Acknowledgements - gapitc

Scoop and Sift
You will need some “clean” potting soil, a plastic tub, flower pots and a few safe
flower plants. Put safe, simple “gardening tools,” such as a scoop and a sifter in
the tub.
Hide a few things in the soil for your child to find such as shells, plastic insects,
and plastic flowers. Be sure all items are large enough to avoid a choking hazard.
Take the tub outside and show your child how to use the scoop and sifter to
find the hidden surprises. Then let him explore!
Supervise carefully to keep hands and soil away from eyes and mouths!
Use the soil to plant safe flowers in the pots.
Check with a local nursery to find safe flowers that will grow in your setting. Put
the flower pots where your child can watch the plants grow but cannot reach
them. Let your child help water them regularly.
Developmental Tip
Some children do not like to put their hands in soil and sand. Do
not insist.
Appleberry Sauce
Cooking activities introduce children to many science concepts including measuring,
using simple tools, watching ingredients change form and color, and smell-
ing and tasting the finished product. Here’s a simple one.
• Peel and cut five or six apples in slices. Wash and clean five or six large
strawberries and cut in half.
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Let your child help put the apples and strawberries in a slow cooker or a pot
that you will put on the stove. Add water, covering about one fourth of the
apples. Add cinnamon if you wish. Set the cooker on high and cook 3 to 4
hours. Or, cover the pot on the stove and simmer until the apples are soft.
Start this in the morning so you can enjoy the smells all day and have the
Appleberry Sauce for an afternoon snack. If you are using a slow cooker, put
it in a safe place where your child cannot reach it.
Let your child help stir when it is done. Cool before serving.
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