Storytime, Birthday Edition: Maggie Barnett from Evergreen Health reads It Feels Good to Be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Theresa Thorn.
A picture book that introduces the concept of gender identity to the youngest reader from writer Theresa Thorn and illustrator Noah Grigni. Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between.
Special thanks to Pat Dwyer, a loving Oma, and Evergreen Health for their help in making these possible!
Written by Amelia Schrader
Senior Manager of Learning and Education
Download a PDF version of this Sanity Saver here!
6 oz glue 2 tbsp contact solution or saline solution
½ tsp baking soda
Food coloring – you will not need this if you are using colored glue
Glitter (optional)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Play Time: Unlimited!
Science
Slime is such a fun science experiment for little ones – especially sensory seekers! Our family loves making all different kinds of slime! This is one of our favorite recipes! Many slime recipes use borax but not everyone has that ready in their home. This is an alternative recipe for those who have contact or saline solution in their home!
Step 1: Measure out each of our ingredients.
Step 2: Start by mixing together you glue and baking soda. If you are adding food coloring or glitter do this now as well!
Hint: If you want to make a true glitter slime I really recommend using a glitter glue. We did not have glitter glue so we added regular glitter, but it did not turn out a vibrant as glitter glue based slime.
Hint 2: Using white glue will make your color appear “milky”. To get a translucent slime you need to use clear glue. I also recommend you use a name brand glue such as Elmer’s. In my slime making experience brand name glues tend to form a better slime.
Step 3: Add in the contact solution and mix well. You will see your slime start to form quickly.
Step 4: Once all ingredients are fully incorporated it is time to play! Not only is this a fun, sensory experience for kiddos but they are also doing some hands on exploration of some complicated science concepts! Slime is a polymer. That means it is made up of a chain of molecules. There is a chemical reaction that occurs between the glue and the saline solution that causes a new substance to be formed! The individual molecules can no longer move freely but they have become tangled in a chain to create the slime. This is just one way to make slime! You can also make fluffy slime by using shaving cream or scented slime using Jell-O or extracts. Have a grown up help you go online to find more slime recipes! Post a picture of your slime creation on the Explore & More Facebook page!
Polymer: a substance that has a molecular structure that primary consists of a large number of similar units bonded or linked together.
Chemical Reaction: a process that rearranges the molecular or iconic structure of a substance to create a few substance.
Translucent: allowing through some light but not detailed shapes or images.
Written by: Dan Walsh
STEM Educator
Download a PDF version of this Sanity Saver here!
Craft sticks, straws, construction paper, scissors, glue, ribbon
5 minutes plus drying time
Art
Directions for Magic Wands
It’s Explore & More’s Birthday, and we need your help to make a wish for us. With these magical steps you can create your own magic wand. The magic wand can also double as a great reading pointer for as you read.
1.) Start by drawing a bunch of different sized stars, then color them in.
2.) Cut the stars out.
3.) Using a glue stick, attach a big star to the top of your craft stick or straw. 4.) Then cover your wand with different sized stars and shapes!
5.) Ribbon can be curled by dragging the dull end of a pair of scissors down the ribbon.
6.) Glue the ribbon on the back of your wand.
7.) Make a wish!!
Storytime, Birthday Edition: Richard Ridenour from Evergreen Health reads Daddy, Papa and Me by Lesléa Newman
From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together. Share the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.
Special thanks to Pat Dwyer, a loving Oma, and Evergreen Health for their help in making these possible!
Storytime, Birthday Edition: Rob Baird from Evergreen Health reads How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday by Jane Yolen
Everyone has a birthday, and from riotous birthday parties to the excitement of being one year older, having a birthday is the highlight of a young child’s year.
Special thanks to Pat Dwyer, a loving Oma, and Evergreen Health for their help in making these possible!
