Basic Skills

This program is designed as an early tool training and material exploration exercise. Combine wooden parts with a screw and nails. Sand the parts smooth. Spin your sunflower and watch the momentum carry round and round.

A story about compromise and conflict resolution. Something that everyone needs to learn.

While a farmer grows his wheat, 6 hungry crows watch and wait, planning to steal it when it ripens. When the farmer builds a Scarecrow in his field, the crows fly away in fear . Then come back with something very scary of their own, and the farmer runs away. When the Wise Owl sees the wheat rotting in the field, he intervenes with a compromise that makes everyone happy.

Learn how geography, weather, culture, tradition, natural resources, and purpose, all contribute to the design and construction of shelter. With an introduction of houses around the world from Arthur Dorros' This is My House*, students will build their own houses with front or side yards, chimney, doorbell, fences, trees, steps, porch, flowers…whatever they can 'see' in their mind's eye as they walk toward their own front door. Consider what materials are available and build a family. Consider the problems your walls will protect them from: rain, snow, heat, fire, winds, floods, mice, bugs or wolves. 

*© 1992 Scholastic Hardcover by Arthur Dorros.

A traditional tale from the Amazon, Jabuti the Tortoise, follows the "Trickster," Jabuti, as an explanation for why a turtle's shell looks the way it does. Using a traditional folk-toy design, students can create their own Jabuti with a unique twist. Jabuti's head pops in and out of its shell as the turtle rolls. Students construct the turtle and learn how these inner mechanics create this surprising movement.

Robert Kraus' Leo the Late Bloomer is the story of how a little tiger named Leo bloomed in his own good time. It is another one of our favorites and helps readers acknowledge that not all timelines are the same; patience and compassion always have a place. 

Another favorite pays homage to Pete the Cat and his Four Groovy Buttons. A great counting story, and you'll find the song truly infectious. Dance and sing along with Pete and use his buttons to count until none are left!

A charming book by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Jen Corace, Little Hoot, is about a little owl who can't wait to grow up and let his kids go to bed as early as they want. Sweet and funny, it flips parenting and child pushback on its head. Children are always amused by the reverse instructions given by these nocturnal parents!

Inspired by Tomie dePaola's, The Knight and the Dragon, a sweet story of a sheepish knight and a clumsy dragon who discover there's more to life than fighting. We all can get along once we get to know each other. 

Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's sweet story follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can no longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear? After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) is a masterful picture book that will remind readers of all ages that Life begins when you get back up.

A story of friendship and looking past perceived differences. Josh Holt's Dear Dragon: A Pen Pal Tale is a friendship story in rhyme to help all of us appreciate the person underneath physical differences.
Design your dragon, make yourself, and try your hand at sending a note in rhyme to a friend. Let the unexpected surprise you!