February, our shortest month, can be a fun month of learning activities. Valentine’s Day is dedicated to sharing love with family and friends. Cold winter days invite us to curl up with a good book. And, if a snow day keeps the kids home from school, you will have some fresh ideas to keep them busy.

#1 One way to encourage reading in the home is visiting the library with a child and borrowing a book that has been made into a movie. These books are in a wide variety of reading levels, available from pre-school through high school. After the book is read, set up a time to watch the movie together.

• Chat about the differences and similarities of the book and movie

• Share what you liked better about the book and what you enjoyed more in the movie

Here are some favorite titles to begin your search:

#2 Each February we celebrate President’s Day and Valentine’s Day. This month also celebrates World Thinking Day, Polar Bear Day, artist Raphael’s birthday, and the discovery of planet Pluto. This link will take you to a monthly calendar filled with daily information and activities to share with children.

#3 Children spend much of their time in cars … car pools, rides to and from school, activities and family outings. This idea encourages a child to really get to “know” a car. Place this on the refrigerator or in the car to work on whenever there is free time. Try to fill in a letter a day. Creativity might be needed for some letters.

• Write down each letter of the alphabet on a sheet of paper
• Next to each letter place a “car” related word. For example:

A       alternator

B        brakes

C        chassis

D       door

E        emission control

F        fender

G       gasoline

H       hood

I        ignition

J       jack

K        key

L        lights

M       motor

N       Nissan

O       odometer

P        parking brake

Q       Quincy Jones CD (time to be creative and flexible)

R        radiator

S       speedometer

T       tires

U       umbrella (you could have one!)

V        visor

W      windshield wipers

X       xenon headlights

Y        Yugo

Z          Z series BMW

Let me know by e-mail what your favorite activity was this month. I am compiling information for a resource book and want your input. Thanks.