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I’ve been reading some great books on literacy, writing, bullying, brain research and learning disabilities and just had to share them with you.

Little Girls Can Be Mean
Four Steps to Bully-Proof Girls in the Early Grades

by Michelle Anthony, M.A., Ph.D., and Reyna Lindert, Ph.D.

Did you know that elementary girl bullying isn’t a big, mean enemy girl in the playground? It’s usually a friend who behaves in mean ways. Confusing, right? This book shows how to facilitate problem solving strategies – not just tell your daughter, as I have, don’t play with that girl anymore but help them feel heard and build up their strategy tool kit.

Look Who’s Learning to Read
50 Fun Ways to Instill a Love of Reading in Young Children

by Shelley Harwayne

Lots of great ideas for preschool to kindergarten. Ideas like party favor storytelling, swing rhymes, & neighborhood tours.

the write start
A Guide to Nurturing Writing at Every State, from Scribbling to Forming Letters and Writing Stories
52 Playful Activities

by Jennifer Hallissy

I haven’t gotten through this book because it has so many ideas! It’s really easy to read and celebrates all stages of writing – from scribbling to forming letters to writing stories. Fun!

The Well-Balanced Child
Movement and Early Learning

by Sally Goddard Blythe

Research from Goddard-Blythe’s institute in England shows a clear correlation between learning disabilities and movement – or lack of it. I got so much out of this book – it’s accessible writing about a very interesting topic.

How the Brain Learns
A Classroom Teacher’s Guide

by David Sousa

I have so much of this book highlighted. I loved learning all about the brain, in particular the way we store things in long term memory. Sousa applies the brain research to classroom practices which can help us as parents and teachers.

Earn It, Learn It
Teach Your Child the Value of Money, Work and Time Well Spent

by Alicsa T. Weinstein

I’ve never seen a book like this. Earn My Keep is a program for kids ages 4 – 12 that teaches them about different professions and allows the child to pick tasks from that profession to earn money. We haven’t tried it yet but my entrepreneur husband thinks this is fantastic for training up young entrepreneurs. (More than a lawn mowing business.) So for each profession, like a chef, you research and learn more about it (visit local food to table restaurant, decorate chef’s apron, read more about it), then the child picks and applies the knowledge to a job (apply food chemistry, create meals and menus, fill orders and manage inventory). For each of these “jobs” you and your child plan the amount to be earned. Great learning potential here!

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