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Stepping Stone School
Supporting Families & Learning at Home
July 31st
At Stepping Stone School, our mission is to offer exceptional nurturing and education for our students, and extraordinary support and care for all parents and families! Many families are finding new and creative ways to engage and educate their children while at home. We compiled a list of fun and educational activities and resources for you to use with your family.
WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU!
Community & Cultural Awareness
    Five Tips for Teaching Your Children about Diversity
By: Susan E. Watson

As parents, it is our job to help our children build positive identities and a respect for differences. Diversity should be a part of a child’s everyday life. 
We all want our children to grow up in a world free of bias and discrimination. We want them to feel loved, included and never to experience the pain of rejection and exclusion. Discrimination can hurt, leaving scars that can last a lifetime, affecting our children’s goals, ambitions, life choices and self-worth. 
Children need role models who are open and accepting of differences. Parents play one of the most important roles in shaping their children’s behaviors regarding diversity, helping them to be more accepting of and kind towards those who are different. 
It is normal for children to categorize or group things. Therefore, children tend to base their stereotyping on physical traits, such as race, gender, how someone dresses, what language they speak or age. Children will tend to group people together based on how they look. 
Children tend to start noticing differences between people:
  • At about 2 years, children begin to notice gender and racial differences,
  • At about 2 ½ or so, children learn gender labels (boy/girl) and the name of colors, which they then begin to apply to skin color,
  • At about 3 years old, children notice physical disabilities,
  • At about 4 to 5 years old, children start to display gender appropriate behavior and become fearful of differences.
When parents or guardians talk about others who are different in a negative manner, their children learn to separate themselves from others with differences. To help your children value diversity, parents must model behaviors that are welcoming and kind toward others. 
The following are important first steps to help your children value, understand and accept our diverse and wonderful world. 
Discuss Diversity: Talk openly with your children about what makes others different. Let your child know that it is okay to notice differences and to ask questions. Parents need to teach their children to treat everyone you meet with respect and empathy. When your child does notice differences, you should engage them in further conversation by asking questions like:
  • Why does that person speak differently?
  • How do you think that person would like to be treated?
  • Is it okay to make fun of people who are different?

Teach Empathy/Respect: Empathy and respect are important character traits because they teach our children to consider what others are thinking and feeling. Lead by example! Show your children what empathy and respect mean in the everyday world. Teach your children about specific disrespectful words, phrases or labels that could hurt other people’s feelings or make them feel excluded and unwelcome. 

Use Kind Words: Do not use remarks that categorize people. For instance, “Girls rule, boys drool.” While this may seem harmless, it instills the idea that girls are smarter than boys and could lead to boys not wanting to be around girls. Parents should be neutral or accepting of different groups. Nonverbal behaviors are also something to be aware of as parents. Sometimes we are not aware of our own body language while around others who are different. Show your children how to treat others with equality and kindness. 

Multicultural Experiences: Have your family become more involved in multicultural experiences. By participating in diverse events and activities, there will be fewer stereotypes for your children to develop. There are a myriad of cultural community events, museums, restaurants, ethnic dance and music performances and festivals in most major urban areas. Participation in new cultural experiences is another way to introduce your children to diverse groups. 

Redirect Prejudiced/Intolerant Behavior : If your child is acting or speaking in a judgmental way about diverse groups, immediately address the issue. Remind your child why it is important to treat everyone with equality, respect and kindness. 

As your children become more comfortable with diverse groups, they also gain acceptance of themselves. The goal is to help your children no longer think of themselves as different from others. Encourage them to be more connected with their peers and accepting of people’s differences. 
In this Mystery, students will learn how we can infer what the outside of an animal looked like by using clues provided by their skeleton. In the visual activity, Guess What These Animals Eat, students examine photos of skulls of both familiar animals and dinosaurs to figure out what each animal eats.
Art & Creative Expression
Paper Plate-a-sauruses
Here’s an activity for all the  dinosaur -loving children out there. These paper plate-a-sauruses are based on the real species and all feature a colorful paper plate body with a paper cut-out head, legs and tail. They can help your children learn the real names of the dinosaurs while also being a fun, messy art and craft project. 

You will need:
  • Paper plates
  • Colored heavy paper stock
  • Scissors and a hole punch (or googly eyes if you prefer)
  • Items to decorate your paper plates with.

How to:
  • Cut paper plates in half and decorate them. You can use paint or for a less messy option try pencils, crayons or stickers.
  • Most of the templates work best by painting the back of the paper plate, but for the Pterodactyl the front side works best.
  • Then cut out the paper dinosaur shapes from the templates below.
  • For best results print them straight on to the heavy colored paper stock.
  • Once you have cut out the paper shapes attach them on to your dry paper plate.
  • Punch a hole for the eye, or if you prefer stick on a googly eye

Templates
These templates are designed to fit a standard dinner sized paper plate.
(Click the links below to download your own copy of the dinosaur templates. They will open in a Google Doc. Click on "File" in the top left and then choose "Download" from the drop down menu. Save to your computer and print out as needed.)





Dinosaur Feet
Materials
  • 2 empty tissue boxes
  • Construction Paper green and orange
  •  Glue Stick
  •  Scissors
Instructions
  • Take the 2 empty tissue boxes and wrap them in green construction paper.
  • Use the glue sticks to attack the paper to the box.
  • Using the orange construction paper cut out something that slightly resembled dinosaur claws.
  • Glue these to the front.
  • Slip your children's feet into the holes and let them stomp and roar as they become the dinosaurs!
Egg Carton Dinosaur Hat
To make the hat, you will need:
  • Paint
  • One egg carton (extra one if you plan to make longer spikes)
  • Scissors
  • Cardboard
  • Stapler
  • Paint brush

Instructions:
  • The first step is to cut off the lid from the egg carton, then cut off either side of the center cones. You will need the extra egg carton if you want a larger Dinosaur headband. To join the two egg cartons, put some glue at the end of the first egg carton and then attach the second carton by placing over the glued end. Allow to dry before you paint the egg carton.
  • Now paint the cones whatever colors you like. I used red, purple and yellow for my Dinosaur.
  • Now for the cardboard: draw two 30cm-strips on it. We used the ruler’s width. Cut out the strips.
  • Staple the two strips together, to make one long strip. Now measure the circumference of your child’s head with the long strip you have just made, and staple the ends together to make the head band.
  • When the paint has dried, add the spikes by stapling one end of the egg cartons to the front of the headband and then the other end at the back.
  • Once your little one puts on this hat it will spark their inner Dinosaur! Watch Out! Rawr!
Dinosaur Park
Location:  893 Union Chapel Road, Cedar Creek
Hours:  Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. (please note the last trail entry is at 3:30 p.m.)
Price:  Adults and teens – $9; Children (2-12) – $8; Children under 2 are free. 
Writing and Literacy Readiness
How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?
Written by Jane Yolen and Illustrated by Mark Teague
A playful peek into the homes of dinosaur babies and their parents at bedtime. How does a dinosaur say good night when Papa comes in to turn off the light? Does a dinosaur slam his tail and pout? Does he throw his teddy bear all about?' Most certainly not! Dinosaurs give their moms and dads big hugs and kisses, tuck their tails in and whisper, 'Good night!' Brimming with humor and familiar good-night antics, here is a playful peek into the homes of dinosaur children and their parents at bedtime.
Dinosaur Books for Children
Here are some of the most fun and engaging dinosaur books for kids to read aloud in your classroom.











  • Dinosaur A-Z: For kids who really love dinosaurs! by Roger Priddy



Mathematical & Scientific Concepts
Simple Dinosaur Dough

You only need 3 ingredients to make this very simple dinosaur dough.

  • You can add some plastic dinosaurs to explore and stomp around your made up dinosaur land.
  • You can create various dinosaur lands, like caves, mountains, or jungles.
  • Playdough of any kind is fabulous for fine motor development,
  • Grass, leaves, twigs, and shells can be added to your dinosaur dough as another layer to the play experience. 
  • This dinosaur dough has a super silky soft texture, children can very easily press objects into it and clearly see, in detail, the markings of their object.
  • This project helps children learn how fossils are formed!

How to make 3 ingredient dinosaur dough
  • One cup of hair conditioner. (It doesn’t matter what brand you use.)
  • Next add 2.5 cups of corn starch
  • Mix it together carefully in a bowl before adding green or brown food coloring. (Just be mindful that you don’t want the dinosaur dough too dark that it’s stains little hands.)
  • It’s important to knead the dough very, very well. 
  • Ingredients will respond differently. If the mixture is too dry, add small amounts of the conditioner and knead the dinosaur dough until you reach the desired texture. If the dinosaur dough is too wet, add small increments of corn starch and knead it through, again until you reach your desired dinosaur dough-like texture. 
  • This playdough needs to be tightly wrapped and stored in an air-tight container.
  • Like all playdough, as it is exposed to air it will start to dry out, however, adding a small bit of conditioner will help restore its texture.

Dinosaur Pasta Fossils
Have your children pretend to be paleontologists who have discovered bones (the pasta) in the ground. They can press pasta shapes (bones) into the play dough to make a fossil.
When the pasta is removed the children will see the imprint left in the play dough, which is like a fossil!
Ancient Fossil Match
This site shows ancient fossils and how they looked in preistoric times!
Character Development
Raising a Responsible Child
To be responsible, children must notice what needs to be done, think of useful options, and take pride in their contributions. Here’s how to encourage responsibility. 

Notice and Narrate  
Draw attention to strategies that work. “Moving your puzzle to the table is a good idea. It’s easier to keep track of the pieces,” “You and your sister made up great rules.” 

Ask Instead of Tell 
Support your child’s independent actions. Ask, “What’s a safe place to put your cup?,” instead of saying, “Put your cup on the counter.” Note, “I see toy cars in front of the stairs. Where should they be moved?,” instead of insisting, “Someone could trip on the cars. Please move them.” 

Put Your Child in Charge 
Ask questions that inspire your child to solve problems. “We need a good way to get everyone to the table for dinner. What do you think we should do?” and “We need to find a better place for the boots [bikes, socks, mittens, toys] so we can find them easily. Where do you think they can go?” 

Celebrate Success 
When you notice your child being responsible, show your appreciation. “Hurray! All the coats got hung up today,” “Awesome work setting the table! Dinner was  very  elegant,” “Thanks for putting the snack wrappers in the garbage. I loved working on a clean counter.” 
Physical Development
Dinosaur Movement Game

This is a dinosaur movement activity for preschool and older aged kids. You can use as a part of a reading activity, or use it as a dinosaur brain break!

First print out the   free printable . You’ll also want the  game rules  for easy play and the spinner piece.  Make your game board and ensure the arrow spins using a brass fastener. 
 
How to Play:
  • One player hides the dinosaur figures around the room or outdoor play area. 
  • The first player spins the arrow and reads the action. He or she then races off to find one of the hidden dinosaurs. When she finds a dinosaur, she races back and performs the action.  
  • There will be shakes, stomps, jumps, and TONS of giggles with this gross motor activity!
  • Racing off and remembering the action they must perform requires a child to recall auditory and visual information necessary for so many functional skills. 
 
(Get the  free printable  and the  game rules /spinner by clicking the links.)
Dinosaur Pasta Skeleton
First, download the printable skeleton ( link below) and cut out the pieces. Children will assemble and glue the paper pieces of the dinosaur skeleton to a piece of construction paper (12Ă—18 size), then glue dry pasta on the skeleton.

The pasta pieces you will need are:
  • Shell: for the skull
  • Rigatoni: for the legs
  • Fettucini: for the ribs
  • Elbow (Macaroni): for the neck, backbone, and tail
Cognitive & Phonological Development
Fossil Dig
  • Partially fill a large plastic storage container (shoe box size or larger) with sand or cornmeal.
  • Give your child a magnifying glass, paintbrush (to dust off discoveries), a ruler, goggles, science journal (print this science log sheet to record observations or make drawings), writing utensils, and specimen trays or bags.
  • Hide Dino eggs, Dino figures, or "fossils" in the sand or cornmeal.
  • Have your child record his discoveries with words, pictures, charts or graphs.
Fun way to get to be a “real” paleontologist without having to slave in the hot sun on all fours!
Dinosaur Math and Thinking Skills
Preschool Children are learning not only how to count, but also how to identify each item as an individual amount. Some are learning how to add and subtract. Support your child’s budding math skills with these activities:
  • Count and Create: Use stickers, stamps, or cutout shapes. Decide on a number of each kind (e.g., 3 green circles, 4 blue rectangles, etc.). Can your child construct a Dino?
  • Dino Concentration: Put matching pairs of Dino figures under Dixie® cups. Let your child lift 2 as they look for a match, developing their strategy formation, memory, and matching skills.
  • Dino Egg Math: Take ½ of an Easter egg, along with a handful of beans (the amount will depend on your child’s skill). Have your child count the beans on the table. Without him looking, hide a few beans under the shell. Can he tell you how many are under the shell? You can also begin the game with hidden beans that you bring out. Can they figure out how many you added? Have your child write the equations.
Emotional & Social Development
Read the Book Dinosaurumpus  
by Tony Mitton. Have your child notice the various emotions the different Dinos experience at various parts of the book. Have a Dinosaurumpus of your own! Have your child work on perspective taking by practicing taking on the emotions of the various Dinos at different points across the story. 
Dinosaur Footprint Cookies
To make your own you will need:
  • Toy Dinosaur
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup caster sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, at room temperature
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • Green food colouring & small paint brush (optional)
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a small bowl until pale and creamy using and electric mixer. Add egg and mix until well combined. Sift flour and baking powder over butter mixture. Add milk and stir until just combined.
Step 3
Using 1 tablespoon of mixture at a time, roll mixture into balls. Place on lined baking trays. Flatten out slightly with your hand and get your dinosaur feet stamping!
Step 4 (optional)
Paint some of the footprints with the green food colouring.
Step 5
Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on trays for 5 minutes then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Cookie Excavations
Have a hard and soft chocolate chip cookie, and a hard and soft raisin cookie. Give your child 6 toothpicks and one of each type of hard cookie. Tell him the cookies must stay on the table (archaeologists can’t lift up their dig sites!). Using only their tools, he must try and excavate the chips/raisins without breaking them, while still separating as much of the “dirt” (i.e., cookie) from the chip/raisin as he can. After a few minutes, see how successful he is with the hard cookies. Repeat with the soft cookies. After another few minutes, see if he is more or less successful, and ask your child why. Examine the condition of the items extracted—were they whole or broken? Clean or “dirty” (with bits of cookie)? Was there a difference between the hard and soft cookies? Make a graph of the different cookies, and the differences between chips and raisins.