4-H 68132LReprinted November 2006

$4.00

Produced and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension work is a cooperative program of Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Oregon counties. Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Originally published by Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service. Reprinted by Oregon State University, November 2006.

Just Outside the Door

Name _______________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Just Outside My Door

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

A Mapping Activity

A Treasure Hunt

About Me

Arts and Crafts

Games

Books and Stories

Trips and Walks

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:This week your child learned important information about

the different kinds of places in which children live and play,

and the kinds of things that can be found in these different

places. (See “What Children Need to Know About What Is

Just Outside Their Door.”) The group drew a map of what can

be found “just outside their own doors” and went on a treasure

hunt. They did other activities to help them learn about the

variety of objects that can be found outside.

You can help your child remember what he or she learned

by doing one or more of the activities listed under “Helping

Children Learn More About What Is Just Outside Their Door.”

As you do these activities with your child, stress the importance

of understanding and appreciating the differences between people

as well as between places. Our world is filled with variety, and

children need to understand the value of that variety.

Just Outside My Door Mini-Poster

What Children Need to Know About What Is Just Outside Their Door• Children live in many different kinds of places.• Depending on where children live, they have different kinds of things to see and do when they leave their homes. Some examples are: —Some children live in cities. When they go outside, they may have a small yard, a large yard or no yard! There are many human-made things like houses and other build-ings. There are paved streets. Often many people live close together in a small place. There may be many trees or just a few. —Some children live in the country. When they go outside, they may have a yard, or they may not. There are usually no other houses close by. Sometimes the roads are dirt roads. Usually there are many trees and other natural things.• Things found outside have different shapes, colors, sizes and patterns.• Some things found outside are human-made (like houses), and some are natural (like trees).• Some things found outside are very easy to find because there are so many of them. Some things found outside are very hard to find because there are not very many of them.• When looking for objects outside, slowly look up, look down, and look all around.

Helping Children Learn More About What Is Just Outside Their Door• Encouragechildrentostartanaturetable,shelforbulletinboardinyourhome.“Treasures”thatarediscoveredoutsidecanbeproudlydisplayedinthisarea.• Encourageyourchildtoaskquestionsaboutdifferentkindsofpeople,placesandthings.Ifyoudon’tknowtheanswers,ask“Howcan we find out?” Start a list of questions and then visit a library or ask experts to find outtheanswers.

• Makealistofthekindsofobjectsfoundjustoutsidethedoorwithyourchild.Letyourchilddeterminewhatcategoriestorecord.• Takeashorttriptoadifferentkindofareathanyourfamilylivesin.Forexample,ifyouliveinthecity,visitthecountry.Talkaboutthingsfoundinoneareathataren’tfoundintheother(forexample,cowsarefound in the country and fire hydrants are foundinthecity).Whatkindsofobjectscan be found in both places? (Examples are birds,trees,andpeople.)Talkaboutwhatitwouldbeliketoliveinthedifferentarea.• Visit the library and find books and magazinesaboutplacesandpeoplethataredifferentfromyouandwhereyoulive.

Name _______________________________

About Me

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

I Know How to Be a FriendDraw a picture of one of your friends.

My friend’s name ___________________________

Things I like about this friend __________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________

Name _______________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

I Know How to Be a Friend

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Prui Activity

About Me

Singing

Arts and Crafts

Games

Drama

Books and Stories

Trips or Walks

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:This meeting focused on the theme of friendship. The

children participated in activities and talked about what it

means to be a friend. They practiced friendship skills such

as sharing, listening and problem-solving. The concept of

friendship is an important one in 4-H because our purpose is

to provide an environment where friends can get together to

learn and have fun. (See “What Children Need to Know About

Friendship.”)Some suggestions for ways in which you can help to

reinforce the information we’ve shared today are listed under

“Helping Children Learn More About Friendship.” Also, share

your ideas with your child about what friendship means to you.

Children this age are just beginning to realize the

importance of friendship. They learn a great deal about

what friendship is all about by being a friend. We, as adults,

sometimes get involved too quickly when children are having

problems with each other. If we encourage them to think

through problems on their own, they can come up with some

pretty creative solutions themselves! Instead of playing referee,

you might say, “Sounds like you two are having a problem.

I wonder what you could do to work this out.” This is an

important social skill for children to develop, and you can

encourage this by talking about how differences can be worked

out when we get the opportunities. Adult intervention is

necessary if there is danger of children hurting each other.

What Children Need to Know About Friendship• Friends are people who: —Like each other. —Like to be near and play with each other. —Talk with each other. —Help each other do things.• Friends may be in your family or outside your family, and they can be any age.• Having a friend and being a friend make people feel good.

• Having a friend gives people someone with whom to play, work, and share ideas and feelings.• People feel friendly toward people who are interested in them, share with them, listen to their ideas, and help think of ways to solve problems.

Helping Children Learn More About Friendship• Help your child plan a picnic, a party or an overnight stay with a friend. • Notice when your child acts friendly, and comment on it. For example, you could say, “You said ‘hello’ to your friend Jim. That was a friendly thing to do.” • Help your child think about ways to make a new friend or to resolve a conflict. • Help your child write letters to his or her friends. Remember, a friend can be of any age.

Name________________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

My Clothing and the Weather

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Making Sandals Activity

Heat and Moisture Experiment

About Me

Games

Arts and Crafts

Books and Stories

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

My_Clothing_and_the_Weather_Mini-Poster

Dear parent:This_week_your_child_learned_important_information_about_

clothing_and_weather._(See_“What_Children_Need_to_Know_

About_Clothing_and_Weather.”)_The_group_either_made_sandals_

or_experimented_with_heat_and_moisture_absorption._They_also_

did_other_activities_to_help_them_learn_how_weather_is_related_to_

their_clothing_choices._You_can_help_your_child_remember_what_

he_or_she_learned_by_doing_one_or_more_of_the_activities_listed_

under_“Helping_Children_Learn_More_About_Clothing_and_the_

Weather.”It_is_important_for_children_to_gain_a_sense_of_control_over_

their_world._When_children_learn_ways_to_protect_themselves_

from_heat,_cold,_and_wet,_it_gives_them_this_sense_of_being_“in_

charge”_and_able_to_take_care_of_themselves.

What Children Need to Know About Clothing and the Weather•_Clothing_protects_us_from_the_sun,_rain,_wind,_and_cold_weather.•_Different_types_of_clothing_are_best_to_wear_in_different_kinds_of_weather.•_People_can_also_protect_themselves_from_the_weather_by_shielding_themselves_with_tents,_umbrellas,_sun_visors,_or_sunglasses.

For Older or More Experienced Learners•_Cotton_fabric_absorbs_moisture_and_is_com-fortable_to_wear_in_hot_weather.•_Black_or_dark-colored_clothing_absorbs_heat_from_the_sun_and_is_warmer_to_wear_than_white_or_light-colored_clothing.

Helping Children Learn More About Clothing and Weather•_Talk_with_your_child_each_day_about_which_clothes_would_be_best_for_that_day’s_weather.

•_Visit_a_sporting_goods_store_and_look_for_clothing_made_for_special_outdoor_activities.•_Allow_your_child_to_help_you_take_out_and_put_away_clothing_as_you_move_through_the_seasons.

Name________________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Billions of Insects

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Make an Insect Model Activity

About Me

Games

Poetry

Singing

Making Snacks

Books and Stories

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:This_week_your_child_learned_important_information_about_

insects_and_their_parts._(See_“What_Children_Need_to_Know_

About_Insects.”)_They_made_a_model_of_an_insect_and_did_other_

activities_which_helped_them_learn_about_insects_and_their_body_

parts.You_can_help_your_child_remember_what_he_or_she_learned_

by_doing_some_of_the_activities_listed_under_“Helping_Children_

Learn_More_About_Insects.”_Insects_do_help_people._They_are_an_

important_part_of_nature’s_cycle,_and_we_need_to_help_children_

appreciate_them.

Billions_of_Insects_Mini-Poster

What Children Need to Know About Insects•_ Insects_come_in_many_different_sizes,_shapes_and_colors.•_ Insects_always have_six_legs,_one_pair_of_antennae_and_three_body_sections._Some_insects_also_have_wings.•_ Insects_do_not_have_bones_inside_their_bodies._Instead,_they_have_a_hard_covering_or_shell_over_their_bodies._This_shell_is_called_an_exoskeleton.

•_ Insects_have_three_body_sections._They_are_the_head, the thorax, and_the_abdo-men. The_head_has_the_eyes,_antennae,_and_mouthparts._The_thorax_has_the_legs_and_wings._The_abdomen_has_the_internal_organs,_such_as_the_stomach_and_heart.•_Most_insects_belong_to_one_of_these_six_groups:_—Beetles_—Butterflies_and_moths_—Ants,_bees,_and_wasps_—Flies_

—Grasshoppers,_crickets,_roaches,_and_mantids_—Bugs

Helping Children Learn More About Insects•_Take_your_child_on_a_walk_around_your_yard,_a_park_or_a_woodlot._Look_all_around_for_insects_and_try_to_identify_the_body_parts_and_the_kinds_of_insects_you_find.•_Ask_your_children_open-ended_questions_such_as_“What_have_you_noticed_about_this_insect?”_Then_listen_to_their_answers_without_criticizing,_correcting_or_lecturing.•_Help_your_child_make_a_chart_to_keep_track_of_the_kinds_of_insects_he_or_she_sees.•_ If_your_child_shows_an_interest,_help_him_or_her_start_an_insect_collection.

Name________________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Insect Catcher’s Safari

Insect Catcher’s Safari Activity

About Me

Other Insect Activities

Singing

Poetry

Books and Stories

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:This week your child learned important information about

insects and where they live. (See “What Children Need to

Know About Insects.”) They went on an Insect Catcher’s Safari.

They learned to look for insects up in the sky, on the ground,

and under things. They did other activities to help them learn

about where insects live.

Children will remember what they learned if you help

them look for insects everywhere they go. Other things you can

do with your child are listed under “Helping Children Learn

More About Insects.” As you seek out insects with your child

this week, stress the importance of exploring new places. Let

your child know that trying new things and taking risks are

important life skills.

Insect Catcher’s Safari Mini-Poster

What Children Need to Know About Insects• Insects can be found just about anywhere you might look: in the city and in the country, inside buildings and outdoors, in woods and in fields, in water and in sand, and on pets and animals.• Insects can be found by looking up, look-ing down, and looking all around. Then, when you’ve finished looking in one area this way, look again—insects are always on the move!• Most insects have a favorite place to live. Insects usually live in one kind of place because they can find the things they need to live there. This might be on a special plant they like to eat or in an area with lots of sunlight, flowing water, or sandy soil.• Some insects build special homes for themselves. Two kinds of insects which do this are ants (which build ant hills) and wasps (which build nests).

Helping Children Learn More About Insects• Help your child look for insect homes (such as ant hills and wasp nests) around your house. Encourage him or her to watch the insects going in and out of their houses. Do they carry food? What else do they do around their houses?• Help your child set up an ant farm.• Children learn the most when they can watch something over time. Encourage your child to observe insects and their homes for several days. Talk about what he or she observes. Encourage him or her to record these observations by drawing pictures or writing words.

Name _______________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

An Insect’s Life

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Life Stages Game Activity

About Me

Arts and Crafts

Games

Movement Activity

Singing

Making Snacks

Books and Stories

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:This week your child learned information about how

insects grow and develop. (See “What Children Need to Know

About Insects.”) They played a game which helped them

recognize the different life stages of insects. You can help your

child remember what he or she learned by doing some of the

things under “Helping Children Learn More About Insect Life

Stages.”Coping with and adjusting to change is something

everyone must learn to deal with throughout a lifetime. Talk to

your child about how life is a cycle of constant change. Ask your

child about a time when he or she had to make a change. Was

it easy or hard to make this change? During the week, point out

the many changes that take place.

An Insect’s Life Mini-Poster

What Children Need to Know About Insects• Insects hatch from tiny eggs.• Insects change shape as they grow. This is called metamorphosis. They do this by changing their shape gradually, by shed-ding their skin as they grow bigger, or all at once with a very big change in how they look.

Helping Children Learn More About Insect Life Stages• Take a walk with your child and look for insects in different life stages. See if your child can tell you if an insect is one that has a gradual or sudden metamorphosis.• Talk with your child about the life stages of humans. Point out children, adoles-cents, young adults, and older children.

Name________________________________

About Me

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Working TogetherThis_is_a_picture_of_children_working_together.

Name________________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Working Together

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Cooperative Fruit Salad Activity

About Me

Drama

Games

Singing

Making Music

Arts and Crafts

Books and Stories

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Working_Together_Mini-Poster

Dear parent:In_our_meeting_today,_we_focused_on_the_theme_of_

working_together_(cooperation)._The_purposes_of_our_activities_

were_to_give_the_children_a_chance_to_work_together_and_

experience_firsthand_how_it_felt._All_of_the_activities_we_worked_

on_involved_the_children_taking_turns,_sharing,_and_making_

decisions_together._(See_“What_Children_Need_to_Know_About_

Cooperation.”)In_order_to_help_your_child_with_cooperation_at_home,_

there_is_a_list_of_suggestions_under_“Helping_Children_Learn_

More_About_Working_Together”_for_you_to_try._The_important_

thing_to_remember_about_working_together_is_that_it_involves_a_

common goal. It_isn’t_just_doing_what_someone_asks_you_to_do.

Children_this_age_get_a_great_deal_of_information_about_

themselves_from_the_world_around_them._They_take_this_

information_and_start_to_form_some_ideas_about_their_sense_of_

good_not_only_about_themselves_but_about_their_abilities_to_

enjoy_other_people’s_company._When_they_experience_a_lot_of_

good_feelings_about_their_interactions_with_others,_children_are_

more_likely_to_develop_healthy,_positive_self-concepts._And_that’s_

what_4-H_is_all_about!

What Children Need to Know About Cooperation•_Cooperation_means_people_working_together_to_get_something_done._This_means_they_have_a_common_goal.•_When_people_cooperate,_they:_—Listen_to_each_other’s_ideas._—Take_turns_using_things._—Take_turns_talking.•_Some_things_can_be_done_better_or_more_easily_when_people_work_together.•_Working_together_can_make_people_feel_good.•_Cooperating_is_a_way_for_people_to_show_they_like_each_other.

Helping Children Learn More About Working Together•_ Involve_your_child_in_projects_where_the_family_is_truly_working_toward_a_common_goal,_such_as_planning_a_picnic_or_washing_the_car_for_a_family_outing._Even_though_it_might_seem_easier_to_do_these_jobs_yourself,_children_enjoy_being_included_and_are_gen-erally_more_willing_to_support_a_project_they_have_been_a_part_of.•_To_help_children_focus_on_the_positive_aspects_of_cooperating,_point_these_out_to_children_when_they_occur._For_example,_when_you_help_your_child_make_the_bed_or_clean_up_a_game,_you_can_say,_“Working_together_sure_made_that_job_easier!”•_Create_opportunities_for_children_to_cooper-ate_by_assigning_jobs_on_a_partnership_basis_rather_than_to_individuals._For_example,_you_could_assign_the_job_of_feeding_the_pets_to_two_children_and_have_them_work_out_a_way_to_do_it_together.

Name________________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Fabulous Fruits

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Find the Seeds Activity

About Me

Arts and Crafts

Games

Making Snacks

Books and Stories

Trips or Walks

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:This week your child learned important information about

fruits and the seeds they contain. (See “What Children Need to

Know About Fruits.”) They looked at different fruits, found the

seeds in each, and did other activities to help them learn about

fruits as carriers of seeds.

You can help your child remember what he or she learned

by doing some of the things under “Helping Children Learn

More About Fruits.”

Home-Club Mini-Poster—Fruits

What Children Need to Know About Fruits• A fruit is the part of a plant that seeds come in.• Fruits come in many different sizes, shapes, colors, and tastes.• Fruits can be found in different places on a plant.

• Fruits can be eaten and are good for you.

Helping Children Learn More About Fruits• As you are shopping for and/or serving fruit this week, talk to your child about fruits being the carriers of seeds. Have your child find the seeds in the fruit he or she eats.

• Have your child keep a chart of the fruits he or she eats. The colors, sizes, and shapes of these fruits could be noted on this chart.• Take your child on a trip to a berry patch or orchard. Talk about where the fruit can be found (attached to the plant, on the ground, or under the ground).• Let your child plan and prepare a simple fruit dish for a meal. Fruit salad and applesauce are easy to make.• Make dried apple rings with your child. Peel and core firm, ripe apples. Slice them into rings about ¼-inch thick. Then, string and hang them in a warm, dry place to dry. When the slices are dry, pull off a ring and enjoy!

Name _______________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Surprising Seeds

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Inside a Seed Activity

About Me

Sampling Seeds

Arts and Crafts

Games

Singing

Making Snacks

Books and Stories

Trips or Walks

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:This week your child learned important information about

seeds and how they grow. (See “What Children Need to Know

About Seeds.”) They looked inside different kinds of seeds. They

also did many other activities to help them learn about seeds.

You can help your child remember what he or she learned

by doing some of the things under “Helping Children Learn

More About Seeds.” As you and your child are discussing how

seeds grow into plants, explain to your child that he or she is

growing, too. Look at old photos and have your child point out

the differences in his or her appearance through the years. Like

the seed that grows into a plant, a child will someday grow into

an adult!

Surprising Seeds Mini-Poster

What Children Need to Know About Seeds• Seeds are a part of plants and can be planted to grow more plants.• Seeds come from the fruit of the plant.• Seeds come in many sizes, shapes, and colors.

• People can make pretty decorations using seeds.• Seeds have different parts—the seed coat, the scar, and the baby plant.• Some seeds can be eaten, and they con-tain nutrients.

Helping Children Learn More About Seeds• Help your child plant some seeds at home, and follow the growth of the seeds.• Take a walk around your yard, a woodlot, or park, and gather seeds from the plants and trees.

• Make popcorn with your child. Talk about how popcorn is a seed.• Help your child sprout some seeds in a paper towel. To do this, place a few seeds in a paper towel and tightly roll up the towel. Then, place two rubber bands around it to keep it from unrolling, and put the towel in a quart jar with a few inches of water. Put the jar in a warm place. Have your child carefully unroll the towel in 2 or 3 days to check the seeds for sprouting.

Name________________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Oh, No! Stains!

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Make Your Own Stain Activity

About Me

Games

Singing

Arts and Crafts

Books and Stories

Trips and Walks

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:Our_activities_today_centered_around_the_topic_of_stains._

Yes,_stains!_The_children_got_to_make_different_kinds_of_stains_

on_fabrics,_and_they_also_got_to_practice_getting_them_out._Some_

of_the_stains_were_pretty_difficult._We_also_talked_about_ways_to_

avoid_getting_stains_on_our_clothes_in_the_first_place._(See_“What_

Children_Need_to_Know_About_Stains.”)

Ways_that_you_can_help_your_child_remember_what_he_or_

she_learned_are_listed_under_“Helping_Children_Learn_More_

About_Stains.”_The_Stain Removal Fact Sheet that_comes_with_

this_letter_tells_about_how_most_common_stains_can_be_removed._

While_we_can’t_promise_a_perfectly_clean_child,_we_do_hope_

we’ve_been_able_to_make_children_more_aware_of_the_problems_

that_stains_can_create_for_them—and_you!_Still,_children_really_

do_learn_best_about_their_world_through_exploring_and_doing,_

and_sometimes_this_means_getting_pretty_messy._Some_children_

even_avoid_playing_because_they’re_worried_about_getting_their_

clothes_dirty._Providing_children_with_“play_clothes”_helps_avoid_

this_problem._By_the_way,_please_send_your_child_to_4‑H_in_play_

clothes!

Oh,_No!_Stains!_Mini‑Poster

What Children Need to Know About Stains•_A_stain_is_a_dirty_or_discolored_spot.•_Different_kinds_of_stains_are_removed_in_different_ways.•_Treat_stains_right_away,_if_possible.•_Some_stains_are_hard_to_remove,_and_some_can_never_be_removed.•_Wearing_clean_clothes_can_help_people_look_nice_and_feel_better.•_When_using_or_eating_messy_things,_people_can_try_to_keep_stains_from_getting_on_their_clothes_by_wearing_aprons,_paint_smocks,_and_bibs,_and_by_using_napkins.

Helping Children Learn More About Stains•_When_your_child_gets_something_on_his_or_her_clothing,_have_him_or_her_rinse_it_out_with_cold_water_(or_do_whatever_treat‑ment_is_recommended_for_the_stain).•_Children_may_like_to_engage_in_purposely_“staining”_their_clothing_by_tie‑dyeing_an_old_T‑shirt._Instructions_for_this_process_are_usually_included_on_packages_of_dye_mix._This_is_recommended_as_a_home_activity_because_it_requires_one‑on‑one_supervision.•_You_can_begin_to_involve_your_child_in_the_laundry_process_by_gradually_teaching_him_or_her_some_of_the_steps_involved._Start_out_showing_your_child_how_to_put_all_the_clothes_right_side_out_and_sort_them_by_light_and_dark_colors._When_your_child_is_a_little_older,_he_or_she_can_begin_to_learn_to_use_the_washer_and_dryer.

Stain Removal Fact SheetGeneral Points to Remember•_ Identify_the_stain.•_ Identify_that_the_garment_is_washable.•_Treat_the_stain_immediately!_Fresh_stains_are_easier_

to_remove_than_old_ones.•_Blot_or_scrape_off_excess_stain.•_Work_on_the_wrong_side_of_the_fabric_so_you_push_

the_stain_out,_not_in.•_Work_carefully_and_patiently.•_Do_not_use_hot_water_on_an_unknown_stain.

How to Identify StainsOne_very_important_factor_in_successful_stain_

removal_is_correctly_identifying_the_stain._What_is_it?_When_did_it_happen?_What_does_the_garment_label_say_about_the_fiber_content?_Does_the_label_say_the_gar‑ment_is_washable?

If_you_can’t_remember_what_caused_the_stain,_then_try_the_following:_1._ Look_at_the_color_and_appearance_of_the_stain._2._ Look_at_where_the_stain_is_located._3._ Smell_the_stain._Does_it_have_an_odor_you_

recognize?_4._ Feel_the_stain_to_check_the_texture.

Procedure for Removing Identifiable Stains•_Place_a_soft_cloth_or_paper_towels_under_the_stain_to_

serve_as_a_blotter.•_Work_on_the_wrong_side_of_the_fabric.•_Place_the_stain_side_to_the_blotter.•_Sponge_the_stain_lightly_with_a_clean,_soft_cloth.•_Move_frequently_to_a_clean_area_on_the_blotter.

Simple Stain SolutionsThere_are_many_different_methods_of_stain_removal,_

and_this_list_focuses_on_methods_and_stain_removal_products_which_children_can_safely_handle_with_adult_supervision._You_may_have_methods_of_your_own_to_share_with_your_child.•_Catsup—Scrape_off_the_excess_with_a_dull_knife._

Soak_in_cold_water_for_30_minutes._Rub_detergent_into_the_stain_while_it_is_still_wet,_then_launder_the_garment.

•_Grass and Chocolate—Treat_the_stain_with_cold_water_before_it_dries._Soak_for_30_minutes._Use_an_enzyme_presoak_and_soak_the_garment_for_the_recommended_amount_of_time._Apply_concentrated_detergent_to_the_stain_and_allow_it_to_set,_then_laun‑der_the_garment.

•_Fruit juices, mud, soft drinks—Soak_the_stain_for_15_minutes_in_a_solution_of_1_quart_warm_water,_½_teaspoon_liquid_hand_dishwashing_detergent,_and_1_tablespoon_vinegar._Rinse._Sponge_with_rubbing_alcohol.

•_ Ink (ballpoint)—Sponge_the_stain_with_rubbing_alcohol_or_spray_it_with_hair_spray_until_it_looks_wet._Rub_detergent_into_the_stained_area._Launder_the_garment._Repeat_if_necessary.

•_ Ink (felt tip pen)—Rub_household_cleaner_into_the_stain._Rinse._Repeat_as_many_times_as_necessary_to_remove_the_stain._Launder_the_garment._Some_stains_may_be_impossible_to_remove.

•_ Ice cream—Soak_the_stain_in_cold_water._Rub_deter‑gent_into_the_stain._Launder_the_garment.

•_Mustard—Rub_detergent_into_the_dampened_stain._Rinse._Soak_in_hot_detergent_water_for_several_hours._Launder_the_garment.

Name________________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Wet and Wonderful

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Ice Turns Into Water Activity

About Me

Water Dissolves Things

Making Snacks

Arts and Crafts

Singing

Where Does Water Go?

Games

Books and Stories

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Wet_and_Wonderful_Mini‑Poster

Dear parent:This_week_your_child_learned_important_information_about_

water._(See_“What_Children_Need_to_Know_About_Water.”)_

They_changed_ice_into_water,_and_did_other_activities_which_

helped_them_to_learn_the_basic_characteristics_of_water.

You_can_help_your_child_remember_this_new_information_

by_doing_some_of_the_activities_listed_under_“Helping_Children_

Learn_More_About_Water.”_Water_is_important_to_all_living_

things._We_all_need_to_appreciate_it._Even_older_children_enjoy_

water_play_in_tubs,_sinks,_lakes,_and_pools._As_you_do_water_play_

with_your_child,_ask_him_or_her_to_suggest_what_will_happen_

before_you_actually_pour,_shake,_etc._This_kind_of_“prethinking”_

is_part_of_the_scientific_process._By_helping_children_develop_

ideas_and_then_“test”_them,_you_are_developing_their_thinking_

processes!

What Children Need to Know About Water•Waterisaliquid.•Waterspreadsout.•Waterflowswhenpoured.•Somethingsfloatinwater.• Iceisfrozenwater.•Warmthchangesiceintowater.•Somethingsdissolveinwater.•Waterevaporates.

•Waterisimportanttous.

Helping Children Learn More About Water•Helpyourchildmakealistofthewaysinwhichwaterisusedinyourhome.Talkabouttheimportanceofwatertoyouandyourfamily.•Makehomemade“fruitsicles”withyourchild.Simplypourfruitjuiceintopapercupsandplacetheminthefreezer.Whenthemixtureispartiallyfrozen,insertawoodenstick.Toeat,tearawaythepapercupandenjoyacool,refreshingsnack.•Helpyourchildexperimentwithhouse-holdobjectstoseewhatfloatsandwhatsinksinwater.Youmightuseobjectssuchasdriedbeans,plasticlids,buttons,icecubes,barsofsoap,smallemptybottlesorcans,andcorks.•Afterasteadyrain,takeyourchildforawalk.Lookforplaceswherepuddleshaveformedandwherewaterisflowing.•Plananoutingatalakeorpond.Helpyourchildfindwaysoffloating,suchasaloneoroninflatablesorboats.

Name_______________________________

My Thoughts and Feelings

We did these things: I felt like this:

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

Birds of a Feather

This is how I felt about the whole meeting:

Making Bird Puppets Activity

About Me

Movement Activity

Arts and Crafts

Construction Activity

Singing

Books and Stories

Just Outside the Door Member’s Packet

OVER

Dear parent:Thisweekyourchildlearnedimportantinformationabout

birds.(See“WhatChildrenNeedtoKnowAboutBirds.”)The

groupmadebirdpuppetsanddidotheractivitiesthatwould

helpthemlearnaboutbirdbehaviorsandwhatmakesabirda

bird.Youcanhelpyourchildrememberwhatheorshelearned

bydoingoneormoreoftheactivitieslistedunder“Helping

YourChildrenLearnMoreAboutBirds.”Asyoudothese

activities,listentoyourchild’sanswerscarefully—letthe

childtellyouwhatheorsheknows.Listenpatientlywithout

criticizingorlecturing.

What Children Need to Know About Birds•Birdsaretheonlyanimalswithfeathers.•Birdscomeinmanydifferentsizes,shapes,andcolors.

•Differentkindsofbirdsmoveindifferentways.•Differentkindsofbirdseatdifferentfoods.•Birdfeederscanattractbirdstoyouryardorwindow.

Helping Children Learn More About Birds•Observethebirdsaroundyourhome.Talkabouthowyoucantellthesecrea-turesarebirds.(Theyhavefeathers.)•Takeyourchildtovisitanaviaryorthezoo.Talkaboutthemanydifferentkindsofbirdsfoundthere.Canyouseewhatthebirdseat?Doallbirdseatthesamethings?Talkaboutthedifferentsizes,shapes,andcolorsofthebirdsyousee.•Putupabirdfeederoutsideawindowandobservethebirdswithyourchild.Talkaboutthedifferentkindsofbirdsthatfeedthere.Dotheyallmovethesameway?Howaretheirbehaviorsdifferent?

•Watchbirdsastheyfly.Askyourchildwhatheorshethinksitwouldbeliketoflylikeabird.Whatwouldthingslooklikefromupintheair?Pretendtoflywithyourchild.Soarandswooptogether!

More Than FlyingWhat Birds Do

Some birds hop.

Robins

Blue jays

Juncos

Pheasants

1 10

Some birds can surprise you by flying up right beneath your feet with a “whirr.”

Some birds run.

Quail

Grouse Sandpipers

9 2

Other birds walk. They sway back and forth. Some birds fly by soaring and gliding high above the trees.

3 8

Crows

Grouse

Grackles

Hawks

Gulls

Cranes

Some birds like to perch on tree trunks instead of on tree branches.

Some birds can stand very still. They only move their eyes and heads.

7 4

Woodpeckers

Nuthatches

Creepers

Owls

Hawks

Kingfishers Herons

5 6

Other birds can’t stand still. They have to flick their tails or wings.

Juncos

Chickadees

Cardinals Sparrows

Kinglets