The Everything Machine is a great book to get your child(ren) designing their own inventions. Even though this book is a picture book, I think even upper grade school kids would enjoy this book. Either before or after reading, help them build an "Everything" machine. With preschool or lower grade children, find materials from around the house, such as empty tissue boxes, paper towel tubes, popsicle sticks, paper, etc. They can use these materials to make their machine.
To help with your child's communication skills, encourage your child to talk about his/her invention. Ask questions such as:
- Why is a paper towel tube used in your design?
- I like your color choices. Why did you choose the colors you did?
- What does this part (point at a part) do?
If your child creates a machine, post a comment and tell us about it!
