Elinor Wonders Why
"That is so interesting!" “Elinor Wonders Why” encourages preschoolers to follow their curiosity, ask questions when they don’t understand and find answers using science inquiry skills. The main character Elinor, the most observant and curious bunny rabbit in Animal Town, will introduce kids ages 3 to 5 to science, nature and community through adventures with her friends. Learn More About the Show
Articles
Welcoming Wonder (And Endless Questions!) With Kids
Young children seem to be innately curious about nature. Here are six simple ways to incorporate wonder and curiosity into your family life.
Exploring the Seasons With The Foods You Eat
It’s helpful for kids to understand where their food comes from. The different seasons change what food is available and impact how the food tastes, too!
The Power of Observation: Empowering Children to Use Their Senses
Inspire your young child to use their five senses to observe the world around them with the help of Elinor and friends from the PBS KIDS' series "Elinor Wonders Why."
Encouraging Curiosity With "Elinor Wonders Why"
Play helps children as they try to make sense of the world and is an essential part of their growth. Here are five ways to encourage curiosity in your preschooler with Elinor Wonders Why.
6 Ways to Explore Nature With Preschoolers
Getting outside with preschoolers and exploring nature is a perfect way to learn about science. Here are six great ways from Elinor Wonders Why to explore nature with your preschooler.
How "Elinor Wonders Why" Introduces Kids to Engineering
Nature is full of all sorts of inventive ideas! Learn about the unique part of the learning behind Elinor Wonders Why: exploring how nature’s designs can help solve problems.
Birthday Party
Elinor Wonders Why Nature-Themed Birthday Party
Create a nature birthday party with Elinor Wonders Why! Free printables, decorations, and more are included in this Elinor Wonders Why birthday party pack.
Hands-On Activities
Make Your Own Bunny Bookmark
10 min activityInspire reading adventures with this "Elinor Wonders Why" DIY corner bookmark!
Grow Seedlings in an Egg Carton
30 min activityGrowing seedlings in an egg carton is a great way to teach your child about plants.
Let’s Make a Map!
30 min activityExplore the way from home to school by drawing a map with your child. Talk about what landmarks they notice along the way and encourage them to include them on the map.
Hide and Seek With Camouflaged Animals
25 min activityCreate paper plate animals and explore how colors and patterns help them match their surroundings in this animal hide and seek game.
Make a Cardboard Mini Library
30 min activityJust like ants, which store and share resources in nature, your child can build a mini library to store and share extra books for reading time fun!
Make a Butterfly Costume
25 min activityLearn about the different parts of butterflies by creating your own butterfly costume.
Nature Observation Bingo
30 min activity“Listen, see and follow your curiosity” in this outdoor bingo game.
Nighttime is a Great Time to Explore!
25 min activityCreate a nighttime observation kit and discover the mysteries of the night!
Observe With a DIY Magnifying Glass
20 min activityHave you ever wondered how to make a magnifying glass with a plastic bottle? Magnify the fun with a closer look at the world through a homemade magnifying glass.
Printables
Build It From Nature
Elinor is fascinated by the hook-and-loop fastener on Ari’s new watch. How do the two ends stick together, she wonders? Try this activity to get your child thinking about how nature inspires the human-made world.
Make Your Own Finger Puppets
Make your own finger puppets
What Do You Observe?
Use this place mat for mealtime conversations. Make it a game!
Is It an Insect?
Is it an insect? Help your child identify an insect by asking three simple questions. A “yes” answer to all three questions tells you it is an insect.
Collecting and Sorting
Collect and inspect! Go on an object hunt to collect items and then make a sorting box to help your child practice close observation and sorting skills.
Set up a Plant or Pet Caring Schedule
Do you take care of a plant, pet, or stuffed animal? Write down or draw what you observe and create a list or schedule of ways you can take care of it throughout the day.
Games
Elinor Hide & Seek
Hide and seek with Elinor & friends, play by yourself or with a friend!
Elinor's Nature Adventure
Use binoculars, a magnifying glass and more to observe and discover Elinor's world!
Elinor Curious Campout
Encourage your child's curiosity by helping Elinor and her friends go camping.
Elinor Backyard Life
Help your child learn all about making your own habitat with bugs, ants, and worms.
Watch the Birdy
Observe different types of birds and nests with Elinor! Perfect for birdwatching on a rainy day.
Elinor Soup's Up
Help Elinor make soup using vegetables from her garden. Follow a recipe or invent your own.
Elinor Pond Life
Is your child curious what lives under the surface of a pond? Elinor, Olive and Ari are too! They can create their own pond ecosystem and see what creatures and plants grow.
Elinor Nature Sights & Sounds
Immerse yourself in nature with this game! Go to the desert, sit by a river, or choose a different spot. Then add elements to the scene to create your own outdoor oasis.
Elinor Ari's Wonderful Ideas
Your child can design their own animal-inspired vehicles in this game, which allows them to learn all about engineering design.
Streaming Free on PBS KIDS
© 2020 SHOE Ink, LLC. All rights reserved. The contents of this program were developed under a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.