Writing letters and numbers is a skill that many parents and teachers ensure their children possess. My son wrote his first letter, A, at 21 months.He revealed it to me through abstract artwork that left me in shock.
Now he is four-years-old and his writing has improved tremendously. However, I like to find ways to make writing appealing and fun for him. One way to do this is through making our household, when possible, our writing canvas. This means writing in the tub with bath time crayons or writing on our screen door with window markers.
Today I will show you how we used household ingredients to write and create art. The project is called Pan Frescoes. Frescoes is painting with watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling.
In this project, we make our wet plaster with cornstarch and water! Instead of painting on a wall or ceiling, we will do it in a pan. You may also choose to do this outside on concrete. Just remember to rinse it with a water hose when done.
I am a big proponent of parents interacting and playing with their children. This is the secret of how I taught my son to write at two-years-old.
The method, In-depth learning, is what I used to teach him how to read and write. Before I give you the details, let’s answer some basic questions first.
Go to the Bottom of this Post to Access 5 Ways to Create a Desire in Children to Write
How do I encourage my child to write?
One good way to encourage your child to write is to make it fun and purposeful for kids. Build a writing activity around your child’s interest. For example, if your child likes cars then have them construct letters in sand or mud with their toy vehicles. You can also create a road with tape in the form of letters. Then have your child follow the path with the cars. If you have a child that likes dolls or stuffed animals, then help them do a role play as a teacher teaching their dolls how to write.
Below are 5 more ways to encourage kids to write…
Get a pen pal for your child to write to frequently.
Help the child write a story about a topic of their choice.
Have the child write with their favorite toy (explained above).
Encourage the child to write with their fingers through finger paint or making letters in sand.
Writing well wishes to family members…
Creating and drawing Birthday, Christmas, or Get Well Cards to Family and Friends.
How do I teach my child to write his name?
My son learned to write his name at the age of two. He first learned by seeing me write his name repeatedly during long car rides, church services, outside with sidewalk chalk and at the bottom of his art projects. He loved to trace his name with crayons after I wrote it. After seeing it done multiple times, I let him independently write the first letter of his name, then the second letter and so on.
When should a child start writing?
Children first learn to write once they have the strength to hold a crayon and scribble which is around 15 months. According to Zerotothree.org there are five stages of writing. The first stage, at 15 months – 2.5 years old, is when the child is doing random scribbling. Controlled scribbling is the second stage at 2 to 3 years old, when the child makes circles and vertical, curved, and horizontal lines. The third stage is lines and patterns, at 2.5 to 3.5 years old. Drawing pictures of objects or people is the fourth stage. In the fifth stage, children are using letters and numbers to write on their own.
My son’s brain starting processing the concept of writing around 13 months when he repeatedly observed me writing the alphabet and numbers. He was not able to physically write yet, but his brain recorded the loops, lines, and curves I made when I wrote. He wrote his first letter, A, at 21 months.
So, how did you teach your son to write at two-years- old?
There were many forms of playful methods used to teach my son to write. We still use some of the same methods and more to improve this writing skills. Below is what we did.
Play-Doh
Play-Doh is a favorite toy in our household. I used it to mold the alphabet before my son could talk. Constantly observing how letters are formed trained his brain to understand how they are MADE. Once he started talking, he would identify a letter and it was my job to make the letters. He gained a taste of leadership because he had control of what letter I wrote. Eventually, he combined the two skills and was able to identify the letter and shape them simultaneously with Play-Doh.
Form letters with various toys and objects
Play-Doh needed its own category because we used it frequently. However, we formed letters and numbers with other toys. We collected rocks and used them to shape letters and numbers in order. Legos and Magnetic Tiles were used to build the alphabet and create silly stories. The numbers we constructed using Gears were created by widgets, connectors and interlocking bases and were accessorized by the colorful gears and crank. We formed letters and numbers with poms and made them disappear by blowing on them.
My son played at a Legos table and created the numbers 1 – 10.
The letter B made from Magnetic Tiles.
Writing in different settings
In order to keep my son’s attention during road trips, church services or appointments, I would write letters and familiar words like his name and favorite animals. I also drew various shapes so eventually he would connect them to the construction of letters and numbers. For example, the letter A is part triangle with a line in the middle and O is an oval.
He observed me writing with various colors on the doodle pad, outside with sidewalk chalk, on the window with window markers, on notebook paper, on craft paper taped to the wall and floor. While I was writing, he would scribble and make abstract art. Then one day, he wrote the letter A!
We were driving to an Amusement Park and my son wrote “So Fun” on his Doodle Pad because he was excited!
Observing the alphabet and letters in nature and the outside world
Broken crayons encourages children to pinch it between their thumb and index finger. As a result, he now holds the writing utensil correctly.
Another method is to use the alligator trick. Tell your child to hold their dominant hand like an alligator’s mouth. Have the child open and close the alligator’s mouth like they want to eat something. Then help the child hold the pencil like their hand or alligator mouth is closed on the pencil. The last step is to have your child bend their fingers a bit to grab the pencil.
Put it all together
My son was able to write independently at two-years-old. He loves writing his own thank you notes and birthday cards to family and friends. We are still improving his writing skills through play and fun activities. We have found that opportunities to write are endless and with this fun journey we will continue to move forward.
My son writing a note to his Uncle Linsey saying “I love you.”
One day while my three-year-old son played independently with toy cars, I was reading a book that contained over 400 pages. When I reached the end of a chapter, I inserted my bookmark to maintain my place.
My son saw the bookmark and asked me what it was. I told him that bookmarks tell me what section of the book I read previously. It is a timesaver because it prevents me from flipping through the book to find where I stopped reading.
He was amazed that this rectangular-shaped piece of paper could do so much. This was during the time we started reading books like Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White which is a chapter book.
Watch the Video below to Learn How to Accelerate Young Readers’ Skills with Art
We read other books in the past that needed a bookmark like 5-minute Bible Storiesretold by Mary Batchelor and Penny Boshoff. This book has a compilation of Bible stories for children. For some reason, we didn’t use a bookmark after reading the book. I just flipped through the pages and tried to remember the last story we read. This was not a good use of time.
This book showed us how to make a SIMPLE bookmark or book hook that looks like my son. We had a great time creating them! They are used daily after reading time. My son often tells me we should make more bookmarks.
This a great project to do with the child who won’t sit for an entire book. Try reading part of a book and save your place with their look alike book hook.
So Let’s Get Started with Creating!
How to Make the Book Hooks
Materials:
Markers
Colored Paper or Card Stock Paper
Child Safety Scissors
Method:
Help your child draw themselves on colored paper with markers.
Draw the arms so that they are hanging low.
Here is the result of his drawing.Here is my drawing.I gave him a face, hair, socks, and pants.
Color the drawing.
Cut out the drawing.
Cut the arms with slits
Hook your drawing to the top of a page.
Close the book and hold your place.
Have more fun with this activity by making a variety of book hooks like…
I love projects that inspire kids to be creative and to use their imagination. Art is the number one activity that requires kids to think outside the box and it encourages them to be themselves.
Art is also a great way to make reading fun and appealing to young kids. Children are naturally drawn to art so why not use it to learn other subjects such as reading and literacy? Reading is about interpreting meaning. We love it when kids make something and can interpret their masterpieces to others.
How to use this project to increase your child’s reading skills
The craft below will provide a fun and educational hands-on experience for kids. It is called The Wake-Up Puppet and can be used while reading a book, pretend play, or whatever else you can imagine. The puppet can be asleep and awake.
My son and I made two puppets and used them while we read numerous books. When it was my turn to read a page, my son’s puppet was sleeping. While my son read, he put his hand in the puppet so it was awake with open eyes.
We also used the puppet in a pretend play scenario with his PJ Masks action figures. Romeo, a villain, put my puppet to sleep with a magic potion. It was my son’s job, as Catboy (a character from PJ Masks), to get my puppet to wake up. He accomplished this by playing his toy drums loudly. We learned the words, snooze and drowsy while doing this activity.
Another way to make this project literacy based is to have your child read the directions while making the puppet. Encourage your child to sound out or say words that they know. If they can’t read yet, help them to use the pictures in this post to show how to make the puppet. Remember, your child will be reading because they are interpreting meaning. Additionally read the instructions to them while following along with your finger so they observe that words are needed in order to make the puppet.
So Let’s Get Started!
Wake-Up Puppet
Materials:
Child Safety Scissors
Colored Paper
Glue
Paper lunch bag
Markers or crayons
Method:
Cut and paste closed-eye almond shapes from colored paper.
Paste the eye shapes on the bag. (View the picture below)
Cut and paste open-eye circular shapes from colored paper.
Paste them under the bag flap.
Cut a heart-shaped or circular nose from the colored paper.
Paste it on the bag.
Cut a C-shaped mouth from the colored paper.
Paste it on the bag.
Decorate the puppet with markers and crayons.
Put your hand inside the bag.
Close your hand for closed eyes.
Open your hand for open eyes.
Remember make this a fun literacy activity by doing the following…
Hold the puppet while you are reading to your child.
Make another puppet so you and your child can hold them while reading to each other.
Do a puppet show about a story you have previously read and change the ending.
Create your own story and make puppets of various characters.
In this book she talks about an experiment where some kindergartners in a school district received extensive instructions in reading while the others spent the same amount of time learning science.
The kids that learned science melted ice, observed thermometers in hot and cold places, played with magnets, grew plants and learned about animal life. Books and pictures were available for these children but no formal lessons in reading were held.
The school district learned that by the third grade the “science” children were far ahead of the “reading” children in their reading score. The reason is their vocabulary and thinking skills were much more advanced. They could read on more topics and understand higher levels of material. The playful, hands-on activities the “science” children did taught them analytical and problem solving skills and how to make connections in what they were learning.
So let’s talk about our exciting science experiment!
Today we will…
Blow Up A Balloon Without Blowing At All!
To incorporate literacy in this experiment, help your children read the Materials, Method, and Why it Works headings in this post. As kids are reading these sections, have them do the action. Children can use the pictures to help them read the words. If your children can read independently allow them to do so.
How to incorporate literacy in this experiment…
Read the Materials and Method sections.
Re-read the Materials section as you get the supplies.
Re-read the Method section as you do the steps.
Let’s get started!
Materials:
Vinegar
Teaspoon of Baking Soda
1 Balloon
Empty Water Bottle
1 Funnel
Spoon
Safety goggles (we didn’t have safety goggles so we used sunglasses)
Method:
Put on your safety goggles (or sunglasses).
Pour some vinegar into the water bottle
Vinegar should fill 25% of the water bottle.
Pour baking soda into the balloon.
Stretch the balloon over the funnel’s neck.
Take the teaspoon of baking soda and put it in the funnel.
Ensure the baking soda reaches the inside of the balloon.
Balloon stretched over the funnel’s neck.My son is looking for the teaspoon to measure the baking soda.The baking soda is in the funnel. It goes down the funnel into the balloon.
Stretch the balloon over the water bottle’s neck.
It is hard to see but there is vinegar in the water bottle. The balloon has baking soda in it.
Pick up the balloon and empty out the baking soda into the water bottle.
AFTER THE BAKING SODA GOES INTO BOTTLE, PLEASE BACK UP IN CASE THE BALLOON POPS.
The balloon popped when we did the experiment for the first time.
Safety goggles will protect your eyes in case the balloon pops.
Stand back and watch the balloon BLOW UP!
Below is a video of my son and I doing the experiment!
Why it works?
As the baking soda mixes with the vinegar, it creates bubbles of carbon dioxide gas that escapes into the balloon.
This makes the balloon blow up by itself.
If the mixture creates a lot of gas, then the balloon will get so big until it pops!
I remember at the age of 17 my older brother, Linsey, gave me the book, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. This book changed my perspective about how I thought about money.
One point that stuck with me was when you are an adult your report card is your credit score. I found this statement fascinating and I made the decision to do two things after that..
To strive to have an excellent credit score as an adult
To teach my children financial literacy
Although my son is a preschooler, I have introduced him to money through role plays, having him count and earn real money, and reading books.
I would like all children to be exposed to financial literacy. My contribution is by compiling this list of Children’s Book about Money.
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At five years old, Gabby Goodwin can’t stop losing her hair bows everywhere she goes. She and her mother invent a new kind of bow that doesn’t fall out. Read this book to see if their idea works.
Lily wants a new bike, a new raincoat, and ice cream. But how many of these things does she need? As Lily and her dad drive around town, Lily soon discovers that wants and needs are different things.
Problem-solver Jason Li has been on a mission to pay for his own lunch since he started school. He has an idea that helps him achieve his goal and save the planet.
A lemonade stand in winter? Yes, that’s exactly what Pauline and John-John intend to have, selling lemonade and limeade. Children will learn about simple math concepts in a fun way with this book.
Roxy Ramirez has saved up for weeks to buy a chemistry set, and now she’s headed to the toy store to buy it! There’s only one problem. She keeps running into friends who are in trouble, and need her to dip into her savings to help. Will she have enough money left over to buy something for herself?
Just as a squirrel gathers nuts to prepare for the winter—eating some now and storing some for later—kids can learn the value of money by spending some of their allowance now and saving the rest for later using animals as examples.
This basic introduction to earning and spending explains how people earn incomes in exhange for their work and skill. It then explains the economic choices people make in saving or spending their income.
One little girl and one very big dollar set out on a great adventure at the store. What will she do with so many choices, and only one buck? Read this book to find out.
Let’s Meet Ms. Money is a children’s picture book that teaches children about money. Kids will learn what money looks like, how to count it, how and why we use money, and how we earn it.
Teach your kids the basics about finances with this book. There’s no such thing as too early when it comes to these things. Properly seal the deal about money and other possessions by introducing this book.
At ten years old, Jazz Ellington, has over $2,000 in the bank, and his savings keep growing. His granddad taught him to save his allowance and set up a bank account. This book increases financial awareness while sharing the lives of two African-American boys growing up in the city.
This book teaches discipline, delayed gratification, and how good it feels to give to those in need. Dimes can teach your child the habits that will allow them to have a more financially secure and fulfilling life.
Five-year-old Sebastian Martinez, with the help of his older brother, turns his love for socks into a business that not only makes wacky socks, but also enables the duo to finally revamp the school dress code.
Jeremy wants a pair of the shoes everyone at school is wearing. Jeremy’s grandma says they don’t have room for wants just needs. Read how Jeremy and his grandma navigate through this dilemma.
The 21st Street Sluggers’ shirts are worn-out and dirty. They need new ones, but they have no money. Children will learning to count money and make change.
Arthur starts his own petsitting business to show Mom and Dad that he can be responsible! Between a boa constrictor, an ant farm, and a group of frogs, he’s got his hands full! Can Arthur still prove he is responsible?
Children will get an introduction to American units of money; and how they combine to make a price. They will also learn basic money symbols and the math inherent in shopping.
Children will learn how the dollar is made, the meaning of the symbols that are shown on the front and back of the dollar, and how long the average dollar stays in circulation?
Arthur attempts to earn enough money to buy a t-shirt and cap, assisted by his sister Violet. Children will learn simple business concepts by reading this story.
Dollars & Sense is a basic instruction manual for money that will teach readers about the history of money, the way the American economy works, and how to make important decisions about personal finance.
Papa thinks it’s time to teach Brother and Sister how to budget their money. Children journey with the cubs on their process to understand the value of a dollar.
Rock and Brock are twins and their grandpa offers them a plan―for ten straight weeks on Saturday he will give them each one dollar. But there is a catch! Each buck they save, he’ll match it quick. If they spend it, there’s no extra dough.
This book explains how to create a budget, make money, invest your earnings, and donate to charity. It also teaches kids the difference between needs and wants and getting the most from an allowance.
Ella wants a soccer ball, but she doesn’t have enough money to buy one. She decides to earn her own money. Will she earn enough to buy the ball? Read this book to find out!
Kyle’s club is going camping and all the kids will sell Cool Candy to earn money for the trip. Kyle needs to find buyers for ten boxes of candy. Can he keep track of his cash and join his friends on the camping trip? Read this book to find out!
When Rae witnesses an ice cream and dog mishap, she’s inspired to create a solution to help get dogs clean. Rae draws on her determination and everyone else in her community when she learns what it means to be an entrepreneur.
Children will learn how to not only spend money, but also how to earn it. The quizzes, tips, and helpful quotes from other girls will make learning about money management easy and fun.
This book teaches children the following questions about money: When did we start using it? And why? What does money have to do with writing? And how do taxes and interest work?
When George decides to save up for a red train in the toy store, he doesn’t realize how long it will take or how hard he’ll have to work for his money. Read this book and find out if he gets the train.
Deena has a big problem. Her mom’s birthday is coming, but she has no money to buy a present! Find out how she solves the problem by reading this book.
Find out what happens to your money after you hand it to the cashier. What happens to that money once it leaves your hands? Who actually pockets it or puts it into the bank? Read this book to answer these questions.
Maddy has a piggy bank named Piggy. One morning while feeding Piggy coins for breakfast, Maddy discovers how coins, like people, come in different shapes and sizes.
When Sophie finds fifty dollars on the sidewalk, it gives her a great idea for a new name: Sophie the Zillionaire! In order to keep the name Sophie the Zillionaire, Sophie has to make more money — and fast.
Mama and Papa are worried that Brother and Sister seem to think money grows on trees. The cubs decide to start their very own businesses, from a lemonade stand to a pet-walking service.
Little Critter® wants a new skateboard and Dad tells him that he needs to save his own money to buy it! From feeding the dog to selling lemonade, Little Critter learns the value of a dollar.
This book is about a boy spending the day with Dad coin collecting! He finds out about the value of coins, what people used before coins, and why historical images and people appear on coins.
A young girl sets up a lemonade stand and sells enough cups of refreshment to add up to a dollar. This story combines the teaching of addition with childhood entrepreneurship!
The book explains the concept of money and how saving works based on the concepts of simple and compound interest. Children then learn where Wall Street is located, what stocks and bonds do, and, the right way to buy or sell a stock, mutual fund, or savings bond.
Pete saves his allowance and spends too much of it. He then has second thoughts and starts over. Children will learn how he strategizes over future purchases.
This book will reach kids before bad spending habits can get out of control. With answers and ideas from real kids, this grounded approach to spending and saving will be a welcome change for kids who are inundated by a consumer driven culture.
Follow a class of fifth-graders as they figure out the world of finance, including earning, budgeting, and saving to investing and collecting coins from around the world.
Show Me the Money takes technical terms and breaks it down with easy-to-understand text, diagrams, and illustrations making a formerly dry subject interesting and relevant to kids
Honey Bunny Funny Bunny has a lot of money. She saves some and spends some on herself and friends. This is a rhyming book about spending and saving, told through the eyes of animals.
Mr. Chickee, a blind man in the neighborhood, gives 9-year-old Steven a mysterious bill with 15 zeros on it and the image of a familiar face. Could it be a quadrillion dollar bill? Could it be real? Read this book to find out.
Children will learn how people pay for the things they buy by writing a check, paying with a debit card, paying with a credit card, and paying with cash withdrawn from an ATM.
Provides an introduction to taxes, including some of the products and services that citizens may receive including schools, roads, and national defense.
This book answers the following questions about money: How and where is it printed? What do all those long numbers and special letters on currency mean? How are the newly designed bills improvements over the old ones?How can banks afford to pay interest?
George, a newly minted quarter on his way to the bank, has quite a day. He’s about to be traded, spent, lost, found, donated, dropped into a vending machine, washed in a washing machine, and generally passed all around town.
Fudge is obsessed with money. He’s making his own “Fudge Bucks” and has plans to buy the entire world. However, things get crazy once his family gets involved.
On a summer day, a young girl sets up a lemonade stand and sells enough cups to add up to a dollar. This story combines the teaching of addition with a traditional rite of childhood entrepreneurship!
Saruni is saving coins for a red and blue bicycle. How happy he will be when he can help his mother carry heavy loads to market on his very own bicycle. How disappointed he is to discover that he hasn’t saved nearly enough!
The Nelly Longhair doll is on sale at Murphy’s Toys for ten dollars, but Isabel has only fifty cents. Isabel decides to start a car wash business. Will Isabel earn enough for the Nelly doll?
This is a story of a man who spends his life struggling, saving, and sacrificing to build and own his own barbershop. Although there were many racial difficulties that stood in his way, he opens the doors of his new shop at the age of seventy-nine.
A second grade class wants to visit the Statue of Liberty. They try to earn money for the trip by collecting paper, running a lemonade stand, sitting babies, walking dogs, and selling candy.
Benny McBride starts his day with five new pennies and is determined to spend them all. His family wants him to buy certain items. Will he be able to fulfill their requests?
Have you ever wanted to make a million dollars? Marvelosissimo, the Mathematical Magician, is able to explain how to earn money, invest it, accrue dividends and interest, and watch savings grow.
This book examines the history of money, including the barter system, early trade in North America, unusual types of money such as huge stone disks and salt bars, and the first paper money.
The pigs are very hungry, and there’s no food in the house. Mr. Pig suggests eating out but there is no money! The family goes on a money hunt. Read to see if they find what they are looking for.
Teen lacrosse player Rachel Zietz takes an entrepreneurship course and realizes she can blend the worlds of business and fun by creating a lacrosse equipment company.
February is Black History month! It is a time designated to celebrate the contributions of black people to this world. Black History Month was founded by Carter G. Woodson, who was a historian, author, and journalist.
I try to expose my son to black history year round so he will be knowledgable about the accomplishments of people that look like him.
I wanted to share this knowledge with others. In many ways our lives are better because of the people listed below. This list recognizes a small number of noted Black people as there are many. Find out who invented the potato chip, golf tee, three-way traffic signal, and mailbox. I encourage you to do your own research and expand your child’s knowledge of the rich history.
Mansa Musa is the richest person in history with a net worth of $400 Billion.
George Crum was a chef that invented the potato chip in 1853.
Sarah Boone invented the first portable modern day ironing board.
Lonnie G. Johnson is an Aerospace Engineer that invented the famous Super Soaker Water Gun.
Philip Downing designed the first mailbox. He created a metal box with four legs, which he called the letter box. It was a predecessor to the mailbox.
Charles Drew was a surgeon that developed a way to process and store blood plasma in “blood banks” that saved people’s lives. His blood bank was adopted by the Red Cross.
Jacqueline Davidson (my college roommate) is an attorney who became one of the highest ranking women in the NFL when she was named as the Chief Negotiator for the New York Jets Professional Football Team.
Sarah Goode invented a folding cabinet bed that could go against the wall into a cabinet or a desk with compartments for stationary and writing supplies. She became the first African American woman to receive a United States patent.
Benjamin Banneker made the first clock, authored a series of almanacs, and helped design Washington DC.
Lewis Latimer worked for Thomas Edison when he invented the light bulb. Latimer invented the carbon filament that made the light bulb brighter and last longer.
Jan Matzeliger invented a shoe machine that would automatically sew the upper shoes and sole together. This created a large industry of shoe companies.
Percy Julian was a chemist that made physostigmine readily available for the treatment of glaucoma (an eye disorder that can lead to blindness). He received over 130 chemical patients, and was the first African American inducted into the National Academy of Sciences.
Bessie Coleman was the first woman to hold a pilot license. She was denied entry in flying schools in the United States. She taught herself French and moved to France to earn her pilot license.
Alexander Miles was awarded a patent for an automatically opening and closing elevator door. He invented a mechanism that triggered the shaft doors to open and close along with the elevator door, making the ride safer.
Madam C.J. Walker was the first American woman to become a self-made millionaire.
W.E.B. Du Bois was the first African-American to earn a doctorate. He was one of the founding members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909.
Meredith Gourdine invented the Incineraid system which prevented smoke from burning buildings and kept fog away from airport runways. He also invented the Focus Flow Heat Sink which is a device that kept computer chips cool.
Alfred L. Cralle developed the idea of the ice cream scooper in 1897. He was a successful Pittsburgh business promoter as well.
John Henry Thompson invented the computer language Lingo, which is used in many video games, animations, web design applications, and graphics programs.
George Alcorn invented an imaging spectrometer which is a device that helps scientists identify what materials are made of. He also created 20 other inventions while working for NASA and IBM.
Robert Smalls was a slave who escaped to freedom in a Confederate supply ship and eventually became a sea captain for the Union Navy. After the war, he became a successful businessman and politician serving in both houses of the South Carolina legislature.
Granville Woods invented a transmitter that improved hearing over greater distances for the telephone.
Daniel Hale Williams was one of the first physicians to perform open-heart surgery in the United States and founded a hospital with an interracial staff.
Elijah McCoy was an inventor and engineer who is known for his 57 U.S. patents. He invented a way to lubricate steam engines without shutting them down, which saved a great amount of time and effort in transportation and in industrial production.
Shirley Chisholm is the first black woman elected to the United States Congress.
Garrett A. Morgan invented and patented the first chemical hair straightener, received a patent for the first gas mask, and invented the three-way traffic signal.
George Washington Carver invented many uses for the peanut, sweet potato, pecans and soybeans. He made rubber, adhesives, dyes, pigments, and other products.
Frederick McKinley Jones invented portable cooling units for trucks, trains, ships, and aircraft so products would stay cool when stored.
James E. West invented a microphone that was smaller, lighter, and less expensive while working at Bell Laboratories in 1962.
Nobert Rillieux invented a machine that used steam to evaporate water and keep sugar from burning and being discolored when it is produced. This machine is used today to make soap, glue, milk and other products.
Dr. Patricia Bath is an ophthalmologist that invented a safer and more comfortable procedure for cataract surgery. Her Laserphco Phobe uses an optical laser to vaporize the cataract in a person’s eye.
Dr. Mark Dean is a math genius who invented the 1-Gigahertz chip which made computers faster than ever.
Otis Boykin created a wire resistor that allowed a certain amount of electricity flow to a component. This resistor was used in household appliances, computers, and pacemakers.
Maria Van Brittan Brown and her partner, Albert Brown, invented a closed-circuit television security system that spearheaded modern security systems.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams was the first person to perform an open heart surgery.
Benjamin Bradley invented a powerful steam engine at the age of 16 that helped warships travel faster at sea. He sold the idea in exchange for his freedom.
Lloyd Hall invented several ways to preserve and sterilize food so it would not spoil when it is processed, packed and transported. He used heat, chemicals, and gas to eliminate the germs and bacteria in meat and other foods.
Charles Brooks invented the first self-propelled street sweeper truck, which cleans the street.
Dr. Mae Jemison is the first African American female to become an astronaut. She is an engineer and doctor.
Dr. Ben Carson performed the first successful separation of Siamese twins who were joined at the back of the head.
Henrietta Bradberry invented a new way for torpedoes to be discharged from submarines and subterranean forts.
Andrew Beard invented the automatic car coupler which revolutionized railroad safety.
Phillis Wheatley was a poet and master of the English Language. She write a poem in honor of George Washington and he praised her work.
Richard Allen founded one of the first African -American Christian Churches. The first church was called the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME).
John Russwurm and Samuel Cornish founded the first black newspaper in America.
Dr. Shirley Jackson is an American physicist whose experiments in theoretical physics became the forerunner for the touch-tone telephone, the portable fax, caller ID, call waiting and fiber-optic cable.
Marian Croak holds over 135 patents and is responsible for voice over Internet protocol which is the set of rules that makes it possible to use the Internet for telephone and videophone communication.
Mary and Mildred Jackson invented the sanitary belt. Mary also invented the walker and toilet-tissue holder.
Matthew Henson was at the first man to see the North Pole.
James Weldon Johnson was a writer and musician that wrote the National Black Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Carter G. Woodson is the “Father of Black History” and known for the development of “black historiography.” The is a body of history proven by the employment of scientific methods and procedures.
Jack Johnson is the first back heavyweight champion of the world.
Dr. George Grant invented the first golf tee. Before his invention, golfers carried buckets of sand from hole to hole and built sand mounds from which to hit the balls.
Richard Spikes was an engineer who invented the beer tap and automobile gear shift and directional shift.
Willis Johnson holds a patent for an improved egg beater which is considered an early version of the mixing machine.
Benjamin Thorton invented the first answering machine. He created a device that could be attached to a telephone and set to record a message from a caller.
Your three-year-old son can read on a third grade level? How?
Just this past weekend, I saw my three-year-old son, Cory, reading a book to his Sunday School teacher and a group of kids. As soon as the teacher saw me, she said “This child can read at three-years-old? How did you do this?” When someone asks me this, my short answer is always by making reading fun, exposure to a variety of books, and playing with words.
Then later that day, I took my son to another child’s home for a birthday party. The kids were having so much fun playing inside and outside. At one point, Cory was playing with the Leapfrog letter set at the refrigerator and spelling words. He asked the birthday boy’s mother, who is a teacher, for the letter T in order to spell the word gift. After spelling, the boy’s mom approached me and said “I can’t believe your son spelled gift!” I replied by saying “Yes, he loves to read and spell!” She said “How did you do this?” Again, I gave her my normal answer.
The book is available on Amazon! Click the image above to access the link.
Is your son a genius?
Parents and teachers are usually amazed to know that my son was reading at 21 months. Right now, he can read on a third-grade level. They often say “He is a genius!” I think ALL CHILDREN ARE BORN GENUISES! Cory was born with the same capilibities as every other child. He was just exposed to words and language in a fun way at an early age. In my opinion, any child can do this!
Why did you teach your son to read so early?
It was not my intention to teach Cory to read as a toddler. I didn’t think he would learn the alphabet until the age of three or four. My objective was to expose him to words and language so he wouldn’t be a late communicator. In my experience as a social worker/play therapist, I noticed children who couldn’t speak would resort to hitting or kicking out of frustration. However, once they developed language this behavior would decrease because they could communicate their needs and wants.
As I started exposing Cory to words through play and reading, I noticed that he liked what I was doing. After reading a book to him as a baby, he would take the book and give it back to me. He wanted me to read it again. I remember my husband read the book, Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See ten times in a row to Cory at one time. He enjoyed the interactive activities and games we played, which I used to exposed him to new words daily. He has always loved playing with letters, learning the phonics, and blending sounds. Finally, there came a point were he had a desire to seek meaning from words through reading!
Watch my three-year-old son read the book, Charlotte’s Web. A book for children ages 8 and up.
Why is reading a struggle for some kids?
Reading is boring.
Some kids think reading is boring. Many young children spend their days playing. Then once the child turns five or six-years-old, adults tell the child that they have to sit down, focus, and learn to read. Learning to read can be a frustrating process for some kids. It takes time and concentration because one of the best ways to become a better reader is to read. This can be difficult for the child who is a kinesthetic learner, as most kids are, and loves to be physical and experience what they are learning.
My Child is not trying hard enough
Sometimes when a child is behind on their appropriate reading level, the teacher will tell the parents. Parents usually get nervous and upset by this information, and these emotions transfer to the child. During home reading sessions, the parents get frustrated with the child because “they are not trying hard enough.” This most often leads kids to having a negative view of reading. They will often tell their parents “I hate reading!” In turn the parents become more upset because their child is behind their classmates and they are unable to motivate the child to read.
Parents don’t know where to start
Teaching a child to read can be an overwhelming task. First, you have to learn the alphabet, phonics, blending sounds, sight words, and the various rules of the English language. Parents may have a child that knows the alphabet and phonics but is having difficulty with teaching them sight words. Flashcards are often used to teach sight words, but again the child thinks this is SO BORING!
Furthermore, if a child is reading a book with a lot of words they are unfamiliar with, they may get irritated and want to do something else. Additionally, how do you explain that the word bat can be an animal and a tool used for baseball? Oh and when you see the letters PH together, you should make the F sound. Also, C can make the short sound like in cat or the long sound like in cell.
My Child won’t sit during reading time.
I have heard many parents complain that their child doesn’t want to sit and read an entire book. As parents are reading, the child may look in space and not pay attention. Or if the child can read, they get distracted by something happening in the background. Sometimes a parent may read the first few pages of a book to a child but the story line is boring which causes their mind to wonder.
My Child is uninterested in reading about the topic.
A big reason why some kids don’t like to read is because they are uninterested in the topic. This often happens when kids have to read school textbooks or remember facts that they have no connection to. The kids are wondering why they have to know this information. Parents and teachers are trying to get their children to retain the information and it is just not happening for the child. This can be a pretty difficult situation to navigate.
Below are questions many parents have about reading…
What age should a child learn to read?
Most kids start learning to read at 6 or 7. Some kids start earlier at the age of 4 or 5. I believe children have the ability to recognize words earlier. My son started recognizing words at nine months.
One day my son and I were playing in the basement. I asked him to get the book, Brown Bear Brown Bear out of the bin. Out of the 12 books in the bin, he picked the correct title.
My son was able to blend sounds to make words at 21 months. The only reason he did this so early was because he was exposed to it as a baby. However, all children learn at different times and levels. They also learn with various methods. It is important to concentrate on your child’s level and their readiness to learn.
Watch the video below to see my son spelling at 21 months old
How can I help my child learn to read?
There are countless ways to teach kids to read. Kids learn through reading, talking with others, story-telling, workbooks, digital media and technology, learning phonics and sight words, blending sounds, writing, and asking questions.
Let’s say you want your child to learn about other countries, then observe your child and see what they like and offer a connection. For the child who loves sports, have them read about Sports played in the countries. If your daughter loves princesses, have them read about princesses around the world.
How long should a child read each day?
Children should read at least 20 minutes a day. However, if a parent is doing formal reading lessons then all you need is 15 minutes a day. Outside of the 15 minutes, please know that reading can take place anywhere. Children can read a dinner menu, playground signs, grocery list, captions on their favorite cartoon.
How do I help my child who is struggling with reading?
First, you must define what struggling means. If you are comparing your child with other kids in the classroom or the national standards of reading and they are below their level, then yes they maybe struggling. However, if you don’t compare them to anyone, you may realize that they just need more time to get the concept.
When a child needs more time with reading, ensure you are teaching to their learning styles.
Auditory learners love to learn through hearing. Great activities for them would be to read books based on songs and retelling stories you have read and adding music with DIY instruments like banging the bottom of an oatmeal container. Visual learners use sight to learn. They would enjoy drawing and painting colorful stories and doing word puzzles and games with colorful pictures. Kinesthetic learners love explore the world through touch and movement. Try building model sets based on books and doing a Treasure Word Hunt Gamewould be fun for them.
In my opinion, the best way for children to learn to read is through playful in-depth and natural wholesome interaction. It is the best way to create a desire in children to read.
This is why I have written the ebook, Teach Your Toddler to Read Through Play: A Detailed Account With Over 130 Games/Activities, Tips, and Resources.
My goal is to help you expose your child to words and reading in a fun way. This book will take you through a step by step process of how I taught my son to read. It gives you games/activities to do with your child along the way to make reading a process that is fun, natural, and interesting! It will help spark your child’s curiosity in wanting to seek meaning from words which is essentially reading.
This book provides the following…
A detailed account of how I taught my son to read
Over 130 Reading Games/Activities and Resources
How to expose your child to new words through play
The types of books to start your child’s reading journey
How to encourage curiosity in your child
Child brain development and how to develop faster connections in your baby’s brain
How to expose newborn and babies to words through play and bonding
How my son was able to recognize words as a baby
How to make rereading books fun for you and your child
Simple ways to create a literacy rich home
The MOST important thing you can do as a parent to encourage reading in your household
How songs and dancing assisted in teaching my son to read.
How to take full advantage of the FREE Services at your Local library
How Physical Activities can boost your child’s reading skills
How to Teach the Alphabet in a Fun Way
How to Teach the Phonics, Blending Sounds, and Sight Words in a Fun Way
The three basic learning styles in children
How to determine your child’s learning style
How to expose children to new concepts aligned with their learning style
How children with certain learning styles tend to communicate
The toys/activities children with certain learning styles tend to favor
How to make learning fun and playful for children
How to determine the best time to teach your child
How to execute Fun In-Depth Learning
How to use the body’s senses to teach your child
How to combine In-depth learning and learning styles during play
How to incorporate digital media in your child’s learning
How to teach a child with more than one learning style
How to Structure your Day
How to progress to teaching your child the phonics
How Writing and Art can build a child’s reading skills
How to Use Real World Experiences and Field Trips to expose children to language.
How to Choose Books your Child will Like to Read.
Strategies for When your Child Loses Interest in Reading.
Examples of toys we used
Examples of books we read through our journey
Once your child begins to read, how to continue to build their skills.
Here is What Others are Saying About the Book
“This was a wonderfully detailed account of not only how to teach your child to read, but also how to connect with your child, support your child in a lifetime of loving to learn, and use your time caring for your child in a meaningful, fulfilling way. I am inspired as a mother, and I wish I’d known about this sooner!
I thought it was very well written, and the flow was perfect. The book flowed seamlessly from one chapter to the next, and I felt like it was organized perfectly.”
-Stacey
“This is a wonderful guidebook for parents who want to help their children begin learning at an early age through play. It is an introduction on how to nurture a love of learning and proficiency in reading in children, which in turn will open the door for your child to be exposed to and learn about a variety of topics. Andrea incorporates several learning styles in order to pave the way for a lifetime of learning.
I look forward to incorporating some of these techniques into playtime with my little learners.”
-Danielle J.
“This book documents the journey of an engaged parent who used creative and fun ways to introduce her son to books. This led to the child’s continuous interest in letters, words, sentences and naturally, reading. If you are willing to invest the time in incorporating the tips in this book with your child, he or she will also develop an interest in books and learn to read during the early stages of brain development. This book is an excellent example of the African Proverb “Each One Teach One.”
-Linsey Mills
This is a great e-book for parents with children ages 0-7! Invest in your child’s future. Reading is the most powerful tool to promote creativity, increase brain power, and it helps your child express themselves better! The best way to teach a child to spell and grammar rules is not through flashcards and worksheets but through reading and play!
Not Sure Yet? Then Complete the Form at the Bottom of this Post to Read the First Chapter for Free!
The book is available on Amazon! Click the image above to access the link.
Science is such a great subject because it allows you to mix substances and create simple and fun experiments.
My son and I did four experiments using ingredients from the kitchen. We enjoyed the process of gathering tools, reading instructions, mixing substances, and observing the outcome.
Join us in doing the experiments below!
Want More Tips? Get 3 Tools Every Household Needs to Boost Children’s Academic Skills
Let’s Get Started!
Milk Rainbow
Ingredients:
Sturdy Paper Plate
Milk
Food coloring
Dish soap
Cotton Swab
Method:
Pour enough milk onto the plate to cover the surface.
Drop food coloring into the center of the milk.
Dip a cotton swab into dish soap and then touch the tip into the center of the food coloring.
Watch what happens.
You should see the colors move when the cotton swap touch the milk.
Why it Works?
The dish soap does not mix with the milk.
Instead, the dish soap floats on top and spreads.
As the dish soap spreads, it grabs the food coloring.
Soap attacks grease so its molecules go for the fat in the milk.
This causes movement and the colors to swirl around.
The yellow food coloring spreads in the milk and soap mixture.The green food coloring is spreading in the milk and soap mixture.
The green circle is getting bigger.
Bubble Worms:
Ingredients:
Empty plastic water bottle
Scissors
An old sock
An aluminum / plastic container
Spoon
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup dish soap
Method:
Use scissors to cut the bottom off the water bottle.
Place the elastic part of the sock over the bottom of the water bottle.
Mix the water and dish soap in a container with a spoon.
Dip the sock end of the bottle into the soapy mixture.
Blow on the mouth of the bottle to create a long bubble worm.
Adults and older child should blow on the mouth.
I let my son blow ONCE just to experience it.
Sometimes small children will inhale on the mouth of the bottle instead of blowing out.
Let young children grab the bubbles at the bottom as you are blowing the mouth of the bottle.
Why it Works?
Water and soap are the basic ingredients for bubbles.
Bubbles are formed because of the air in them.
The surface of the sock on the water bottle has tiny holes.
Each of the holes are acting as individual bubble blowers.
Each hole is taking a bit of air in a layer of soap.
This combines to create the Bubble Worm.
Bubbles Galore!My son had so much fun with this experiment!
Corn Starch Slime:
Ingredients:
1 cup of Corn Starch
1/2 cup Water
Bowl
Washable paint or food coloring (I prefer paint because it washes off easily).
Method:
Dump corn starch in a bowl.
Add water to the bowl
Keep adding corn starch or water until it reaches the consistency you like.
Add washable paint to mixture to make it colorful.
Why it Works?
The grains of the cornstarch are NOT dissolved in the water.
The cornstarch grains are suspended and spread out in the water.
The cornstarch grains can hold its position in water when pressure is applied.
Creating the Cornstarch slime mixture!Fun with Slime!
Sparkle Explosion:
Ingredients:
Vase or Cup
Baking soda
Vinegar
Food Coloring
Glitter
Pan
Method:
Place 2-3 Tablespoons of baking soda in the bottom of the vase or cup.
Put the vase or cup in the pan.
Add 6-7 drops of food coloring and 1-2 teaspoons of glitter
Pour in the 1/2 cup of vinegar.
Watch for the sparkles.
Why it Works?
Baking Soda is a base and Vinegar is an acid.
When Baking Soda and Vinegar mix, the hydrogen ions in the vinegar react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions in the baking soda.
This mix is the result of two new substances called carbonic acid and sodium acetate.
There is a second reaction called decomposition reaction.
Decomposition reaction is when carbonic acid is formed.
The carbonic acid is decompose into water and carbon dioxide gas which causes the bubbling action.
One day a group of moms and I were sharing information about our hobbies, jobs, and businesses. I told the group that I just started a YouTube Channel with Fun Accelerated Learning Tips for Kids. One mom asked me to make a video of Study Tips for Tweens/Teens. Excitement was my feeling because I love doing research, telling others what I have learned, and solving problems. My response was “I will work on it!”
Below is what I have experienced and found to be effective study habits and strategies for kids.
Let’s Get Going!
Want More Tips? Get 3 Tools Every Household Needs to Boost Children’s Academic Success.
How Can I Help my Kid study?
Create conversations
You can assist your child with their school work by being involved in their studies. Ask your child about the topics they are learning about in school. Create conversations during dinner, car trips, or walking the dog about that topic and share what you know. If you don’t know much about the topic, have your kid teach you about the subject. You may also do your own research on the topic and share what you learned.
Being Involved
Another way to assist your child is to attend parent conferences, open houses, or back-to-school nights. Students usually do better when they are supported in their academic life. As a parent, request meetings with teachers and other staff just to check your child’s progress. These meetings should happen whether your child is doing well or need some extra attention with school work. Open Houses or Back-to-School nights are when parents learn about school programs and polices and other opportunities your child may take advantage of.
Children should have a conducive studying environment. This includes having the tempature between 74º and 77º. It is helpful to place desks or tables away from distractions. Some parents find putting their child’s desk in the corner of their room away from the door and facing the wall helpful. Natural light is the best light to study with; however, if this is not available, ensure there is proper lighting in your child’s study area.
Another tip is to have a distraction sheet near your child in case they have ideas pop in their head that are not related to school work. The child can write down their thoughts to prevent them from constantly thinking about it during study time.
What are the habits of Successful Students?
Learning Outside the Classroom
Two habits of successful students are learning outside the classroom and doing practice exams. Many successful students don’t just read the text book provided by their school, they take the initative to learn about a topic through reading other books, watching educational videos, and through experience. For example, if a child is learning about the American Civil Rights Movement, they may read about civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, watch a documentary on the movement such as Eyes on the Prize, or visit a history museum.
Practice Exams
Successful students often do practice exams. A practice exam can be informal when a parent is having an analytical dialogue or asking the child questions about the topic. It can also be formal where the parents create a practice test for their child. Practice tests can also be found in the back of other textbooks on the subject. Sometimes, you can find older editions of textbooks at your local library.
Let’s say your child is taking geography, then observe your child and see what they like and offer a connection. For the child who loves sports, have them research Sports played in the countries they are studying. If your daughter loves fashion, have them research the dress and fashion trends in the countries they are studying. Take it a step further and compare their findings to what happens in their home country.
Another way to spark interest in studies is to encourage the child to find how it applies to their lives. Another subject I did not like in High School was Physics. However, if I would have done some hands on physics experiments then I would have been more engaged in my studies. For example, a great physics lesson is visiting a playground and studying how the two opposing forces of a seesaw lever and fulcrum (placed in the middle) counterbalance each other, creating a smooth ride through the air. My only exposure in high school to physics was in a book and I did not connect with it.
4 Ways to Improve Study Habits
Chunking information
Chunking is the process of breaking information into smaller pieces so the brain can digest it more easily. As a second grader writing a short story in class, I could not remember how to spell the word together. I got up and asked my teacher and she said three words “to” “get” “her.” From that time on, together has never been a word I have forgotten to spell.
Chunking can be done in many ways. Kids can group together information by categories. For example, if your child is learning the symbols of the periodic table, they can remember them by groups. First they may learn the Group 1 which are the alkali metals, then move on the Group 2, the alkaline earth metals, and so on.
Mind mapping
Mind mapping is one of my favorite ways to learn new things. It is an easy way to get information in and out of your brain. With mind maps you can study, take notes, create new ideas and plan projects. It consists of words, colors, lines, and pictures, which coincides with how our brain thinks.
There are 5 steps to Mind Mapping.
Get a blank paper with colored pens, pencils, markers, or crayons.
Draw a picture in the middle of the page that sums up your topic or subject.
Draw thick curved, connected lines coming away from the picture, one of each for the main ideas you have about the topic.
Name each of these ideas and it is helpful to draw pictures of each.
For each of the ideas, draw other connected lines spreading like tree branches.
These represent the details.
We remember information better with pictures because it uses both sides of the brain. For example, it is natural for photographs, books and magazines to bring back our memories. If you want to remember all your favorite things, just draw a color coded picture like below.
If you wanted to Mind Map an article, use the basic elements below in your picture.
What?
Where?
When?
Who?
Why?
Conclusion
Creativity
Get creative with how new information is studied especially if it is a subject you are not fond of. If you love making home videos, create a show on the information you are studying and perform it for family and friends. Another idea is to make up questions about the subject and play a trivia game with friends in your class. Have all your friends bring a certain amount of questions for the game. If you like music, write a song about the information and put it to a catchy beat.
Please note: As you are preparing for your creative way of studying, ensure you understand the material first to pinpoint any area of confusion you have.
Get creative with how to study information
Create a You Tube video teaching others about the topic.
Create a commercial or role play on the information.
Schedule but with a Catch
It is helpful to set up a daily schedule of when you will study. However, it is important to include fun things like hobbies, time with friends or playing video games, and digital media time. You are more likely to complete tasks when you have playtime and work time on your schedule. This allows you to create in your mind something to look forward to.
Association
One of the easiest ways to remember information is to associate it with something in which you are familiar. For example, make up a sentence using the letters in the formula to remember the area of a rectangle which is A = lw. The sentence could be Laura and Will had a big baby named Adam. Try to use items that you will remember like name of friends and family.
I hope you have found these tips helpful!!!
Use these studying strategies above to make studying revelent, interesting, and fun!
