Resources

How to Code a Sandcastle is a book written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Sara Palacios. Pearl and her robot use step-by-step directions to build the perfect sandcastle. How would you plan to build a sandcastle? What step come first? Next? Then?

Gabi's If/Then Garden is a book written by Caroline Karanja and illustrated by Ben Whitehouse. Gabi and her friend, Adi uses “if/then” statements to help them make decisions in the garden. Try simple “if/then” ideas with your child, like “If you put on your coat, then we can go outside.”

Incorporating sequencing into handwashing

STEM in the kitchen with desserts

STEM in the kitchen for breakfast

Incorporating sequencing into brushing teeth

Encourage STEM learning while playing with blocks

Encourage STEM learning while playing with balls

Encourage STEM learning during various daily routines

While doing dishes, have your child help you out. Talk about how you do the same steps each time with each dish until they are all done. Help them follow the steps.

Help your child create and follow more complex sequences in your daily routines. For example, while your child is brushing their teeth, talk about how the steps need to go in a specific order (such as, “We first need to put the toothpaste on the toothbrush, then we can put the toothbrush in our mouth.”)

Think about activities or routines you can do with your child that have 1-2 steps. For example, at bedtime, talk about and ask your child to do 2 step routines such as first, you put on pajamas and then next you get into bed. When heading outside, first you put on your coat, then play!

Help your child make a dance out of a series of pictures representing movements or actions (clap, stomp, twist, smile, shake, etc.) Give your child the pictures and help them select an order to “do the dance.”

Think about an action or activity your child can do over again several times (e.g., shaking a rattle, pushing a ball, batting at their play gym, clapping hands). Encourage your child to do the action or activity again.

Think about an action that can be repeated a few times (e.g., peek-a-boo, tickles). Help your child understand the action repeats by stopping the action and using a surprised face. Pause to see what your child will do next.

Gather stacking materials (e.g., blocks, books, containers). Build a tower with your child. Miss placing a block on the tower and pause to see if your child notices your error. Help your child notice the error you made.

Play a back-and-forth game with the child such as rolling a ball. Then add a “roadblock” (with a box, block, or another object that will stop the ball) so that the ball gets stuck. Help your child solve the problem and clear the way for the ball (or object you are rolling back and forth).

Think about activities or routines you can do with your child that have 2-3 steps (e.g., getting dressed, putting socks and shoes). Talk to your child about how some steps need to be completed in a specific order by purposefully completing a task in the incorrect order (i.e., putting on shoes before socks).