Step It Out: Taking Small Steps to Accomplish Big Goals
Step 1… Step 2… Step 3…. Whether you are following a recipe, getting through your morning routine, or facing a large project, breaking the task into smaller steps can make it seem more manageable.
What projects or daily routines can you think of that would be easier to accomplish if they were broken down into a sequence? Pick one or two and step it out.
Recipes are broken down into steps because it is important to add and mix the ingredients in a certain order. Adding flour to your cake after you’ve baked it just won’t work. The same is true for some routines. When getting dressed in the morning, it is better to put on a coat after you’ve already put on a shirt and pants.To make school mornings easier, work with your child to create a step-by-step morning routine plan.
Step-by-step instructions can also be used to solve problems, break a larger project into smaller tasks, and build new creations. Think through the order, or sequence, that makes the most sense for a task. Then create a step-by-step plan to accomplish the goal. Use vocabulary such as first, second, next, and last as you work through the steps with your child.
Articles
“Break It Down” and Other Ways Preschoolers Can Practice Computational Thinking
Computational thinking is a creative and organized way to solve problems using a toolbox of skills from computer science. Try these three ways to support this type of thinking with your preschooler.
Parenting Hacks That Help Children Become Problem Solvers
In “Lyla in the Loop,” parents Lydia and Louis Loops have a knack for creatively tackling issues that come up in life with kids. Try these parenting tips and tricks from the show.
5 Activities To Help Kids Make Choices
Making decisions is a skill that takes time and practice to learn. Parents can help kids build this skill by helping them think through the pros and cons of their choices.
Everyday Ways to Strengthen Your Child’s Problem-Solving Skills
“Work It Out Wombats!” celebrates creative problem solving and collaboration. Try these suggestions to support your child’s problem-solving skills.
Simple Ways To Help Your Child Become A Better Problem Solver
Just like Rosie in “Rosie’s Rules,” your child is figuring out how the world works. Their ability to manage their own frustrations, problem solve and work through a challenge will serve them well — now and far into the future.
Taste Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Recipes from PBS KIDS
Gathering together as a family in the kitchen to cook can be a fun, educational, and comforting experience. Here is a round up of favorite recipes inspired by “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Pinkalicious and Peterrific,” Molly of Denali,” and more!
Activities
Learning Memorization Strategies Through Dance
Give your mind and body a workout by choreographing a multi-step dance with your child.
Create a Silly Handshake
15 min activitySilly handshakes are a fun way to connect with family and friends. It only takes a few steps to create your own.
Secret Sequence Scrambler
Odd Squad needs you to solve a secret sequence scramble! Create a set of how-to steps for an activity.
Robot Coder Activity
Follow and write your own code with this fun activity!
It's Time for School
Sing this special song to help get ready for school.
Dance Party
Create a dance routine for your family with these printable dance step cards.
Break It Down: Making Sandwiches
Making a sandwich can be broken down into several small steps. Help the Wombats decide who does which step in this coloring sheet.
Games
Step It Out
Help Malik, Zadie, and Zeke put the steps in order to make sandwiches, serve snacks, get ready for the beach, and build sand castles.
Toy Maker
Create toys for the Everything Emporium! Use Gramma Super’s toy making machine to create, test and improve toys. Make vehicles, stuffies, and toy houses for Mr. E, or make your own!
Donkey's FroYo Stand
Donkey Hodie is serving frozen yogurt treats to her pals, and she needs help! In this game, players follow steps to complete customers’ orders. As they play, they practice following a plan and being persistent.
Let's Do Magic with Duck Duck
Duck Duck has a new magic book full of step-by-step instructions to perform many magnificent tricks. Players can flex their working memory and learn strategies to help remember the steps of each trick.