Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Sticks and Stones presents a treasure trove of building and engineering ideas for children to employ in the great outdoors using the materials made readily available to them, from cabins and tipis to bridges and dams. Many smaller scale projects are included, too--such as how to make ochre paint with shale, make a fishing pole, and carve a marshmallow roasting stick.
Opportunities and materials for constructive play exist everywhere in nature. Author Melissa Lennig (of the blog Fireflies and Mud Pies) introduces today's screen-overloaded kids to this world of fun waiting just outside the door. Whether camping or hanging out in the back yard, children will marvel at the wonderful, useful tools and playthings they can create with natural objects.
Sticks and Stones details various designs for the ever-popular fort (cabins, tipis, survival shelters, etc.) and also covers structures such as bridges, fences, and dams, while explaining the STEAM principles behind each.
In addition to structures, there are other ideas and projects for camping and the backyard, like a fire ring (explaining the types of fires, airflow, and safety), the always useful tripod, a travois, a rock garden, and toy boats. Along the way, there are multi-leveled reading opportunities in the form of quick features on considerations like mindfulness, campfire safety, mini STEAM design challenges, and more.
Sticks and Stones is an essential resource for every junior outdoor adventurer.
Synopsis
Discover a treasure trove of exciting outdoor building, engineering, and artistic ideas for children in Sticks and Stones. This comprehensive guide features tools, toys, and games kids can create right outside their door.
Kids will love building cabins, tipis, bridges, dams rock gardens, and more. They'll discover that creating art is more fun outdoors as they learn to make making stone pendants, ochre paint, and a weaving. A variety of large and small-scale activities boost engineering, creative, and problem-solving skills, all while promoting fun. With simple tools and materials a branch becomes a fishing pole, and logs turn into a simple seesaw.
Opportunities and materials for productive play exist everywhere in nature. Author Melissa Lennig (of the blog Fireflies and Mud Pies) introduces today's screen-overloaded kids to a world of exploring and adventure. Whether camping in the woods or hanging out in the back yard, children will marvel at the wonderful, useful tools and playthings they can create with natural objects. They'll also learn about STEAM principles, campfire chemistry, why building with blocks is so powerful, and how mindfulness techniques can reduce stress.
The book also includes:
- Ideas for taking activities further, with fun variations and ideas
- Safety tips for kids and adults
- Design challenges that can be done solo or in groups
- Step-by-step instructions and helpful photos
Sticks and Stones was named to the longlist for the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Hands-On Science Book category. The prize honors outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults. This book is an essential resource for every junior outdoor adventurer.