Pinky and Tyler love to use Great Big Fancy Words. For early readers, exposure to new vocabulary and becoming familiar with the look of everyday words is very important to future reading success. Help your child start a collection of his very own new words.

Skill: Building vocabulary

What you need:

• Small file box
• Index cards
• Pen
• Wrapping paper to make the box a special gift (optional)

Directions:

Explain to your child that the box will hold a collection of words that she has heard people say and would like to see written down.

I. Choose the word:

• Ask your child to choose a word to collect. Every day, or as often as possible, sit together and have fun choosing a new word.
• Encourage your child to think about each word you choose. It is important that you include a variety of words. Some words can be everyday words, like "cat" or "table". There can also be some Great Big Fancy Words like the ones Pinky uses.

II. Make a word card:

• After your child decides on a word, write it on an index card. If your child wants to write the word, encourage him. Then put the card in the file box.

III. Word play:

• Whenever you have time, take the cards out and let your child read as many as she can. You may be surprised!

Pinky's world is a unique combination of animation and real photographs. Here is an activity that will allow your child to create a collage that looks like Pinky's world.

Skill: Identifying basic shapes, learning how shapes make complex forms

What you need:

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Several old magazines
• Glue
• Crayons

Directions:

• Using construction paper, cut out a number of different shapes, such as rectangles, squares, triangles, and circles. The shapes should vary in size and color.
• With your child, identify and label each shape. Point out that many of the characters in Pinky's stories are made of these basic shapes. Ask your child what shapes Pinky is made from.
• Ask your child to look through the magazines and find a background for the collage. It could be a park, a city street, outer space, or anything that strikes your fancy. Paste the background onto a piece of construction paper to add support.
• Ask your child to choose different shapes to create people and other objects. Paste everything onto the magazine background and use crayons to add details.

This game is a great way to help expand your child's imagination as she learns how to create a story and connect different ideas into it. You don't need any materials other than your imagination, so you can play this game anywhere.

Skill: Story Structure

Directions:

• Start by asking your child to make up a title describing the story topic. If he has trouble coming up with a title, you can offer a few suggestions and ask him to choose his favorite. Silly, scary, or ridiculous -- any title will do.
• Make up a sentence or two to start the story. Then ask your child to pick up where you left off. She should add one or two sentences. Then it's your turn again.
• Wherever possible, allow your child to take the lead in developing the plot. If necessary, you can add excitement and variety. Remind your child that anything can happen in a made-up story.
• When it's time to finish the story, ask your child to think of a fantastic ending.