Curious Chris Why No Flamingos: Fun Activity Ideas

Create a designated place for all of your child's 'Why' questions to encourage their natural curiosity just like Chris. Discussion Tip: Ask your child what they are most curious about today and why that specific topic interests them.

Instructions:

1. Watch the read along video together to see all the questions Chris asks.

2. Decorate a clean glass or plastic jar using markers and paper scraps.

3. Cut the construction paper into small strips and place them next to the jar.

4. Every time your child has a 'Why' question, write it down on a strip and put it in the jar.

5. Pick one day a week to pull out a question and look up the answer together at the library or online.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Mason Jar

• Construction Paper

• Markers

Chris wonders why it doesn't rain cotton candy. Bring this imaginative idea to life with textured puffy paint. Discussion Tip: If it could rain anything besides water, what would you want it to be and why?

Instructions:

1. Watch the read along video and listen for the part where Chris asks about cotton candy rain.

2. Mix equal parts white glue and shaving cream in a bowl until it looks like thick frosting.

3. Add one or two drops of pink or blue food coloring to make it look like cotton candy.

4. Use a spoon or a paintbrush to dollop the 'clouds' onto a piece of cardstock.

5. Let the artwork dry overnight; the paint will remain puffy and soft to the touch.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• White Glue

• Shaving Cream

• Food Coloring

• Cardstock

Chris knew exactly what he wanted in a pet. Help your child think through the traits of different animals. Discussion Tip: Discuss why some animals are better suited for different homes and what responsibilities come with owning a pet.

Instructions:

1. Watch the read along video to see how Chris chooses his pet.

2. Look through old magazines or newspapers to find pictures of different animals (dogs, cats, birds, fish).

3. Cut out the animal pictures and glue them onto the poster board.

4. Under each animal, help your child write one thing that animal needs (e.g., 'needs walks', 'needs a cage', 'needs water').

5. Circle the animal that your child thinks would be their 'perfect' pet based on their own lifestyle.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Poster Board

• Glue Stick

• Old Magazines

Chris asks why the sky is blue. Use this simple science experiment to show how light travels and scatters. Discussion Tip: Ask your child if they can remember Chris's question about the sky and see if they can explain what happened to the light after the experiment.

Instructions:

1. Watch the read along video and pause when Chris asks 'Why is the sky blue?'.

2. Fill a clear glass with water and place it on a flat surface.

3. Add about a teaspoon of milk to the water and stir until it is slightly cloudy.

4. Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight through the side of the glass.

5. Observe the water from the side; it should look slightly blue because the milk particles are scattering the blue light waves, just like the atmosphere does!

ou will need:

• Book and read along

• Flashlight

• Clear Glass

In honor of Chris's trip to the animal shelter, make a cozy blanket to donate to local animals waiting for homes. Discussion Tip: Talk about how Chris felt looking for a pet and how animals at the shelter might feel while they wait for their forever families.

Instructions:

1. Watch the read along video to learn about Chris's visit to the animal shelter.

2. Cut two identical squares of fleece fabric (approximately 24x24 inches).

3. Layer the two squares on top of each other and cut a 3-inch square out of every corner.

4. Cut fringe strips about 1 inch wide and 3 inches deep all the way around the edges.

5. Tie the top fringe and bottom fringe together in a double knot for every strip to join the layers.

6. Schedule a time to drop off your handmade blanket at a local animal rescue.

You will need:

• Book and read along

• Fleece Fabric

• Fabric Scissors