Baseball (Episode 1)
Try it at home!

• Cut colored paper into different shapes like circles, triangles, squares, diamonds, rectangles, etc. Have your child shape the paper pieces into a picture of a baseball field (diamond for field, squares for bases, circle for ball, etc.).
• With your child, take turns stacking blocks in any shape. Work together to stack the blocks high without the stack falling over.
• Practice counting bases, players on a team, innings, runs, etc.

In the kitchen …
A baseball game just isn’t the same without a hot dog! Try some new twists on old favorites.

• What you’ll need:
  Hot dogs (prepared)

Hot dog buns
Ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, steak sauce, pickle, coleslaw, Tabasco, pepperoni, peppers, cheese
• Old-Fashioned, All-American Hot Dog
  Add ketchup, mustard and relish. Enjoy!
• Chicago Hot Dog
  Add a pickle, coleslaw and a dash of Tabasco sauce. Enjoy!
• Italian Hot Dog
  Add onion, pepperoni, peppers and cheese. Put the hot dog in the oven to melt the cheese. Enjoy!
• Steak Hot Dog
  Add onion, mustard and steak sauce. Enjoy!

Around town …

• Go to your local park to watch a local baseball or softball game. Count the players, bases, runs, innings, etc.
• Teach the basics of running, throwing, swinging a bat and catching a ball to help with coordination skills. Encourage your child to try each activity.

At the library …
While reading, ask your child if he or she can guess what will happen on the next page. If you are reading a picture book, ask your child to explain what the pictures mean. After the reading the book, have your child retell the story in his or her own words.

• “Satchel Paige” by Lesa Cline-Ransome
• “Hank Aaron: Brave in Every Way” by Peter Golenbocknt
• “Nick Plays Baseball” by Rachael Isadora
• “Arthur and the Seventh-Inning Stretcher” by Stephen Krensky