[Book Recommendation] The Kids Guides to Exploring Nature

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

 
Alhamdulillaah, spring is upon us and the children are itching to get back outside again. (Spring also means that the academic load begins to lighten as we prepare for the upcoming summer break in shaa' Allaah, so posting should become more regular again biithnillaah. I've missed it!!) And, now that the weather is less severe, science can be done outdoors! This book, The Kid's Guide to Exploring Nature  can help plan and carry out science lessons, and it's gorgeous. The illustrations will interest children immediately and the activities are easy and fun to complete. The book also has a wonderful amount of scientific information to help children learn about the natural world in a fun, accessible way. The language is grade-level appropriate and engaging, and teachers and parent-teachers will find that lessons can be easily planned using the activities provided. The glossary in the back may also prove to be an invaluable tool for teachers - you can anticipate which terms/phrases may need further explanation and use the definitions provided in the glossary.

The book is arranged by season and each season opens with questions that ask children to observe and note what changes mark the beginning of each season. Children are then treated to a visual feast as they explore ponds, forests, and cityscapes, learning about how animals and plants survive and thrive, by the Mercy and Permission of Allaah. Children also "meet" different professionals who work with plants and animals. These pages provide children with an overview of a particular job and they tell children how these jobs help protect various plants and animals.

This book is highly recommended because teachers/parent-teachers can purchase it to help plan lessons or it can be a beneficial addition to your home/school/homeschool library. 


*Important Note; As with most books about the natural world, there are some things that you will not want to allow children to read independently. For instance, there is a paragraph about ferns and how people used to think ferns had magic seeds, astagfirullah. You will need to read the sections prior to giving the book to a child to read alone, so you can amend parts as needed.**

Have you read or used this book? What parts did your children enjoy most/least? Share with us!

Games for Children Between the Ages of 1 - 4

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

Alhamdulillaah, there are many beautiful, well-made toys for young children. These toys have the potential to keep children engaged for substantial amounts of time and they provide crucial learning that aides in development. Today, in'shaa allaah, some will be presented here, and later, craft ideas and activities that cost little or no money will be posted, that children will enjoy in'shaa allaah.  

The first toy is a Junior Ramp:

Children between the ages of 1 1/2 - 3 years old may enjoy sending the different colour cars down the ramp numerous time while they engage in imaginary play. 

The second and third toys, a Wooden Triangle Stacker and a Wooden Square Stacker give children between the ages of 1 1/2  - 3 years old the ability to practice developing their hand-eye coordination. 

The next toy is Small Wooden Stacking & Nesting Bowls, Natural

Young children will spend time learning about size and sequencing and they will also work on fine motor skill development. 

The last toy is a Little Lock Box:

This wooden box has compartments where children can hide objects and toys, it provides pincer-grip practice, and it helps children practice their coordination and manual dexterity skills. Plus, it is very attractive!

Toys such as those presented in this post teach children essential fine motor, hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity skills, and they also have the potential to provide children will quality play that lasts for a sustained period of time. 

Check back soon for crafts and activity ideas that cost little or no money and use materials that are commonly found around the house.