Blueberries for Sal

Child reads educational books at child care center

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:

  1. Read or listen to the story.
  2. Point out new or interesting vocabulary words such as kerplunk or tremendous.
  3. Depending on your child’s interest and understanding, discuss the following ideas together:
    1. How would you feel if you were Sal and discovered you were following a bear instead of your mother?
    2. How do you think Little Bear felt?
    3. 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.

Bright Horizons
About the Author
Bright Horizons
Bright Horizons
In 1986, our founders saw that child care was an enormous obstacle for working parents. On-site centers became one way we responded to help employees – and organizations -- work better. Today we offer child care, elder care, and help for education and careers -- tools used by more than 1,000 of the world’s top employers and that power many of the world's best brands
Child reads educational books at child care center