In today's early childhood programs, there is a growing emphasis on skill-building. Families can become willing partners in providing developmentally appropriate math and science experiences at home. Here are ways to partner with families:

• Through your regular school communication channels-family letters, newsletters, online messages-share information about the math and science activities you are doing in the classroom.

• If family members work in a job related to math and science, ask them to come for a visit to talk about their work.

• Send home directions for making Oobleck, or other cooking activities, so that families can try them out with children.

• Encourage parents to take children on "Shape Hunting Walks." These can be easily done on the way to the supermarket or playground.

• Suggest that letting children help with chores-such as sorting laundry, pairing socks, putting groceries into sets, and sorting silverware-is a great way to reinforce math skills.

• If possible, arrange a school and family trip to a local children's science or discovery museum.

• Encourage families to visit their local science resources-children's museums, aquariums, parks, science museums, and botanical gardens.

• Give parents some ideas for "bathtub science"-providing measuring cups, funnels, and tubes as bathtub toys. They can also provide a variety of sink and float objects-a small rock, a plastic spoon, and other small and large plastic objects.

• Invite family members into the classroom to participate in activities where extra adults would be helpful.