The Boy with Flowers in His Hair by Jarvis David is a child with flowers in his hair whom everyone loves. One day his best friend notices that Davids flowers have fallen away so he looks for ways to bring color back into his life. Find it at the Library I Just Like You Read More
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Tips for Helping Your Child Develop Friendships
As parents and educators, fostering an environment where children feel safe, respected, and valued is essential. Remember, the small steps you take today in teaching kindness, empathy, and cooperation will have a lasting impact on your child’s social and emotional well-being throughout their lives. Model Positive Behavior Children learn by observing. Demonstrate how to be Read More
Friendship and social-emotional growth
Do you remember your first friend? Many children seem to be able to make friends with other children easily, picking up a new playmate at the park or ending their first day of preschool with a best friend. While it may seem simple, these early friendships can be tough for children, especially when they need Read More
Play with the Northern Lights
We hope these activities inspire you to explore the wonders of Northern Lights STEM with your child. Northern Lights Sensory Bin: Create a sensory bin filled with materials that represent the colors and textures of the Northern Lights. Use blue and green rice or dyed cotton balls to mimic the swirling lights against a Read More
Books all about the Northern Lights
When the Northern Lights Come Out to Play by Claudia Lively and Holly Olsen Join Mama, Papa and all of the Vole family children as they celebrate the wonders of the winter sky in this delightful, rollicking tale of rhyme, rhythm and all of the wild and glorious colors that are the Northern Lights! Find it at the Library Ulaq and the Northern Lights by Shirley Parenteau A curious Read More
New Staff and Updated Roles as Part of Our Strategic Focus
We’re excited to share some important updates about our team at Best Beginnings! These changes are part of the strategic planning work we began in 2024, which is helping us focus more deeply on strengthening early literacy efforts across Alaska and streamlining our operations to maximize our impact. With this renewed focus, we’ve welcomed new Read More
Tips for introducing Northern Lights and fun!
By fostering their curiosity and understanding of the natural world, you’re laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning and discovery. Read Books Together: Introduce your child to the magic of Northern Lights through beautifully illustrated books. Look for age-appropriate stories that explain the science behind this natural phenomenon in simple terms. Reading together Read More
Seasonal Skills: Engaging Fine Motor Activities for the Holidays
We hope these tips and activities inspire you to make the most of the holiday season while nurturing your child’s fine motor development. Wishing you and your family a wonderful winter season together! Decorate Christmas Cookies: Set up a decorating station with icing, sprinkles, and various toppings. Encourage your child to decorate using squeeze bottles Read More
Seasonal Fun & Fine Motor Skills: Must-Read Books for the Holidays
Hannukkah in Alaska by Barbara Brown A little girl stops a moose from wreaking havoc in her backyard by offering a Hanukkah treat. Find it at the Library! A Winter Solstice Story by Kelsey Gross Owl and his friends celebrate the longest night of the year. Find it at the Library! Read More
Festive Fine Motor Skills: Holiday Tips for Fun and Focused Activities
Holiday Crafting: Engage your child in holiday-themed crafting activities such as making ornaments, decorating cookies, or creating homemade greeting cards. These activities involve intricate movements that help develop fine motor skills, such as grasping, cutting, and gluing. If your child can help you wrap presents, they can also help unwrap gifts – tearing and Read More
