The Preschooler

“Pooh Stick” Predictions

In the “Winnie the Pooh” stories, Pooh Bear and his friends will sometimes play “Pooh Sticks”.  This is a game they made up which they take great delight in playing even though it is a very simple game.  Each player chooses a stick from the ground and then, together, they stand atop a bridge that has a stream running underneath it.  At the same time, all of the players drop their sticks, and then they race to the other side to see whose stick comes out first!

Of course the game can only be played once before each player needs to select a new stick.  But the fun can continue until someone tires of the game.

You can play this simple game of prediction with your child as well.  The trickiest part of the entire game is finding a bridge on which it is safe to play the game.  We happen to have one in the park near our home so this game is a favorite with our children.  And, believe it or not, this game is a wonderful way for young children to practice making predictions which is linked to reading comprehension.

While playing the game, ask your child to predict which type of stick may be the fastest, and then test out the theories.  Do longer or shorter sticks seem to go faster?  Heavy or light?  Fat or skinny?  Bark (rough) or no bark (smooth)?  Be sure to ask your child why they have made each prediction the way they did.  Test out as many theories as you have time for or until your child loses interest.  But I must warn you, although the game is not complex, your child’s interest in the activity may last longer than your own!

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Written by Laura on July 8, 2011