Sally Anderson - Where Does My Shadow Sleep?: A Parents Guide to Exploring Science with Childrens Books

Also by the Vermont Center for the Book: Social Studies and Me! Using Childrens Books to Learn About Our World How Many Ways Can You Make Five? A Parents Guide to Exploring Math with Childrens Books Math and Science Investigations: Helping Young Learners Make Big Discoveries Bulk PurchaseGryphon House books are available for special premiums and sales promotions as well as for fund-raising use. Special editions or book excerpts also can be created to specifications. For details, contact the Director of Marketing at Gryphon House.DisclaimerGryphon House, Inc. cannot be held responsible for damage, mishap, or injury incurred during the use of or because of activities in this book. Appropriate and reasonable caution and adult supervision of children involved in activities and corresponding to the age and capability of each child involved is recommended at all times. Do not leave children unattended at any time.

Observe safety and caution at all times.Note: Book suggestions may occasionally include books that are only available used or through your local library.Copyright Sally Anderson and the Vermont Center for the Book 2012Published by Gryphon House, Inc.PO Box 10, Lewisville, NC 27023800.638.0928; 877.638.7576 (fax)Visit us on the web at www.gryphonhouse.com.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or technical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher. Every effort has been made to locate copyright and permission information.Cover photograph courtesy of iStock Photo, LP. All rights reserved. 2012.www.istockphoto.com.Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataAnderson, Sally.Where does my shadow sleep? : a parents guide to exploring science with c=hildrens books / by Sally Anderson with the Vermont Center for the Book.pages cmIncludes bibliographical references and index.ISBN 978-0-87659-429-21. I. I.

V=ermont Center for the Book, issuing body. II. Title.LB1139.5.S3A54 2012372.35--dc232012004436

They make predictions: a seedling will grow into a flower by the end of the summer.

They use materials and tools in creative ways: measure a tower of blocks with a piece of rope.

They observe things carefully: watch ants as they carry crumbs to an anthill.

They solve problems: try to get a blanket to be the roof on a playhouse.

They repeat actions over and over: fill a cup with water, pour it into a hole, fill a cup with water, pour it into a hole, and so on.

For example, you can read a great book such as Moonbears Shadow by Frank Asch. Then you and your child can explore shadows together. How is a shadow made? What does a shadow look like when the sun comes up in the morning? How does a shadow change as the day goes on? Or read The Man Who Walked between the Towers by Mordecai Gerstein, and experiment with building towers together. How high can you build? How can you make your tower stronger so it wont fall over?Where Does My Shadow Sleep? links great childrens bookswhich you are probably already reading with your childwith easy, fun-filled activities to explore the world of science with her. The activities in Where Does My Shadow Sleep? were developed for children ages four and older, but most of them also work well with younger children, and most can be done over and over. Give your child a chance to do each one several times, perhaps in different seasons or in different locations or with different materials.

Note the changes in her abilities and interests over time. Check out the bibliography at the end of this book, where you will find lots of book suggestions to investigate with your child. Where Does My Shadow Sleep? will help you and your child have fun reading about, talking about, and exploring the science in your everyday lives.

Talk about the things you see in your world, such as the weather, animal behaviors, plants, and clouds.

Talk about how characters in books solve their problems.

Wonder aloud and ask questions relating to your activities.

Encourage your child to estimate height, weight, size, time, and speed.