Learning Snacks

Whether your child is a fan of bathtime or not, playing with water can be enjoyed by children of all ages. Water play allows children to explore different sensory activities and can be a calming activity — especially on a hot July day!

On the 4^th of July, we celebrate Independence Day to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when the 13 North American colonies declared their intention and right to be “Free and Independent States” and no longer be governed by the English monarchy.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! There is nothing better on a hot summer day than ice cream in whatever form it takes! June 27^th is National Ice Cream Cake Day, so celebrate summertime with a cold and tasty treat, but watch out for that brain freeze!

With summer break quickly approaching, it’s time to make some changes to how we spend our days, weather they are spent finding shapes in the clouds or busy at camp or with friends at the local pool. Establishing routines for the summer can help children transition to a new schedule and make them feel more comfortable and confident!

With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking of ways to beat the heat and enjoy the warm weather. PBS Kid’s Summer of Possibilities offers tons of hands-on activities, games, and articles to encourage educational play all summer long!

Pride Month is observed in the U.S. and, increasingly, around the world, as a time to raise awareness about the contributions that people in the LGBTQ+ community have made throughout history. Throughout June, the rainbow becomes a symbol representing inclusivity. Children can understand that Pride is all about celebrating love, friendship, acceptance, and respecting everyone’s unique identity — regardless of who we are or who we love.

On May 30^th, we celebrate Memorial Day to honor those who have given their lives fighting in the United States Armed Forces.

Friday, May 20^th is Endangered Species Day, a day of awareness and action begun by the Endangered Species Coalition. Endangered species are animals that are very likely to become extinct in the near future, either worldwide or in a particular area. Here is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s list of Connecticut species that are considered endangered.

Each May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. But why do we celebrate in May? In 1977, the U.S. Congress chose the first ten days of May to honor the history and contributions of Asian American communities in the United States. May is also the month in which the first Japanese immigrants came to the U.S. in 1843.

This week we honor some of the people in our lives who dedicate so much of their lives to help us to learn and grow. (Teacher Appreciation Day is today, May 5th and Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8th) Below, we’ve collected many ways to show your appreciation.

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Autism is a bio-neurological developmental disability that causes differences in the brain that can vary greatly — no two people with autism experience it in exactly the same way. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 44 children, so PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS Learning Media have created many programs and resources to help all of us build on our empathy and acceptance of our neurodiverse neighbors.

There is much to celebrate as April draws to a close, and much to learn about. This Friday, April 22^nd, is Earth Day. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day and the environmental movement were partly inspired by a stunning photo of our home planet that nobody had ever seen before! During the month of April, many world religions also observe important holidays like Passover, Easter and Ramadan.

Saturday the 23^rd is UNESCO’s World Book Day! Share some stories that inspire outdoor exploration from this list. Read stories about Ramadan and Passover, and enjoy the lively new energy of Spring with these books! (And here’s a suggestion for re-using those plastic Easter eggs for more than just candy.)

Spring has sprung! During this “Earth Month,” encourage curiosity as you and your family explore nature! Get outside and enjoy the new blooms and sunshine, and hunt for other signs of the season together. There is no better feeling after a long winter than spending time in the great outdoors!