Weekend Reads 9.27.13

Articles:

After reading the research for this week’s post on the importance of talking with your kids, which suggested that conversations in the early years could actually erase gaps between socio-economic groupings, I found this series of short posts from the Brookings Institute so interesting  (in fact, the same study is cited in the last post):

The Parenting Gap

Early Childhood Achievement Gaps and Social Mobility  (Part 1) 

(Part 2)

(Part 3)

And then there’s this much longer one:

Parenting, Politics, and Social Mobility

I don’t agree with all of the opinions in these papers, but I do find the discussion fascinating.  I’d love to hear what you think!

Activities:

Going on a Leaf Hunt in Preschool {Teach Preschool}

I wish I could be one of the kids in Deborah’s classroom!  So many amazing things going on!  Here, she’s sharing a great outdoor activity along with a simple printable to focus the children in their hunt for fall leaves.  A smooth integration of nature, counting, and sorting, all while enjoying the beauty of fall!  (Pictured Above)

But what if you don’t have colorful leaves in your neck of the woods?  Check out what Katie Heap did below…

We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt: An Autumn Adventure in Detective Work for Kids {Lasso the Moon}

(Pictured Above)

Use Your Words Wisely {PickleBums}

This is a great springboard for your own activity in a classroom or family setting.  How do we use our words wisely?  Incorporate some of these fantastic points, but let your kids drive the discussion.  Maybe you could create a visual similar to the one Kate put together. (Pictured Above)

Painting Clouds on a Mirror {Happy Hooligans}

I love this idea!  A hybrid experience mixing sensory and creativity with a generous dash of Reggio.  Reflect the sky in your mirror and go to town creating realistic, fluffy clouds!

Enjoy Your Weekend!