Fountas & Pinnell Blog

Search online for images and videos of the ocean. Generate a list of words that describe some of the details they notice. Have the child write a sentence about one of the creatures.

Together create a drawing of a tree with bare branches. Have the child write the qualities they look for in a friend on paper leaves and then glue the leaves to the tree branches.

Prep dots cut from construction paper. Instruct the child to arrange the dots as the outline to a shape, then glue the dots down. Ask the child to 'connect the dots' into a drawing.

Break out the art supplies and a big piece of paper for the child to create an undersea scene with sea creatures. Include details such as undersea plants, shells, and coral.

With the child, role play meaningful friendship scenarios. Demonstrate how to be a good friend. Afterwards, talk about the words they used and the things they did, and discuss which work best.

Provide markers and ten sheets of paper to the child, and write a single number on each sheet from 1 to 10. Tape up the numbers around the room. Have the child arrange items related to the number under the paper.

Select a few non-fiction books for the child to read. After reading, work with the child to write down facts that they learned and questions they have.

Discuss how family members show they care in big and small ways. Together write each thing on a slip of paper. Select one slip for an act of kindness to perform every day until all of the slips are gone.

Engage the child in a Simon Says movement game. Explain that they will need to follow the lead of "Simon" to act out pet movements. Commands can include: "flap your wings like a bird," or "slither like a snake."

Work on real-world writing skills by having the child write lists of everyday things. When the lists are done, ask the child to pick out their favorite item and write a paragraph about what it means to them.

Turn your play area into a veterinarian’s office. Include the child's stuffed animal pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, turtles, etc. Play veterinarian and care for the animals.

Work with the child to create a big book that represents your family. Add one page for each loved one. The child can write down the things they love about each person.

Talk about the types of homes that pets sleep or live in like doghouses or aquariums. Encourage the child to build or decorate a safe and comfortable pet house.

Brainstorm with the child a list of different family members. Have the child choose a family member and, together, interview that person about family history.

Choose a rhyme, such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat," and invite the child to act out each of the verses with different motions.

Help the child research the facts, history, and interesting details of a country. Have them write a summary of the information they gathered.

Work with the child to use construction paper to cut out the trunk of a tree and glue it to a large blank piece of paper. Have the child decorate it with "leaves" made of letters.

Have the child create a paper "mosaic" that portrays the child's qualities. Use pre-cut squares with self-portraits, favorite activities, pets, sports, and so on.