The theme of our Coffee & Kids resources this summer is MAKING CONNECTIONS. The beauty of this strategy is it can be used with just about anything…reading, watching a movie, taking a walk, enjoying the beach…the possibilities are endless!
This month we explore making connections with ice cream. Next time you and your child find yourselves licking a tasty ice cream treat, consider the following ways to make connections:
- BEFORE you eat, talk about what you already know about ice cream. Use all of your senses. What past experiences have you had with ice cream? Are there any special memories about ice cream you can share? What are your favorite flavors?
- WHILE you’re eating, compare the above discussion with what you are experiencing now. Use all of your senses to describe the ice cream you are eating right now. What observations can you make?
- AFTER your treat is safely tucked in your belly, compare your past experiences with what happened today. What was the same? Different? Did you learn anything?
By making connections BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER an activity you and your child can develop a deeper understanding of whatever it is you are doing.
Books Available Through the Demmer Library
Vanilla Bean by Katie Turner
From Milk to Ice Cream by Stacy Taus-Bolstad
Ice Cream Soup by Ann Ingalls
Ice Cream by Christina Leaf
Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sis
How Is It Made? Ice Cream by R.J. Bailey
Should I Share My Ice Cream? By Mo Willems
Ice Cream the Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons
The Ice Cream King by Steve Metzger
Rose’s Ice Cream Bliss by Rose Beranbaum
The Ice Cream Store: Poems by Dennis Lee
The Chocolate Sundae Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Suggested Activities
Learn the Science Behind Ice Cream + Recipe
Ice Cream Taste/Smell Test Activity
Before and after this activity describe ice cream using all 5 senses (discuss, write down, record…). Compare your before/after answers!