This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to understand and use a growing vocabulary.
Materials Needed:
- “Blueberries for Sal” children’s book by Robert McCloskey (or search for an online version if you don’t have the book on hand)
Participants: This activity is intended for parent/child interaction.
Directions:
- Read or listen to the story.
- Point out new or interesting vocabulary words such as kerplunk or tremendous.
- Depending on your child’s interest and understanding, discuss the following ideas together:
- How would you feel if you were Sal and discovered you were following a bear instead of your mother?
- How do you think Little Bear felt?
- What happened first in the story? What happened next? What happened last?
Learn More: Try extending this activity. Read it more than once over several days. Gather simple props, such as a stuffed bear, a pail, or a bowl. Encourage your child to act out the story, draw pictures, or make a book. Make blueberry muffins or pancakes. You can also choose any favorite book and use the guiding.