Literacy in the sciences tip sheets
Making Predictions
Scientists, just like readers, make predictions all the time. Help kids to see the connection between what they can do as readers and what they can do as science explorers. Here are two simple ways to encourage kids to put their prediction skills to work.
See the tips | Print-ready PDF: English | Spanish
★ Related resources: Eat Like a Bird | How Fast Is the Wind?
Patterns and Categorizing
Children begin using their senses to recognize patterns and categorize things at a young age — skills that play an important role in early learning, including word study, science and math. This tip sheet provides some simple activities to help build pattern recognition and categorization skills.
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★ Related resources: Backyard Scavenger Hunt | Shape Scavenger Hunt | Nature Match
Recording Observations: Journals and Field Notes
Science and math explorations provide growing readers with a chance to strengthen observational and record-keeping skills by keeping a special journal to fill with sketches, notes, and graphs. Try these ideas to get started.
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★ Related resources: Make a Simple Summer Journal | Woodland Log Book
Recording Observations: Capturing and Sharing Images
Young kids love technology, gadgets, and nature! While parents may be looking for ways to reduce screen time for their kids, here are a few helpful suggestions for integrating simple technology and books into your outdoor adventures in a fun and educational way.
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★ Related resources: Project Noah | Create Your Own Digital Field Book
Beat the Heat with Your Weather Page
Summer's temperatures often send kids and adults inside to cooler air. Here are a few tips to make the most of those hot afternoons with some literacy and math fun using only your newspaper, computer, or other household items.
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★ Related resources: Creating Bar Graphs | Weather Diary
The Night Before the Museum
Day trips, vacations and special outings create special memories and great learning opportunities for families. Here are a few "stops" to make before your visit to help children get the most out of a family or school educational experience. .
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Nonfiction for kids
Getting the Most Out of Nonfiction Reading Time
Nonfiction books give kids a chance to learn new concepts and vocabulary, as well as broaden their view of the world. Learn how to take a "book walk" with a new nonfiction book and how to model active reading.
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How to Read Nonfiction Text
Many children love to read about science and nature as well as real people, places, and events. Nonfiction books present information in engaging and interesting ways. Help kids learn to navigate all the parts of a nonfiction book — from the table of contents to the diagrams, captions, glossary, and index.
See the tips | Print-ready PDF: English | Spanish
Finding Great Nonfiction Books
Of course, Start with a Book has lots of great nonfiction titles — just browse our themed lists! Public and school librarians are a great resource for helping identify high-quality nonfiction books, for any interest or reading level. There are also many excellent online resources. Here are a few of our favorites:
Summer adventure tracker
Learn all summer long in your own community! Track your learning adventures with our downloadable map and log sheet. Match your adventures with our Start with a Book themes — and find lots of related books, activities and apps to extend the learning.
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Summer book tracker
