Reading and Writing

Reading, Writing, and Language Early Learning Activities

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #12

Cinderella Inspires a Play-of-the-Day

Cinderella is another fun fairy tale that can inspire play activities, not just for girls but boys also. Glass slippers and fairy godmothers are not required.

Cinderella's pumpkin coachCinderella is not much liked by her step-mother and step-sisters and has to do all the work. When the prince invites everyone to a ball, her mother and step-sisters go but Cinderella is stuck at home, crying with disappointment and wishing she could go too.

A fairy godmother appears and turns a pumpkin into a carriage complete with horses and a coachman. Her plain clothes and shoes become a beautiful gown and glass slippers. Cinderella goes to the ball and while she leaves the ball at midnight, as required, she loses one of her slippers. The prince finds it and uses it until he finds Cinderella.

Nowadays we don’t have carriages pulled by horses. After reading or telling this story, you can ask your child, “How would Cinderella get the ball if this happened today? Together, you can think of all the ways we have to travel, such as bus, taxi, ferry, ship, car, truck van, submarine, train, airplane, or rocket ship. After naming some real ones, how about some imaginary ones like a flying saucer or batmobile?

playing with boxesWith blocks, lego, or other construction toys, kids can build some different ways for Cinderella to get around. Kids may also want to use toys or things around the house to make their own bus or car or train or other transportation. Stuffies can go along for the ride. A big box turned on it’s side can be imagined into anything and decorated with crayons or paints for more fun. Where else could it go besides the ball?

The story of Cinderella can inspire some construction, art, and pretend play. Both boys and girls can do any of these. You can pretend to be the fairy godparent and ask your child where he or she would like to go. Maybe your family has a dream of going someplace together?

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #11

The Princess and the Pea Play-of-the-Day

Sensory stimulation and play activities are vital for young children. The story of The Princess and the Pea inspires a play-of-the-day for the sense of touch.

Princess and the Pea Rachel IsadoraWhen a stranded princess arrives at a castle, the prince and his mother who own it welcome her. The queen wants to make sure she is a princess so give her a bed piled high with twenty mattresses. Underneath the mattresses and covers is one solitary pea. The girl has a terrible sleep and rises in the morning black and blue from the pea hidden in her bed, her sensitivity proving she is indeed a princess. In Rachel Isadora’s book, the pea ends up in a museum.

While sensitivity can vary greatly, we all feel with our skin. After reading this story, kids may want to explore their sense of touch. They can first lie down on the floor and test out how that feels. Then, they can put a few items down and check how they feel. Can they feel a piece of paper? How about a book, a slipper, a blanket, a stuffie, or a sock? Kids will have their own suggestions. Maybe they could try a pillow and have a nap?

A fun game to play for the sense of touch needs a box with a hole just big enough for a hand. Collect a few different things to feel like a spoon, spool of thread, small block, key, fuzzy pompom, bit of sponge, popsicle stick, eraser, etc. All of these items can go in the box. Kids put in a hand and feel an object, trying to guess what it is before pulling it out. When they do, it’s fun to check if they figured it out by touching and not seeing. A big sock can also be used for this touchy-feely game as long as the items fit.

One of the best things to feel is a hug. Can your child’s play-of-the-day include some fun for the sense of touch?

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #10

The Emperor’s New Clothes Play-of-the-Day

Books are important to share with children for more than just reading. Stories put clothes on bare words, unlike the emperor in the Emperor’s New Clothes.

emperor penguin's new clothesIn this story, the emperor wanted to impress everyone by wearing magnificent and expensive clothing. Two clever tailors brought him some fabulous and pricey fabric so special that it could only be seen by those who were intelligent. The emperor couldn’t see it but didn’t want to appear stupid so admired it and ordered a new suit to be made with it. Of course, all those around him claimed to be able to see it too. The tailors proceeded to work on the invisible fabric which didn’t really exist at all. Who would admit they couldn’t see it?

The emperor made matters worse by marching in a parade in his new suit. A small child loudly asked, “Why is the emperor wearing no clothes?” The emperor felt very silly and quite exposed, especially if it’s an emperor penguin, like this version by Charlotte Guillan.

An underlying assumption in this story that clothes can give us information about someone. This is one of the reasons why children use clothes and costumes in their play. Kids love to be superheroes and ask for a cape. This can be a scarf, a towel, or even a large t-shirt but some article is a requirement. Wee little ones will try on mommy’s or daddy’s shoes as if they are trying out how being a mommy or daddy feels.

dress-up play

Princesses wear a crown and pirates need an eye-patch and a sword. Fairies want wings and magicians must have magic wands. Kids will combine clothes in unique ways as they seek to figure out different roles and people. With a few dress-up clothes they can be anyone they imagine.

For a play-of-the-day, do you have some dress-up clothes your child can use? Boys as well as girls will dress up. Add in some other items like shoes, a purse or briefcase, or jewellery. You may have a long cardboard tube for a sword. Hats are also useful.

Playing dress-up is fun for kids—and adults. Costumes is a category in the Oscars and a critical factor in shows and movies. Does your child like to play dress-up?

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #9

Little Red Riding Hood Inspires Play-of-the-Day Grab a basket and we’ll go along with Little Red Riding Hood for today’s play-of-the-day to have some fun with colors, walks in the woods, and picnics. Little Red Riding Hood is sent on an errand to take some food to her grandmother who is sick in bed. Her … Continue reading March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #9

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #8

The Three Billy Goats Gruff Play-of-the-Day The tale of Three Billy Goats Gruff inspires a variety of fun activities for today’s play-of-the-day and encourages us to spend some time outside. Watch out for trolls! The story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff is a Norwegian folk tale. Three goats (since they are billy goats they … Continue reading March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #8

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #7

Goldilocks and the Three Bears Inspire Play-of-the Day Goldilocks and the Three Bears is another children’s story that can be used as a play-of-the-day inspiration. What adventures can Goldilocks have at your house? Read the Goldilocks and the Three Bears to your child or tell the story. Many children will have heard it, although not … Continue reading March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #7

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #6

Sleeping Beauty Inspires Play-of-the-Day Snuggle under a cozy blanket in case you get sleepy after reading the story of Sleeping Beauty and need a nap. Then wake up for some stimulating fun and play. Sleeping Beauty was cursed by a wicked fairy who was left off the guest list. On her sixteenth birthday, Sleeping Beauty … Continue reading March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #6

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #5

Little Red Hen Inspires Play-of-the-Day The Little Red Hen will help us stir up some fun and learning with her story for today’s play-of-the-day. Do you and your child know this story? The Little Red Hen is pretty talented. To make a loaf of bread, she plants the wheat, tends it, harvests it and takes … Continue reading March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #5

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #4

Rumpelstiltskin Inspires Play-of-the-Day The story of Rumpelstiltskin inspires today’s play-of-the-day with some name activities. What’s in a name? Lots of fun and learning for kids. Rumpelstiltskin is the story of a little man who can spin straw into gold. He helps out a maiden and wants her first born in return. When the time comes, … Continue reading March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #4

March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #3

Thee Little Pigs Inspire Play-of-the-Day Once you have read a book with your child, don’t stop there. It’s just a start to the fun. How about some building along with the Three Little Pigs? The Three Little Pigs is a fairly common story, but you might not have a book of it at home. If … Continue reading March into Fun with Books, Stories, and Activities #3