Non-Fiction Monday: S is for Smithsonian

Back to somewhat normal here at Katie's Literature Lounge - well, as "normal" as things will be from now on (see the April 4, 2010 post for details). That means it's time for another Non-Fiction Monday!

Smith, Marie and Roland.
S is for Smithsonian: America's Museum Alphabet.
April 1, 2010.
Sleeping Bear Press.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Gorgeous illustrations coupled with the poetic verses that briefly give details about each of the twenty-six attractions explored in S is for Smithsonian make this book worthy of a place on your child's bookshelf or in your classroom! There is much to be learned... from the role of lunch counters in United States history to the volunteers that help make the museum what it is, children will easily pick up on the importance of museums (and the Smithsonian, in particular) in preserving history.

This could quite possibly be one of my favorite alphabet books published by Sleeping Bear Press! It is chuck full of wonderful information in a way that will more than appeal to children of all ages! Washington D.C. is a very educational place to take children on a trip - there is much to be learned and explored. What better way to learn about America's history than to visit one, or all nineteen of the Smithsonian Museums! Definitely something to consider...

Learning/Reading Activities:

• S is for Smithsonian: America's Museum Alphabet Teacher's Guide
• Smithsonian Museums Website
• Take your child(ren) on a trip to Washington D.C. The great thing about D.C. is that once you're there, besides your lodging, all of the attractions are free of charge! When exploring, provide your children with use of your digital camera, or get them a disposable camera of his/her own for taking pictures. Encourage your child(ren) to create a "My Smithsonian Alphabet Book" of their own by taking a picture of themselves with something related to the letter/word as mentioned in S is for Smithsonian. For example, "Z is for Zoo," take a picture of your child standing next to the sign at Smithsonian National Zoological Park or for "L is for Lunch Counter" take a picture of your child posing near the Greensboro Lunch Counter exhibit at the National Museum of American History. When you're back home, this will make for a wonderful memory scrapbook and souvenir of the trip! Your child can then write about each picture or provide memories from their trip that will last for years to come!
  

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!