Ideas & Inventions

Going Places
​Peter & Paul Reynolds

It's Only Stanley
Jon Agee

CLICK HERE TO SEARCH AND RESERVE THESE TITLES

Literacy Tip:

Books like the ones we focused on this week are great because they provide a starting place for creative thought.  Just like the children in the book, Going Places, your child might enjoy making something new from recycled materials you have around your house.  Encourage your child to talk about the process and the end result to establish purpose and invention.  This is also a great time to talk about how mistakes can turn into opportunities for something new.  For a challenge, give your child a problem to solve. Google "invention challenges for children" for some ideas. See below for invention kit/tinkering kit ideas on Pinterest.

Songs & Activities

Song/Fingerplay

Johnny Works With One Hammer

(use fist as hammer on 1 leg)
Johnny works with 1 hammer, 1 hammer, 1 hammer, 
Johnny works with 1 hammer, then he works with 2.

 (use 2 fists on 2 legs)

Johnny works with 2 hammers, 2 hammers, 2 hammers,
Johnny works with 2 hammers, then he works with 3.

(use 2 fists on 2 legs & tap 1 foot)

Johnny works with 3 hammers, 3 hammers, 3 hammers, 
Johnny works with 3 hammers, then he works with 4.

 (use 2 fists on 2 legs & tap 2 feet)

​Johnny works with 4 hammers, 4 hammers, 4 hammers,
Johnny works with 4 hammers, then he works with 5.

(use 2 fists on 2 legs, tap 2 feet, and nod head)

Johnny works with 5 hammers, 5 hammers, 5 hammers,
Johnny works with 5 hammers, then he goes to sleep!

(pretend to go to sleep)

Activity

We provided cardboard bases cut into various "shapes" and recycled materials like bottle caps, straws, and buttons.  The children were encouraged to create their own invention using the materials provided, and then the adults created nameplates for the invention.  The children were encouraged to name their creations.

Other Fun Things To Try: