Anyone who cares for children knows how important it is to have a variety of activities on hand. You never know when you'll need them. That's where Ready to Grow comes in handy. Every month we post a new activity that can be used alone or in conjunction with your favorite clips from children's television. Each activity includes a list of materials (most are readily available in your home or center) and detailed directions, as well as a description of how the activity supports a particular episode of a children's show. Science and Discovery Patterned Necklace New! Measuring Up (ages 6-10) The Looooooong Walk (ages 8-12) Mapping It Out... (ages 6-12) Steady As You Go (ages 6-12) Smart TV Eating Our Words (ages 6-9) And Now a Word From Our Sponsors... (ages 8-12) Lights... Camera... Action... (ages 8-12) The World Around Me Tug of Peace (ages 6-12) Being Neighborly (ages 6-12) You're More Than Welcome (ages 6-12) Side by Side...Sort Of (ages 6-12) In My Own Words Play With Your Food... Please! (ages 6-8) "Why?" Stories (ages 6-12) Remember: You can always dress an activity up or down for a different age group. All it takes is a little creative thinking. Hunting for a particular show? Look in MPT's programming guide or your local listings. If the shows aren't aired at a convenient time, consider creating your own tape of clips. Want to see Reading Rainbow or other children's programs that are not in the regular daily lineup? MPT broadcasts a number of shows overnight that you can freely videotape for use with children. Click to find out more or check the K-12 Educational Video Service for a schedule.