It's week three of Summer Reading! We hope you're ready to set sail for adventure this week as we explore boats. Don’t forget to visit the library for a bookmark to track your summer reading and earn prizes!
#READ: Alphabet Boats by Samantha Vamos
Use your library card or apply for an ecard here to access our digital library!
Following on the successful heels of Samantha Vamos's Alphabet Trucks and anticipating even more success from Alphabet Trains, readers are invited to join the journey through each letter of the alphabet. With colorful, kid-friendly art, this third entry into the series captures the uniqueness of twenty-six different kinds of boats and involves each letter of the alphabet in a supporting role.
Increase pre-literacy skills as you read together:
- When reading this book together, you don't need to share every page in one sitting. To keep reading fun, let your child guide how much they want to read at a time and then come back to it later for more.
- As you read each letter to your little one, practice making its sound together.
- The featured letter is hidden in the illustration on each page. Encourage your little one to try to find some of them!
- If your child shows interest in some of the types of boats, flip to the back of the book and share the extra information about it.
#SING: Row Your Boat
Row, row, row your boat gently out to sea,
If you see a dolphin there, jump around with glee!
Row, row, row your boat gently out to sea,
If you see some fish out there, wiggle around with glee!
Row, row, row your boat gently out to sea,
If you see a seagull there, flap your arms with glee!
Row, row, row your boat gently out to sea,
If you see a shark out there, whisper quietly.
#EXPLORE: Does It Float?
Materials:
- Large plastic storage container or bathtub
- Hot glue gun (adults only)
- Scissors
- Various materials to make a boat. For example,
- Styrofoam container or egg carton
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic cups
- Plastic yogurt containers
- Duct tape
- Various materials for boat cargo. For example, marbles or pop-pom balls.
Instructions:
- Begin by talking about boats with your little one. Ask them some questions, such as what do you know about boats? Where have you seen them? What do they look like? What do they do?
- Work with your little one to create a boat out of the materials you have gathered. Let them do as much as they can on their own, but assist them when needed. Let them guide and make decisions about the creation of the boat, even if it may not float.
- Test your boat. Does it float?
- Have your little one put some of the "cargo" materials into the boat. What happens?
- Repeat steps 2-4, creating boats and testing them, as many times as desired.
Check out more activities like this one in Tinkerlab: A Hands-on Guide for Little Inventors by Rachelle Doorley.
#JOIN: Attend a program virtually or in person!
View all early childhood programs and events offered this week.
For virtual programs, registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Use the link in the program information to register.
For in person programs, registration is required. If space allows, walk-ins will be admitted. Use the link in the program information to register.
