readLetters & reading
PreschoolReading Environmental Print on a Neighborhood Walk
Notice that everyday signs carry predictable messages. A STOP sign carries a message in a specific setting.
9 min read
Letters & reading
2nd gradeTurning a Favorite Fact into a Two-Sentence Report
Organize one observed fact and one supporting detail. The leaf has veins. I can see a line down the middle.
9 min readLetters & reading
KindergartenWordless Picture Books for Storytelling Practice
Build a coherent spoken story from a sequence of illustrations. A dropped mitten can connect two neighboring pictures.
9 min read
Numbers & math
PreschoolOne-to-One Counting with Snack-Time Supplies
Match one number word to each object in a small set. One spoon can be moved for each number spoken.
9 min read
Numbers & math
PreschoolUnderstanding Zero with an Empty Basket
Connect the word zero with a set containing no objects. A basket with no blocks has zero blocks.
9 min read
Numbers & math
PreschoolRecognizing Numerals through a Parking Game
Match a written numeral with a counted group. The space labeled 3 needs three blocks.
9 min read
Numbers & math
KindergartenComparing More and Fewer without Guessing by Size
Compare two groups by pairing objects. Four spread-out blocks can still be fewer than five close-together blocks.
9 min read
Numbers & math
KindergartenMaking Five in Different Ways
Decompose a small total into two parts. Five can be split into two and three.
9 min readNumbers & math
KindergartenMaking Ten with a Homemade Ten-Frame
Recognize ten as a full arrangement with two rows of five. Seven filled spaces leave three empty spaces.
9 min read
Numbers & math
KindergartenAddition Stories with Toy Animals
Model addition as joining two groups. Two animals join three animals to make five.
9 min readNumbers & math
KindergartenSubtraction as Taking Away with Paper Leaves
Model subtraction by removing objects from a visible set. Seven leaves with two moved away leaves five.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeCounting On from a Known Number
Continue a count from an established total. Knowing there are four lets the next count begin at five.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeNumber Lines Made from Floor Tiles
Connect a move along a number line with a numerical change. Starting at 3 and moving two spaces forward lands on 5.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeSkip Counting by Twos with Paired Socks
Count equal pairs as groups of two. Five pairs can be counted as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeSkip Counting by Fives with Hand Outlines
Connect equal groups of five with a growing total. Three five-finger outlines represent fifteen fingers.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeTens and Ones with Bundled Paper Strips
Compose a two-digit number from tens and ones. One bundle and four loose strips represent fourteen.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeTeen Numbers as Ten and Some More
Distinguish teen quantities using a full ten and extra ones. Sixteen means a group of ten and six more.
9 min readNumbers & math
KindergartenOrdering Numbers from Smallest to Largest
Compare and arrange several quantities consistently. 2, 5, and 8 belong in that increasing order.
9 min read
Numbers & math
KindergartenFinding a Missing Number in a Counting Path
Use neighboring numbers to complete a sequence. 4, 5, blank, 7 needs 6 in the open space.
9 min readNumbers & math
1st gradeEqual Sharing with Crayons
Distribute objects so each recipient receives the same amount. Six crayons shared equally between two toys gives three each.
9 min readNumbers & math
2nd gradeFair Does Not Always Mean Equal: A Math Conversation
Distinguish equal quantities from a discussion about different needs. Equal groups can be counted, while fairness also depends on the story.
9 min read