Mother Goose Asks Why?

The Learning Center has served the community since l981 providing adult education services, which include GED instruction, one-on-one tutoring with a trained volunteer tutor, basic computer classes and job skills training. In September l998 the Family Literacy Program introduced families in Lycoming County with opportunities to share reading and fun-related activities together while participating in adult education, job skills training, and parent and child together time. One component of this program is Mother Goose Asks "Why?"

Moms make Mother Nature take home activities

Mother Goose Asks "Why?" combines great children’s literature with science. Designed by the Vermont Center for the Book, Mother Goose Asks "Why?" aims to involve parents in their child’s learning of science and the world around them. Parents of children ages 3 to 7 meet to read and discuss a children’s book and do science activities introduced in the book. The nine books guide us in asking the questions, What is it?, How do you do it?, How does it grow?, and How many?

For example, the book Two Bad Ants tells the humorous story of two ants who discover a bowl of sugar crystals and choose to stay close to them rather than return to their ant colony. We hear the ant’s descriptions of common household objects and see their dangerous adventures with a toaster, garbage disposal, and an electrical outlet. We then examine various crystals with a magnifier, study shadows and reflection, and discuss ant colonies and safety in the home.

Two Bad Ants involves the child in the reading process with eye-catching illustrations, amusing and scary antics, and a familiar look at a common insect to observe when the story ends. The science process skills for this book are observing, making predictions, and communicating your ideas to others.  

Family Literacy Moms read Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Mother Goose Asks "Why?" wants to strengthen parent and child relationships through reading and playing together. Parents learn to take an active part in their child’s learning process. Children share their science discoveries with their parent.
A child’s natural curiosity will lead to more and more opportunities to make discoveries together at home or outdoors.

Each parent in the Mother Goose Asks "Why?" program receives a tote bag, science activity kit, and a science activity guide listing all the activities we do together. The Mother Goose Meets Mother Nature series includes seven books that introduce pond life and woodlands, habitats, the water cycle, and caring for the environment. For more information call The Learning Center at 321-0200. The Learning Center is a United Way agency.
 

The Learning Center, ©2004 | (570) 321-0200
Lycoming County ’s Adult Literacy and Lifelong Learning Program
123 East 4th Street, Williamsport PA 17701