• 02.20.2012

    Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss – Book Event and Sweepstakes from Target

    Celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss’ birthday March 2 with Target and the National Education Association for Read Across America Day. On Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 from 9 to 11 a.m. Target is partying early for Read Across America Day. Visit Target Saturday morning and you’ll receive a reusable Target bag filled with activities for children, a bookmark, crayons [...]

  • 02.19.2012

    New Upper Elementary (Middle Grade) Chapter Books – Winter 2012

    Kids in upper elementary, ages 8 – 12, read middle grade books. I’ve been reading some great ones and have finally gotten a chance to review the best of the newly published middle grade books. (Look at these piles! And these are just my favorites, not everything I’ve read . . .) The Grave Robber’s [...]

  • 02.18.2012

    Soup Scoop – Best Links of the Week

    How was your week!? Mine was a whirlwind of freelance assignments and new projects. It’s exciting to reach a tipping point. In fact, many of you have written to ask me how I transitioned from teacher to writer so I will blog about that soon.  Hope you find these articles useful — enjoy the weekend! [...]

  • 02.15.2012

    Best Beginning Chapter Books Books – Winter 2012

    Once kids take off in reading, they’re dying to read chapter books. The best part about a beginning chapter book is that your kids are reading, and feel successful. The stories are cute and are accompanied by plenty of illustrations to support the reader. Here are some of my recently published favorites. Kylie Jean chapter [...]

  • 02.14.2012

    New Picture Books You’ll Want to Buy – Winter 2012

    I’ve been stockpiling books to review, apparently the pile has gotten so far ahead of me that I can’t get all the great books into one post. (Or the post would be a novel.) So, for now, I’ve picked my favorites of my favorite picture books to share and will get to the others soon. [...]

  • 02.12.2012

    Paper Craft Engineering aka. Valentine’s Day Envelopes

    guest post by Patty O’Brien Novak, children’s author, engineer, educational consultant/trainer and speaker. With Sesame Street’s recent change in focus to add more engineering to their programming (yeah!), I want to share an engineering activity you can do at home with your preschooler (and older children, too.)  Envelope engineering was inspired by my dear daughter, [...]

  • 02.11.2012

    Soup Scoop – Best Links of the Week

    How was your week? Are you ready for some good weekend reading? But first, my new favorite bumper sticker — I found it at a bookstore this week. Asperger’s is Over-Diagnosed? You Try Getting Your Kid Evaluated by Joslyn Gray / Babble Have you read the news that Asperger’s is most likely going to no [...]

  • 02.08.2012

    My New Parenting.com Blog and How to Subscribe to an RSS Feed

    I’m blogging over at Parenting.com for Class Notes in addition to my blogging here at Imagination Soup and my other freelance work. If you want to keep up with my blog posts at Parenting, you’ll need to subscribe to the RSS feed. I realize that over the over 1,000 of you that subscribe in RSS already [...]

  • 02.08.2012

    Heart Mapping Gives Kids Writing Ideas

    I LOVE heart mapping for Valentine’s Day but I also love it for pushing through a writing block. What to write about is a very common (and frustrating) challenge for young writers (and us old writers, too.) Georgia Heard suggests heart mapping as a way to generate ideas for the challenge of what to write. Once kids create a [...]

  • 02.06.2012

    Read a Valentine’s Day Book – New and Best Picture Books

    Knock, knock! Who’s there? Peas! Peas who? Peas read a new Valentine’s Day picture book. (. . . yeah, I probably need to skip the joke writing . . .) New Valentine’s Day Picture Books: Mr. Prickles A Quill-Fated Love Story by Kara LaReau, illustrated by Scott Magoon Mr. Prickles and Mrs. Pointypants learn a [...]

  • 02.05.2012

    Make Your Own Paper Bag Book

    Rachelle at TinkerLab, challenged bloggers to be creative with paper bags. Of course, I wanted to take a literacy angle and made a paper bag book that you can easily make, too. I found inspiration from That Artist Woman. DIY Paper Bag Book Supplies paper bags (lunch sack size) stapler paints (tempora) paint brushes flower pictures pens drawing book [...]

  • 02.03.2012

    Soup Scoop – Best Links for Groundhog’s Week

    I’m giving Mr. Groundhog the whole week. One should have more than just a day, right? We don’t get groundhogs in Colorado; but we are getting 11 inches of snow so far today, with more predicted. Snow day!!!! (Everyone does a happy dance!) Here are some of my favorite links for the week. PBS Lab  [...]

  • 02.01.2012

    Valentine’s Day eBook of Heart Art and Craft Ideas

    For Valentine’s Day, I contributed a pop-up heart activity to The Heart Project book, a book with over 100 ideas from more than 70 bloggers, all related to hearts. Jamie at hands on : as we grow organized and edited The Heart Project book for a very personal reason, her precious niece. The Heart Project book will ONLY be available [...]

  • 01.30.2012

    Easy Kid Writing Idea: Pop-Up Book

    Combining art with writing often motivates children to write. I’ve tried different pop-ups with my classes and found the easiest pop-up technique is criss-crossing strips of paper. How to Make a Pop-Up 1. Cut two long identical strips of paper. Put one end on top of the other end so they make an “L” shape. [...]

  • 01.29.2012

    Flash Cards or Finger Paints: Should Academics or Play Be the Goal of Preschool?

    Guest post by Amy Webb, parent, educator, and blogger at The Thoughtful Parent. If you are the parent of a preschool-aged child, you have probably put quite a bit of thought into what type (if any) of preschool to enroll your child. If you’re like me, you had no idea how complicated a decision this [...]

  • 01.27.2012

    Soup Scoop – Best Links of the Week

    Happy weekend, everybody! I wonder if like me you’re quite surprised it’s almost February. (AAAH!) Where does the time go? Pinterest maybe!? Speaking of Pinterest, I love it — do you know about it yet? Basically, it’s a visual way to collect ideas. Simple Kids explains it all here: “Using Pinterest to Find and Organize Ideas for [...]

  • 01.25.2012

    Read a who?Comics Biography App with Your Kids

    Thank you to who?Comics for sponsoring this post and encouraging my child to read biographies in comic book form! Please click here to learn more about the app. And follow who? Comics on Twitter for updates. I love encouraging kids to read biographies in February since it includes President’s Day and is Black History Month. [...]

  • 01.24.2012

    Fed Up With (School) Lunch – The Book

    I met Sarah Wu when she was Mrs. Q., the anonymous teacher blogger, chronicling her year-long experience eating school lunch. Since then, she’s officially come out and published a book which I know you’ll want to read. “I know that at some point in your life you ate hot lunch at school. . . I have [...]

  • 01.22.2012

    Standardized Tests – Your Rights and the Impact on Your Child

    After I read What Happened to Recess and Why Are our Children Struggling in Kindergarten? by Susan Ohanian, I knew I wanted her to share with you exactly what you as a parent need to know about the national obsession with standardized tests. Here’s my (devil’s advocate) interview with Susan Ohanian, an experienced teacher, education [...]

  • 01.20.2012

    Soup Scoop – Best Links of the Week

    What a great week! Now it’s time for some fantastic reading suggestions for your weekend. Salt Dough Brains from Red Oak Lane Extend your thinking about thinking aka. metacognition — make a brain! (so cool!!) Autistic Girl Expresses Unimaginable Intelligence Many of you saw this YouTube video already but if you missed it, please watch [...]

  • 01.18.2012

    PBS Kids, STEM, Twitter, Video Games, and You!

    You’re invited to a PBS Kids STEM Twitter party 1/19 at 9 p.m. EST for which I’m a panelist. If you join us, you’ll learn about an innovative opportunity for children to design their own video games through PBS Kids, PBS Kids Stream, and the National STEM Video Game Challenge. (*STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, & math.) A [...]

  • 01.17.2012

    Should Montessori Education Have a Place in Your Family?

    January is often preschool registration so I invited a Montessori educator, Deb Chitwood, to share about the Montessori philosophy of learning. I’m a Montessori educator/writer, so I’m biased. Still, I think Montessori education should have a place in every family. In fact, you’re probably using a number of Montessori principles already – even if you’ve [...]

  • 01.16.2012

    Teach Kids to Think About Their Thinking — Metacognition

    Teaching children to think about their thinking, or metacognition, is essential. Confucius said, “A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.” Or, as Dr. Phil asks his dysfunctional guests, “How’s that working for you?” When learners become conscious of their thinking, they can become aware of their strengths and [...]

  • 01.15.2012

    Teaching Individuals (Not a Curriculum) With a Workshop Approach

    Let’s continue education month here on Imagination Soup by looking at best practices for encouraging divergent thinking in children with reading and writing workshop. Linear thinking, or convergent thinking, is about learning facts, follow instructions, and solving problems with one right answer. Divergent thinking is generating unique solutions and seeing various possibilities in response to questions and problems. To [...]

  • 01.13.2012

    Soup Scoop – Best Web Articles of the Week

    Did you push yourself and your children to think divergently this week? I hope so. What did you do? Next week: It’s important for kids to think about their thinking. Next week, we’ll explore ways to get children to be more metacognitive in developmentally appropriate ways. Also, coming up will be what brain research is [...]

  • 01.10.2012

    Quiz Yourself – Examples of Divergent and Convergent Thinking

    Now that you’ve learned or refreshed your memory on the differences between convergent thinking and divergent thinking, let’s look at the application in learning. Can you determine which is which? It’s important that you can because it’s up to you, parent or teacher, to advocate for more divergent learning in the classroom. Linear thinking, or convergent [...]

  • 01.09.2012

    Chimera vs. Stickman: The Difference Between Convergent and Divergent Thinking

    Kids need to be creative. To understand how creativity works in the brain, we must first understand the difference between convergent and divergent thinking. Then, we must address the lack of divergent thinking in education. The Stickman Education: Linear, Convergent Thinking, Worksheet-Heavy, Early Academic Push, Skill & Drill, Right Answers Can we resist the allure of “making [...]

  • 01.08.2012

    Creativity 101 What Parents Need to Know

    Parents, do you know what creativity is? Why we need kids to be creative? And, what home and school environments promote creativity, — not kill it? First, What Is Creativity? “The capacity to see connections and possibilities where others do not. The ability to disorganize received ways of thinking and to reorganize them in a [...]

  • 01.05.2012

    Soup Scoop – Best Links of the Week

    As I plan for the year on Imagination Soup, want to introduce a new feature where I share some of the fantastic things I’ve been reading during the week. Here are some of my favorites, . . . will you let me know what you think about this idea? 2011 Lesson #2: Don’t Carpe Diem, [...]

  • 01.04.2012

    Why You Need Drama In Your Kids’ Lives

    Becoming a playwright will get your kids writing, it’s a writing activity that engrosses young writers. Kids get to see what they wrote in a live performance and that in itself is very motivating. Steps to Writing a Play 1. Characters Pick the characters in your story. We used Christmas toys to get started. JJ wrote [...]

  • 01.03.2012

    Setting Intentions for the New Year

    The weirdest thing happened to me over Christmas vacation — I lost my voice completely for 8 days. Whispering was the loudest sound I could make. Unable to communicate, I felt isolated from my family. Silence Then, as silence brought in my New Year, the silence became transforming. The time in forced quiet gave me something [...]

  • 01.02.2012

    Spaces for Kids to Write and Create Art – What Works for Me

    I don’t know about you but I’m always adapting my organizational systems for my kids and their ages. Especially when it comes to writing and art – which go hand in hand, don’t you think? At ages six and nine, I’ve given the girls work spaces and easy access to supplies. Not only that, I [...]

  • 12.27.2011

    Most Popular Blog Posts of the Year

    As we finish 2011, I thought I’d share the most popular posts of the year and chat with you about 2012. Like last year, January will be all about learning and education topics. And, last year was a dozy for me because of what I wrote in January. If you are new here, you can [...]

  • 12.20.2011

    Daughter Empowerment: You Got My Child What?

    Guest post by Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD, Author of Princess Recovery: A How-To Guide to Raising Strong, Empowered Girls Who Can Create Their Own Happily Ever Afters. The holidays are filled with so many wonderful things: family, friends, parties, religious endeavors, and, of course, gifts. All of these things can bring us joy (along with the requisite stress), [...]

  • 12.19.2011

    Everyone Makes Mistakes: Helping the Child with Autism Cope with Frustration

    Guest post by Ellen Notbohm, author of Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew, and Veronica Zysk former Managing Editor of Autism Asperger’s Digest. *Note from Melissa: I find this post is helpful for all kids, as well as kids on the autism spectrum. Children with autism love absolutes, and one of life’s absolutes is that everyone makes mistakes. [...]

  • 12.18.2011

    Get Outside in Winter – 8 Great Activities for Kids

    Guest Post by Judy Molland, author of Get Out! 150 Easy Ways for Kids and Grown-Ups to Get Into Nature and Build a Greener Future (Free Spirit Publishing, 2009) Winter is a great time to be a kid. Nature is awesome, amazing to look at, touch, and listen to, especially in winter. Fresh air and [...]

  • 12.14.2011

    Artist and Writer’s Journals as a Group Project for Kids

    Guest post by Susan Getty, mom, librarian, and blogger.  Art Journals With Kids Post #2 (Art Journals With Kids Post #1)  In mid-November, I posted on my blog about the idea of creating artist/writer’s journals as a group project with my girls and some of their friends (Artist/Writer’s Journaling Begins). Completely inspired by Jess at Teachable Moments, [...]

  • 12.13.2011

    A Few of My Favorite Things (That You Will Like, Too)

    I must tell you my newest favorite things because they’ll make great holiday gifts. Like a glass water bottle, and running shoes that feel like air, . . . you’ll see. 1. R I V É (rihVAY) Glass Water Bottles The ultimate BPA free, chemicals to get out BPA-free, contaminants, water bottle is . . [...]

  • 12.12.2011

    Six Non-Fiction Books Your Kids Will Want to Read

    Don’t forget about buying non-fiction books for your kids. Your elementary-aged and middle-grade readers will devour these six titles; and they’ll make great gifts for the upcoming holidays. So, in no particular order, here are my recommended non-fiction gift books. Harry Potter Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey by Bob McCabe Last year 9-year [...]

  • 12.10.2011

    2011 Roundup Best iPad Book Apps for Kids

    Do ipad book apps count as books? Some bibliophiles argue that they don’t, insisting that book apps are more game than book. But, I disagree. I think it’s great that kids can access books in this new way. Sure, there are interactive game-like elements, but in a quality app, these don’t have to be distracting [...]

  • 12.06.2011

    Art Journals With Kids and a Strathmore Kit Giveaway

    Today I invite you to join me in art journaling — and to include your kids in the experience, too. I began to explore art journaling after realizing how much joy I find in creating. Before kids, I used my music and dance to channel my creativity. Now, I found myself missing that creative part [...]

  • 12.05.2011

    New Christmas and Chanukah Books for Kids

    Do you love to read about Christmas or Chanukah with your kids? Me, too! Here are my favorite newly published books about each holiday. The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline A boy watches his father gather “tears” of resin from the trees. The tears had many uses, for medicine, flavoring wine, for [...]

  • 12.05.2011

    Beautiful Reggio Emilia Inspired Wooden Block Set

    I can’t say enough about the importance of building block play. Like me, Learning Materials Workshop knows that children need blocks to explore, invent, represent, design, and imagine. President of Learning Materials Workshop, designer and educator, Karen Hewitt of Vermont, U.S.A., creates play objects for children and designed these most fantastic colorful, wooden triangular blocks called [...]

  • 12.04.2011

    Word Collection Jars

    Our word collection started when JJ’s teacher read aloud Donavan’s Word Jar to her class. JJ wanted to start a word collection jar at home. Of course, I was happy to oblige! Then, when Rachelle of TinkerLab challenged me to blog about using old magazines, I thought word collections would be the perfect fit. Here’s how [...]

  • 12.01.2011

    Giveaway: Snoopy & Recordable Charlie Brown Christmas Storybook

    When I wrote the year-end Best Books of 2011 for Babble, I included the new Peanuts book, Happiness is a Warm Blanket because I’m a huge fan of the Peanut’s philosophy of life. Remember back to the classic TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas and it’s sweet Christmas message? It’s back as an ipad app (review here) [...]

  • 11.30.2011

    Let’s all Chase Fireflies! $50 Gift Card Sweepstakes

    Online playful retailer, Chasing Fireflies celebrates childhood’s moments like chasing fireflies, riding bikes, and swimming across the pool  with products for babies, boys, girls, at home, for play, and seasonal fun. (I have to say, since I live in Colorado and grew up in Washington (state) I’ve never seen a firefly before! Isn’t that sad? [...]

  • 11.30.2011

    I Love the Word Pajaggle, and the Game, Too

    It’s so much fun to say the word, Pajaggle; about as much fun as it is to play the actual children’s game! And, while you’re having fun, you’re learning because you’re improving spacial skills and memory. (Good thing this is for all ages because God knows I need to work on my memory.) Pajaggle is [...]

  • 11.29.2011

    Secret Message Decoder Makes a Great Gift for Kids

    I love how secret messages and codes get my kids writing! Maybe not paragraphs but the important thing is they are having fun and writing. Which is why I fell in love with this wooden secret decoder disk from The Wooden Toy Shop on Etsy. We’ve been having tons of family fun laughs writing each other weird and silly [...]

  • 11.29.2011

    PuppeTees Tote Bag and T-Shirts

    I am in love with PuppeTees, adorable little finger puppets that attach to tote bags and t-shirts! Talk about functional play! JJ tested out the Enchanted Castle Tote — and could easily snap on the puppets, and imagined a fun play scenario. But, there are sixteen different totes to choose from, not just the Castle Tote! Like this circus tote . [...]

  • 11.28.2011

    Q-Ba-Maze = Amazing Building and Marble Play

    Did you see the New York Times article about the math and language benefits of block play? It made me think of my new favorite building toy, Q-Ba-Maze 2.0, which is more than just blocks – it’s also a marble maze. One of my favorite companies, MindWare, brainy toys for kids of all ages, sent it [...]

  • 11.27.2011

    Me Time and a Wish For You

    Just when I started getting my life back in balance from a tumultuous few years, September 15, JJ had a break-through seizure, or a seizure that broke through her medication. This time, the neurologist sort of kind of thought maybe, possibly her precise seizure disorder is Panayiotopoulos. Which isn’t controlled by medication. And is long (20 [...]

  • 11.21.2011

    Creativity Gift Guide: Play, Art, Music, and Nature Gifts for Kids

    I’m so excited to share with you some wonderful gift ideas to encourage creative play and imagination! Don’t miss PuppeTees t-shirts with snap-on puppets (super cute,) or the art journals from Strathmore, or how about the edible finger paints? Yum! Links to all the gift guides below – happy learning, writing, reading, and living! I’m [...]

  • 11.21.2011

    Educational Gift Guide for Kids: Books

    So you want to give your kids books as gifts, right? But what are the best children’s books of the year – from picture books to middle grade to young adult? I managed to narrow down my favorite kid books to give as holiday gifts — see what you think. Product Description Company Hidden Animals! [...]

  • 11.20.2011

    Educational Gift Guide for Kids: Writing Gifts

    What are the best writing gifts for children? How about a secret message decoder, a Montessori object box, a special journal, and more?! P.S. The Book Gift Guide is here – pick the best books for kid gifts! Product Description Company It’s a Book! It’s a Card! Send-a-Story | $4.99 | All Ages A greeting card-sized 32-page [...]

  • 11.18.2011

    Educational Gift Guide: Math and Science Toys and Games

    Ready for the best holiday, educational gift guide for kids who want math and science toys and games? Read on! Product Description Company Giant Microbes Christmas Ornaments | $24.95 | All Ages    Penicillin, Salmonella, Red Blood Cell, Dust Mite and limited edition Green Amoeba! Festively adorned with decorative puffs, embroidered holly, snowflakes, reindeer nose [...]

  • 11.18.2011

    Educational Gift Guide: Games, Maps, and Building Toys

    The Best Games, Puzzles, Maps, and Building Gifts for Kids Yeah! The long-awaited gift guides for parents who prefer open-ended play and thinking toys and games to plastic do-it-all-for-you products!! There are five gift guides – literacy, books, math & science, games +, and art+ and I’ll publish one a day until they’re all posted. [...]

  • 11.17.2011

    Thanksgiving Gratitude, Learning Ideas, and Books for Kids

    Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful and facilitate gratitude with our children. As my kids learn about about Thanksgiving, I’m reminded to consciously teach my children the truth, the myths, and the stereotypes of Native Americans and the First Thanksgiving. So, I’ll recommend Thanksgiving books and teaching ideas to help you with that as well. [...]

  • 11.16.2011

    This Holiday Season, Shop Small. Buy Local.

    Guest post by mompreneur and blogger, Jenny Ford. I admit, I am not always an angel when it comes to shopping at local venues (unless we’re talking the local Target?), but as I thought deeper and deeper about it, it comes down to – they’re keeping my company, Monkey Toes, in business!  Yes, a little small [...]

  • 11.15.2011

    Even More Educational iPad Apps

    Upcoming holiday travels with kids might require a few new iPad apps, preferably educational ones, right? Here are the latest educational iPad apps the girls and I recommend. Scribblenaut Remix  I think this is our favorite educational app yet! It’s such a clever concept. To solve the puzzles in each scene and level, you need [...]

  • 11.13.2011

    5 Creative Writing Exercises to Do with Young Writers

    Guest post by Robin Merrill, mom and freelance writer.  The only thing more fun than creative writing is creative writing with young writers. They never cease to impress me with just how unlimited their imaginations truly are. Here are some creative writing exercises you might like to try with the young writers in your life!  [...]

  • 11.10.2011

    Picture Book Round-Up November 2011

    I didn’t expect to write another picture book post but these wonderful books must be shared! Is Everyone Ready for Fun? by Jan Thomas If you haven’t become a Jan Thomas aficionado, where have you been? I can’t figure out why she’s not as popular as some other writers. She’s hilarious!! We are addicted to [...]

  • 11.08.2011

    Young Writers and Stickers = Sticker Stories

    This summer, my friend asked me to do a writing workshop for five year olds. Who can’t read . . . and are just learning to write. Hmmm. I purchased lots of fun themed stickers to write sticker stories, an idea which YOU can do at home with your own kids. (yeah!) Writing for this activity looks like [...]

  • 11.06.2011

    Seriously — Engineering for Kids?

    Kids already are natural builders. Add in Legos, facilitation, and information and kids can become engineers. Actually, I never thought about engineering for kid until AJ (4th grade) took a Play-Well Engineering FUNdamentals class after school, which she loves. It got me thinking about all the ways to learn about engineering – and, you know I love [...]

  • 11.02.2011

    Blast Off! Pretend Play Astronaut

    Young astronauts, get your rockets and space ships ready to blast off into pretend play imagination land! Lucky for me, I got to play astronaut in Leann Ausec’s playful ECE room at Aspen Academy where I took these photos. So, what can young astronauts do to playfully learn about space? First, prepare with background knowledge Learn [...]

  • 11.01.2011

    Artists of All Ages – You’ll Love the Nomad Brush for the iPad

    Technology totally amazes me — like the Nomad Brush which works just like a real paint brush on the iPad, only (obviously) without real paint. Originally it was created for professional artists, says Nomad’s PR person, Jen Barth, but the artists soon discovered that their children enjoyed the brushes, too. Now, Nomad is reaching out to [...]

  • 10.30.2011

    New Recommended Books for Your Nightstand

    Don’t miss this post today. These five books have make my life richer, and I want to tell you all about them. There’s Smart Parenting for Smart Kids, my newest favorite parenting book, 15 Minutes Outside, a quick daily outside ideas book, The Family Dinner, a cookbook of inspiration, Where Children Sleep, forced reflection on the [...]

  • 10.27.2011

    Add and Subtract Toppings On Your Pizza

    Learning Resources carries a fun, educational game which makes kids listen, count, subtract, and move fast called Pizza Mania. To play, set out the toppings, the pizza chef, and choose your pizza crust. The pizza chef will call out a topping to add to or take off the pizza crust such as “3 pepperonis” or “2 [...]

  • 10.26.2011

    Halloween Learning Fun – Books, Storytelling, Math, and Science

    This Halloween, learn and celebrate with your children and students. I love to share this story about a witch with my kids (and students) so they can practice listening, remembering, and following directions while artistically create the witch. I don’t know the source of the original story, it’s handwritten from a teacher colleague of mine [...]

  • 10.25.2011

    10 Ways to Nurture Creativity by Peter H. Reynolds

    Second guest post from Peter H. Reynolds, author, illustrator, speaker, educator, and creative being. Read his first guest post, Creative Ways to Reach All Learners. 1) Model it. Demonstrate and share YOUR creativity and art. 2) Be Proud. Do not denigrate your own art and creativity in front of children. Share it proudly. 3) Stock up. [...]

  • 10.24.2011

    The Creative Touch to Reach All Learners

    Guest post by Peter H. Reynolds. Celebrating Educators Who Understand We Need More Creative Ways to Reach ALL Learners   People often ask me how I got to where I am today – New York Times best-selling author/illustrator, filmmaker, owner of several multimedia companies and children’s retail venture.  The truth is, my life changed because [...]

  • 10.23.2011

    New, Best Young Adult Fiction

    Yay! It’s time for my favorite books – the best in young adult fiction! You know how much I love young adult fiction, right? Of course, if you have teenagers, this list is for them as well. But, if you haven’t read any YA books yourself, give one a try. They’re great entertainment and you [...]

  • 10.20.2011

    A Munch-and-Slurp Pop Up Book For Hungry Giants

    Caitlin Friedman asks How Do You Feed a Hungry Giant? Well, I don’t know. Do you? Oscar doesn’t know either. He’s the boy who finds the hungry giant in his backyard. Holding a “Food Please” sign. Right next to the swings and sandbox. Gulp. What should Oscar feed the giant? Well, he starts with grapes. [...]

  • 10.19.2011

    Food and Nutrition Learning Ideas for Kids

    Look up picky eaters in the dictionary and you’ll find my children. But, it’s not for our lack of trying. Jeff and I have always eaten healthy (“clean”); we want our picky eaters to know why it’s important to make healthy choices, and what food does in our bodies. Yes, we have a garden, yes [...]

  • 10.18.2011

    Creating a WebComic for Kids – SMASH

    Guest post by writer and creator of the SMASH webcomic for kids, Chris A. Bolton. My brother Kyle and I were very young when our oldest brother gave us a paperback collection of early Amazing Spider-Man comics from the classic team of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. We read that book so voraciously, we broke the spine. [...]

  • 10.17.2011

    Recommended Early Reader Books for Young Learners

    I often struggle to find engaging early readers for JJ so I bet you have the same problem, too. Today, I wanted to share some of the best early learning (reader) books we’ve enjoyed lately, most of which are newly published. All these books include beautiful illustrations with appropriate text which in my opinion means [...]

  • 10.16.2011

    An Awesome Resource, Newmark Learning’s Early Readers

    I’m impressed with the selection and quality of Newmark Learning early readers books. I know they’re good because they passed the JJ test. JJ, my first grader, especially loved the nursery rhyme books mentioned below – the Around the Clock Fiction Kit.   Around the Clock Fiction Kit There are 8 Nursery Rhyme Books of fun [...]

  • 10.12.2011

    Why You Need a Microscope at Home and How You Can Win One

    Yes, you do need a microscope at home. Because the benefits are learning and discovery. Benefits of Owning a Microscope 1. Encourages discovery. 2. Teaches kids about scientific hypothesis. 3. Hones observational skills. 4. Develops a love of the natural world. 5. Helps with a child’s love of science. 6. It’s FUN! 7. It’s real [...]

  • 10.12.2011

    Young Inventor Challenge for Kids Ages 6 – 18

    Yesterday, Gwyn guest wrote about her son’s game invention so I figured today would be the perfect time to tell you about The Young Inventor Challenge at The Chicago Toy & Game Fair (ChiTAG,) Saturday, November 19, 2011. Who can enter? The challenge is open to boys and girls ages 6 – 18. What do [...]

  • 10.11.2011

    Growing Leaders Through Creative Education

    Guest post by mom, librarian, and homeschooler, Gwyn Ridenhour on National Novel Writing Month for kids, game invention, and more. Three years ago, my eight-year old son announced he would rather not go to public school. He had actually been announcing this since he was six. A bright boy, he found the public school scene stifling, boring, [...]

  • 10.10.2011

    Typing Programs for Kids

    This summer on the Imagination Soup Facebook Page, a video of J.K. Rowlings typing at super-fast speed started a conversation about teaching kids to type. Twitter and Facebook friends offered suggestions of their children’s favorite typing programs. Here they are, typing programs for kids recommended by readers. Dance Mat Typing is a free BBC program that many [...]

  • 10.09.2011

    NEW Middle Grade Chapter Book Recommendations

    I’m been reading so many great, new middle grade fiction books (chapter books for 9 – 12 year olds)  - about one a day so I could share new titles with you. Here’s what I’m enjoying for Fall 2011. Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett (Great pick for a Newbery) Tissue alert – this story made me weep. [...]

  • 10.06.2011

    Writing in Secret Code Motivates Kids

    Writing in secret codes or ciphers feels dangerous, even rebellious, to kids. As a result, it gets them writing. Even reluctant writers. (Especially if mom and dad don’t know how to break their code. Mahahaha.)  Learning About Secret Codes and Ciphers 1. Introduce ciphers. Have kids make their own reverse alphabet cipher (letters replacing letters) out [...]

  • 10.05.2011

    Wordless Picture Books to Love

    Wordless picture books are learning tools for children of all ages. You can appreciate the visual story, sequence, infer, imagine, predict, learn story structure (beginning, middle, end,) consider theme, learn vocabulary (English Language Learners, too!) or use to inspire writing. I’ve found several amazing books that have just been published recently you’re going to love. Bee [...]

  • 10.04.2011

    From Reluctant Reader to Voracious Reader: What Worked for My Oldest Child

    Guest post by Mia Wenjen, aka. Pragmatic Mom, one of my favorite bloggers!  My oldest child is now starting 6th grade which is Middle School where I live. She’s a voracious reader now but it wasn’t always so. I guess there are many, many reasons why kids don’t like to read and for her, it [...]

  • 10.03.2011

    Jumpstart, Mom Approved Virtual Game World – Giveaway

    We don’t own a Wii or Nintendo but I do let my kids play a computer game, Jumpstart. Jumpstart is a 3-D online gaming world for kids ages 3 – 12 that is big time fun and believe it or not, includes learning, too in math, reading, and critical thinking. My kids would play it [...]

  • 10.02.2011

    Pretend Play Kingdom Kit From My Toy Smart

    Once upon a time, there lived a king and queen and their beloved daughter in a castle where they were happy. Until one day, a giant named Big Sister arrived in the kingdom and stole the beloved princess, imprisoning her in the stinky Sister SHOE. The archers sent for the giant unicorns who were sworn to [...]

  • 10.02.2011

    Animals Make the Best Main Characters, Giveaway

    Guest post by Dori Butler, author of The Buddy Files. One of the best things about being an author of children’s books is I get to travel all around the country and visit schools and libraries and talk about writing. No matter where I go, there’s one question that someone almost always asks: what’s your [...]

  • 09.30.2011

    Roots, Shoots and Jane Goodall Books

    I love the new picture book about Jane Goodall‘s early life titled Me . . . Jane. The book made me think more about Goodall’s life and her work with animals. Books about Jane Goodall Me . . . Jane is about Jane’s early life in England. The Watcher starts with Jane’s early life in [...]

  • 09.28.2011

    Old Catalogues, Verbie Says What? and Mad Libs

    I decided to teach a writing workshop for 7 – 10-year olds this summer on Mad Libs. Mad Libs Writing Workshop First we had to figure out parts of speech because the old adage, if you don’t use it, you lose it, applies to grammar, too. Most kids couldn’t even remember hearing the word adjective before. [...]

  • 09.27.2011

    Family Dinner Activity – Feelings Bowl

    Guest post by Susan Schroeder, mother and Kimochis expert. So many of us moms work outside of the home and try hard NOT to bring our work home with us. All parents (working outside the home or not!) crave sacred, uninterrupted, quality time with our children. We want to make sure we stay connected to our [...]

  • 09.26.2011

    Best NEW Picture Books for Emotional Intelligence

    As parents we know at deep level the importance of helping our children understand and communicate feelings, also called emotional intelligence. You don’t need research to know that some kids struggle with feelings while others seem to grasp and communicate their emotions easily – and there are many on the continuum in between. So how [...]

  • 09.25.2011

    Speech Lady Jen Answers Feeding and Speech Questions

    Imagination Soup readers ask speech, oral sensory, and feeding questions of fellow reader and speech pathologist, Jennifer M. Hatfield M.H.S., cc/slp of Therapy and Learning Services, Inc.. Will her answers help you, too? Read on to find out. Reader Question: My almost 3 year old developed a bad habit of sucking his food and we constantly [...]

  • 09.21.2011

    Road Work Ahead – Cars, Trucks, and Construction Play

    Know any kids who love to play with cars, trucks and construction vehicles? Me, too! Boys and girls alike can spend hours of imaginative play with a handful of small vehicles. Remember that rich, brain-boosting play, according to leading Vygotskian researchers, needs to have some intentionality which I organize into the Ps. Prepare – give [...]

  • 09.21.2011

    What’s New With the Berenstain Bears?

    I recently interviewed Mike Berenstain using your questions from Facebook. I found out what’s new with the Berenstain Bears (a lot) including their new I Can Read books for ZonderKidz. Read on to hear what Stan and Jan’s son, Mike, says about the Bears these days. Melissa: Mike, I can’t believe how many books you’ve published this [...]

  • 09.19.2011

    20 NEW Favorite Picture Books – Fall 2011

    This fall I’m so excited about the amazing picture books being published – there are so many excellent ones. You are going to love these best children’s books – some recommendations for you to browse. . . You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown I love how hilarious this book is! Really seriously funny. [...]

  • 09.19.2011

    Boogie Monster Dance Kit Giveaway!

    Remember Josie Bissett from Melrose Place? Now she’s a mother and a picture book author as well as an actress. Her newest book, Boogie Monster Dance Kit, is awesome because it’s not just a picture book meant to get kids up and moving around, it’s more! It’s . . . A picture book, Boogie Monster [...]

  • 09.15.2011

    New Educational iPad Apps and Books for Kids

    Since I last posted on educational iPad apps, the selection of quality children’s eBooks for the iPad has grown bigger and better – which is a good thing, don’t you think? Here are my recommendations for Fall 2011 of educational apps and books for the iPad. (And, a giveaway, too.) Children’s Educational Apps for iPad [...]

  • 09.14.2011

    Child Parent Power Matters!

    Today is our last post in the child advocacy series and is written by Colorado blogger and friend, Lori Cooney. Although we each have our own reasons for education advocacy, we as parents all have the same goal in mind and that’s for our children to receive the best possible education.  For me, advocating for [...]

  • 09.13.2011

    More From Dr. Steve Perry and Book Giveaway

    I read educational advocacy book, Push Has Come to Shove by Dr. Steve Perry, knowing I’d be speaking to him on the phone, asking my burning questions. His publicist warned me I’d only get 15 minutes. Could I talk, listen, and type that fast? Once I got on the phone with Dr. Perry, the time flew [...]

  • 09.11.2011

    Push Has Come to Shove

    I know you care about advocating for your children’s education. And you think could be better. Or not. Maybe you wonder what with the fuss, education is just fine, thank you very much. Whoever you are, whatever you believe about education, you MUST read Push Has Come to Shove, Getting Our Kids the Education They Deserve [...]

  • 09.11.2011

    Why YOU Should Care

    This week we’re continuing to discuss advocacy but, if you’re wondering why should you care, let me explain why I’m belaboring this point for more than a few posts. Everything is going fine. My kids aren’t even in school. Only crazy political people get into this kind of stuff. Any of these thoughts familiar? No [...]

  • 09.08.2011

    Parent Advocacy Do’s and Don’ts

    Excerpts from a recent interview with Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon, mother and associate dean of the School of Counseling and Social Service at Walden University, about her Do’s and Don’ts for parents regarding child advocacy in the school. Do’s and Don’ts (Printable) I used to teach a graduate course called Education and Social Diversity for education administrators and [...]

  • 09.07.2011

    Parents Have Power Says Education Advocate

    We’re continuing to learn about advocating for our children’s education. Today, Dr. Meryl Ain, education advocate and experienced educator, gives us her thoughts on squeaky wheels successfully advocating for their children. Melissa: Dr. Ain, tell us about yourself and how you got involved with advocacy. Dr. Ain: I’ve worked in several districts, as a high [...]

  • 09.06.2011

    I Support My School – My Way, With Advocacy

    Last year I blogged about JJ’s developmentally inappropriate, worksheet-based literacy program (here’s why) at our local public school. Sadly, many of you experienced similar situations which you shared in the comments, Facebook, and through email. As I considered my options, I really didn’t want to change schools or home school. I wanted to stay at my [...]

  • 09.06.2011

    The Case Against Skill and Drill Curriculum

    What was my problem last year? I asked for less worksheets and more real world literacy experiences (like books!) I brought in research, books, and ideas to support my position, even volunteered to train teachers for free. Now, I want to be sure you know why I’m adamantly against this method of instruction and what [...]

  • 09.05.2011

    A Sorting Pie for Math Play

    After delving into comics for a week, I want to jump back into something different — a cool education toy that I’ve just discovered. It’s the Super Sorting Pie, a learning-based toy, which inspires creative play and learning. My kids loved, loved, loved it. You can play a sorting game — sort by colors or sort [...]

  • 09.05.2011

    New, Fantastic eZine – Play Grow Learn

    I’m a big fan of Christie Burnett who writes the fabulous play-centered, Childhood 101 blog. As a early childhood teacher and mom, she’s a passionate advocate for play. Now she’s publishing a gorgeous new eZine called Play Grow Learn. Christie begins the publication by writing this, “I hope my journey will provide you with a little [...]

  • 09.02.2011

    K-12 Student Resources for Writing and Reading Comics

    Cartooning and Graphic Novel Resources for Kids Adventures in Cartooning by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Federick-Frost A total genius of a book which explains cartooning in cartoons! The book stars a princess, a dragon, a brave and eager knight and the knight’s less than brave horse, Edward. A magical Elf joins the knight [...]

  • 09.02.2011

    You Can Do a Graphic Novel – Interview with Barbara Slate

    Today I’m honored to interview Barbara Slate, author of You Can Do a Graphic Novel and cartoonist for Disney classics Beauty and the Beast and Pocahontas, Archie’s Betty and Veronica, Mattel’s Barbie, and many more. Q: I’m really enjoying your new book, You Can Do a Graphic Novel! How did you get interested in comics as [...]

  • 09.01.2011

    The Graphic Classroom Editor Talks Comics and Choice

    written by Chris Wilson, Elementary Teacher and Editor of The Graphic Classroom in response to my questions about graphic novels in the classroom. Research Reading motivation increases when students have choice in reading. Research shows most teachers do not allow students real choice. One study: 84% of students discussed with peers books they choose. 16% of students discussed [...]

  • 09.01.2011

    Great Comics and Graphic Novels for Kids

    Now that you know why kids should read comics, you need a list of the best comic books and graphic novels for your children. All of the titles listed I’ve read and fully recommend. If you want to add to this list, please do so in the comments. (Also, I’m including hybrids, books with both comic [...]

  • 08.30.2011

    8 Reasons to Let Your Kids Read Comics

    Do you consider comics credible reading? Do you see comics as only for reluctant readers? I strongly believe that comics and graphic novels count as credible reading materials and aren’t just for reluctant readers. It started with my middle-school language-arts teacher mom who owned hundreds of comic books for her classroom; comics like Archie, Spiderman, [...]

  • 08.29.2011

    Lunchbox Notes Giveaway From Little Jots

    I hope my kids love my little notes tucked inside their lunch boxes. Sometimes they say thank you for the note. No matter what I hope they feel a hug from home and remember they are loved. Do you send in little notes? I’ve been wondering if at some point the notes will be embarrassing [...]

  • 08.28.2011

    Eat Your Math Homework (aka. Edible Hands-On Learning)

    Ever thought about eating a Fibonacci snack? Or a tessellating brownie? Perhaps a tangram cookie? I found these delectable math-related treats in the book Eat Your Math Homework: Recipes for Hungry Minds by Ann McCallum and illustrated by Leeza Hernandez, a book for chefs and young mathematicians. We made the yummiest tangrams! First, we made the [...]

  • 08.25.2011

    Guerrilla Tactics to Get Your Child to Love Reading

    I’ve developed some unusual strategies over the years to get my kids to love reading; strategies that fit with their unique personalities. This summer seemed particularly challenging for my 9-year old so I used my entire arsenal. My tactics to encourage a love of reading do not involve punishments or rewards –unless the reward is [...]

  • 08.24.2011

    Favorite Picture Books for Kids Summer 2011

    Now, for some of the best, new children’s picture books published this summer that your kids will love . . .  Squish Rabbit  by Katherine Battersby No one notices smallish, quiet Squish Rabbit so he makes a pretend friend. Only pretend friends can’t do much. But, just when Squish Rabbit is so mad that he [...]

  • 08.21.2011

    Kids With Dyslexia Think Outside the Box

      Guest Post by author and mother, Dianna Hutts Aston. The making of “Dream Something Big/The Story of the Watts Towers” may be the most important book I’ll ever write, and it came about in a magical way. Almost five years ago, I moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where I took my first [...]

  • 08.19.2011

    What Would Your Superpower Be?

    Guest post by children’s author, librarian, and mother, Jacqueline Jules. My youngest child felt certain that his latest pair of shoes would give him the power to run faster than he ever had before. My own boys used to race around shoe stores, testing new sneakers for speed. In my fifteen years as an elementary school librarian, [...]

  • 08.16.2011

    20 Links in Math, Learning, Play, and More

    Ready for more reading? This summer I’ve found so many new resources I wanted to share them all with you. Math and Science Create a Pop-Up City - kinderpendent.com Crayon Physics Deluxe - crayonphysics.com Snake! Multiplication Facts Game - love2learnandshare.blogspot.com Math Pickle - iLearnTechnology.com Math Game Links online -zMathGames.com Scholastic Make Your Own I Spy - scholastic.com Learning and Play Are [...]

  • 08.15.2011

    10 Amazing Writing Activities and Resources for Kids

    Don’t you love finding new ideas and resources? (I shudder to imagine my life without the Internet!) So, today I’m sharing amazing writing resources and ideas for the young writers in your life. Comment and tell me your favorites, or add links of your own. DIY Postcards - Modern Parents Messy Kids Scribblitt – kids write and [...]

  • 08.14.2011

    Tech, Disney Fans Will Love The Kingdom Keepers Books

    When I first saw the series Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson, I had mixed feelings. I love Pearson‘s other books, especially his Peter and the Starcatchers series, but wasn’t so sure I needed any more from theDisney marketing machine. Then I read the Kingdom Keepers book IV. And do you know what? I really liked it. [...]

  • 08.11.2011

    Be a Famous Writer Contest For Kids 2011

    Actress, Kathy Kinney, and her Hollywood friends, Clay Graham and Dana Plautz, want kids to love reading and writing. They created a free audio and video library of stories on Mrs. P.’s Magic Library. Be a Famous Writer Contest They also started a writing contest for kid. This year is the third year of the [...]

  • 08.10.2011

    Self Censorship Better Than Book Banning

    My  mom and dad let me read any book I wanted. No they weren’t without religious belief or strong opinions — my dad was an American Baptist minister – they just firmly believed in growing a reader, an individual, who could make decisions for herself. Me! Yes, any book I wanted to read. With one [...]

  • 08.09.2011

    Bravery-Imagination-Generosity Kids Magazine

    Bravery, Imagination and Generosity for creative kids and artists is the purpose of the new Australian magazine, BIG Kids Magazine, set to publish September 2011. BIG will offer experiences, ideas, connections, conversation starters, projects, and opportunities to dream, create, share, vision, tell stories, build bridges, whisper secrets and make discoveries. BIG shares why kids need a [...]

  • 08.08.2011

    Forest Ranger Camping Pretend Play

    Props make for richer pretend play. Sometimes all you need to do is provide some props and let your kids go forth and imagine. So, providing camping and hiking gear can make for hours of backyard camping or forest ranger imaginative play. And, believe me, this kind of play is for ALL AGES, especially preschoolers, and [...]

  • 08.07.2011

    Why You Must Talk About Puberty

    “Dear Mrs. Taylor, We’re moving in March so I was wondering if you could teach puberty before we move?” I taught puberty to my 5th graders for many years. For the majority of my students, it was new information. (As implied by the letter above.) And, for some students, it was too late. About 15% [...]

  • 08.04.2011

    Starting the Sex Talks at Any Age

    Guest post by Amy Lang of BirdsAndBeesAndKids.com. It’s time to get the birds and bees talks started! Here are some tips for starting the conversations with kids of just about any age. But first, some very general guidelines: First rule – Get a book! Find a list here Birds + Bee + Kids Second rule – [...]

  • 08.03.2011

    10 Things You Must Know for an IEP Meeting

    Guest post by Doug Goldberg of Special Education Advisor. It’s Back-to-School and time for your IEP meetings. Here are the top ten tips to remember: 10.  Organize, Organize, and Organize; Make sure you have all IEP’s, assessments and medical diagnoses together in one three ring binder.  This way you can refer back to them during the IEP [...]

  • 08.02.2011

    How Does a Slug Learn to Read?

    If your child is a beginning reader, or any level of reader for that matter, I think you’ll love these three children’s picture books about animals learning to read. How to Teach Your Slug to Read by Susan Pearson If you can teach a slug to read, you can teach anyone to read. Surprisingly, slugs learn [...]

  • 08.01.2011

    Happiness Is a Warm Blanket Signed Book Giveaway

    If you’re a Peanuts fan, you already know that the beloved characters are some of the worlds greatest philosophers. Now, the Peanuts gang is back in their first graphic novel, Happiness Is a Warm Blanket, based on the work of PEANUTS creator Charles M. Schulz, good for both kids and adults. After reading the book, [...]

  • 07.31.2011

    Back to School Eco-Friendly Lunch Options

    You already know that bringing your own healthy lunch to school is more nutritious than buying school lunch, right? But have you thought about all the waste that happens if you send food in throw-away plastic baggies and don’t reuse those baggies? In a class of 20 students who all bring a snack from home [...]

  • 07.27.2011

    10 Cool Ways to Halt the Summer Math Slide

    Guest post by Caroline Mukisa Kids math skills decline more rapidly over the summer break than their language art skills according to researchers at Duke University. Do your child a favor and try some of these fun math activities – it’s not too late — and they’ll return to school full of math confidence. 1. Math [...]

  • 07.26.2011

    Household Object Challenges

    Guest post by Cathy Sheafor, mother, teacher, and blogger at Think!, a blog that inspires children of all ages to think outside of the box, evolved from my desire to create new challenges. Household Object Challenges Research shows that we learn best by doing.  Author Daniel Pink in his book, A Whole New Mind, argues [...]

  • 07.25.2011

    Duct Tape City

    If you have duct tape, play cars, and imagination then you’re ready to build your own duct tape city for hours of pretend play — at any age! “What if you took some duct tape and made roads for your cars?” I suggested this weekend. That was approximately 8 a.m. Saturday morning. The girls used [...]

  • 07.24.2011

    The Best Journals For Kids

    The best journals for kids are . . . the journals they write in! And like us, every child will have his or her own preferences. Just remember . . . – encourage writing stamina and fluency, not spelling – journals aren’t meant to be revised or edited unless your child knows in advance – [...]

  • 07.21.2011

    Kids Online Literacy

    Guest post by Lindsey Wright, writer at OnlineSchools.org. Reading and writing are two of the most important skills that children learn when growing up. Without a solid foundation in these skills, kids have a hard time in school and will find it difficult to progress to higher learning, no matter if they attend an online school [...]

  • 07.20.2011

    Best Educational iPad Apps Summer 2011

    We’ve found more educational ipad apps that encourage thinking, creativity, and math practice. My six year old’s favorite are Toontastic, Ansel and Clair’s Adventures in Africa and Roxie’s a-MAZE-ing Adventure. My nine year old loves Dinosaur Chess, Rock n Learn Multi Rap 7x, and Robot Tycoon. See our new best of the summer apps below. [...]

  • 07.19.2011

    What’s New with American Girl Books

    I love American Girl dolls and merchandise with a historical and educational component. (And don’t you wish you thought of it first? Or is that just me?) Previously, the books were limited to the historical doll characters but now there are many more — mysteries, contemporary fiction, advice books, and activity books. Girl of the Year Book [...]

  • 07.18.2011

    Pretend Play Cowgirl or Cowboy

    Guest post by Rebecca Janni, author of Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse. In Every Cowgirl Needs a Horse, Nellie Sue gets a bike instead of a horse for her birthday – and she is not thrilled. But deep down, Nellie Sue knows that who you are is a matter of heart. And Nellie Sue is [...]

  • 07.17.2011

    Write a Family Newspaper

    Last week, my writers workshop spent time learning the basics of a newspaper, writing using the 5 Ws, and writing a family newspaper. And, it’s something you can do at home with your family, too. Look in the Newspaper First, look through the newspaper to discover everything in the newspaper. Make a list. You might [...]

  • 07.14.2011

    Using Technology to Promote Literacy

    Everyone has a cellphone. But not everyone knows how to build reading and writing skills with their kids. (Or, has time to think up new ideas every day.) Which is why I’m very excited about the Pocket Literacy Coach, a new sponsor of Imagination Soup, a company which provides research-based literacy ideas for parents of [...]

  • 07.13.2011

    Weather Wonderland:5 Activities for Appreciating Clouds & Storms

    Guest post by Jen Henderson, freelance journalist and weather expert. As a storm chaser and weather safety expert, I get all kinds of questions about the best way to teach children to appreciate weather and to understand the dangers and risks involved with storms. Two of the most important suggestions I make are to talk to [...]

  • 07.12.2011

    Watch and Learn From a Child’s Play

    Guest post by Mary Finucane, writer and a psychotherapist. A few years ago, I was working with a couple who had brought their child into our agency for counseling services. This child, Kayla, was six, and had been living with the couple nearly two years. They were in the final process of adopting her. On a [...]

  • 07.11.2011

    The Books of Amy Krouse Rosenthal

    Not surprisingly, Amy Krouse Rosenthal‘s newest children’s picture book, Al Pha’s Bet, is deliciously imaginative. But so is everything she does, including her other children’s books. So I decided to share my favorite Krouse Rosenthal children’s books because I couldn’t just pick one! Al Pha’s Bet In a kingdom without a system of letter organization, Mr. [...]

  • 07.10.2011

    Here Come the Hula Hoops

    The hula hoops arrived last week, specially made from sprinkler tubing and made extra big for easier hooping. Look at these HUGE hoops — pink and purple for the girls and yellow for us! (They’re also dancing along to last week’s VBS CD while hooping.) Jeff’s the president of the Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness and [...]

  • 07.07.2011

    Flip Cam Giveaway From Great Piggy Bank Adventure

    T. Rowe Price and Disney created a totally fun (and free) online game called The Great Piggy Bank Adventure® that teaches kids financial literacy to kids. Through the online game and interactive experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot® at the Walt Disney World®, T.Rowe Price and Disney want to help parents talk with their kids about money and [...]

  • 07.06.2011

    Flip Out for a Gamewright Giveaway

    I hate to play favorites but . . . I sure love Gamewright games. Actually, until recently, I didn’t realize how many of our games were Gamewright games — see below for a full list. And, I was fortunate to try out their newest game, FlipOut, which is my 9-year old’s favorite game EVER. What’s even better, [...]

  • 07.05.2011

    Totally Tubular Fraction Formula Game

    Educational Insights Fraction Formula Game visually teaches children about fractions in a colorful, playful, and educational game. We love it! More than that, my kids, even my six year old, are finally conceptualizing fractions! So, fun and learning in one game, what’s not to love? To Play: Each player starts with a cylinder. To play, [...]

  • 07.04.2011

    You’ve Been Sentenced! (To a Fun Grammar Game)

    You’ve Been Sentenced! is a hilariously silly grammar game for ages 8 and older from McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds that makes sentence creation point-worthy fun. To Play: Draw 10 cards from the shuffled pile of 540 word cards. Each card has five related words around the edge so you have lots of choices from [...]

  • 06.29.2011

    Fun Activities and Toys for Your Family Vacation

    Every summer I find small surprises for traveling to the mountains for a vacation with my husband and kids. I try to pack new things for the car and for the kids to play with at our destination. Here are my favorite ideas that I think your kids will like, too. Small Toys Take-Along Pocket [...]

  • 06.29.2011

    I Love Usborne Books For Beginning Readers

    Usborne Books offer a great selection of early reader books for kindergartners and first graders who are learning to read. The quality is exceptional. Most books are sold by independent consultants either online or at a home party. It’s been years since I started buying them, even selling them for a short while, and I [...]

  • 06.28.2011

    Keep a Learning Journal

    Guest post by mom and blogger, Catherine, of Adventures With Kids. Many professionals, from engineers to artists, scientists to writers, keep a written reflection of their work.  These journals provide a record of what these professionals were interested in, what they were learning from their work and more. Children too can benefit from keeping a learning [...]

  • 06.27.2011

    Make Handmade Journals – Directions and Variations

    I was inspired by Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord, the author of Handmade Books for a Healthy Planet, to use recycled materials and teach kids how to make writing journals. Step One – We used cardboard from cereal boxes and granola bar boxes. Then, we covered the covers with fabric. Step Two – Find paper (if you can use [...]

  • 06.26.2011

    What to Expect in a Writing Workshop

    I want to tell you about writing workshops because my Imagination Soup writing classes are all workshop classes. A Writer’s Workshop is best way to teach writing to children because it allows for choice, differentiation, individualization, reflection, and the belief in oneself as a writer. I say this based on over a decade of teaching experience and [...]

  • 06.23.2011

    Why Global Lit? Interview with Lucine Kasbarian

    I recently had the opportunity to interview Armenian-American author Lucine Kasbarian, author of a new children’s picture book, The Greedy Sparrow: An Armenian Tale about multicultural literature and ethnic diversity. Melissa: Can you talk about the importance for parents and teachers to read multicultural children’s books with their children? Lucine: More than ever, Americans have new immigrant [...]

  • 06.22.2011

    Artist’s Dates, Art Books, and Art Blogs

    Artist’s Dates With Your Kids In her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends artist dates with yourself.   She writes, “An artist date is a block of time, . . . committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist. . . a play date that you preplan . . . you do not take anyone [...]

  • 06.21.2011

    Kids Create Homemade Comic Books

    Guest post by Shauna MacKenzie, blogger at Kindergarten Confidential and mother. I’m always trying to think of creative ways to spend time with my boys.  My oldest son Aidan has an incredibly creative mind.  He’s my little Robert Munsch, having the ability to tell fascinating stories filled with interesting characters and storylines.  He’s been a story-teller since his [...]

  • 06.20.2011

    Creating With MakeDo and Kimmel Kids

    Save your recycling for art because . . . MakeDo kits encourage artistic endeavors with supplies from your recycling. The kits inspired us to reuse and invent something wonderful. We used MakeDo Free Play Kit for One which contains 29 pins and clips, 6 lock-hinges, and 1 safe-saw / hole puncher. We added in boxes from our [...]

  • 06.19.2011

    Summer Fun in Monet’s Garden

    Guest post by Carol Sabbeth, author of Monet and the Impressionists for Kids: Their Lives and Ideas, 21 Activities. Put on your berets! Get out the paints! All you need is a splash of water.What better way to celebrate the sunny days of summer than creating a water garden filled with lilies a la Monet? Little [...]

  • 06.17.2011

    Books For Your Nightstand

    Ready for more phenomenal books for your reading list this summer? These books will inspire you, teach you, and make you think deeply. Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain by John J. Ratey and Eric Hagerman In a word, YES! This book will renew your excitement about what physical education can [...]

  • 06.15.2011

    Walking Stories

    Guest blog post by Kia Robertson, mom and creator of Today I Ate a Rainbow. Last year we decided to go on daily walks together as a family, we’re usually out for about an hour, so to keep our daughter energized we started telling her stories. This was particularly helpful on the long hills! She [...]

  • 06.14.2011

    Movement Matters for the Brain

    Guest post by Nikki Crouse, mom and fitness expert. First of all, let me be clear about the fact that I was never the kid who moved gracefully and was usually one of the last people picked when teams were divided up in gym class.  I tripped over invisible lines and, when I was brave [...]

  • 06.13.2011

    Connect Movement With Story

    Imagine a story that while children listened, they moved along with the action? That is the concept behind Move With Me Action Adventures, a series of DVDs about Scooter and Boy. We know from brain research that movement improves cognitive function. But, sometimes it’s hard to get our kids to move enough! The Action Adventures [...]

  • 06.12.2011

    Fun Pedometers for Kids

    We all must make movement a regular part of our day because it exercise makes us smarter. No joke. It’s brain science. Sometimes that’s so hard, even for us adults. (I speak from lazy bones experience here.) That’s why I was interested in GeoPalz, a fitness tracker for kids that counts steps. Kids register their GeoPalz [...]

  • 06.09.2011

    On the Go With Mrs. P. and Tales2Go

    How could I not know about Tales2Go before now? Oh, yeah, no i-gadgets. Until a few months ago when I unofficially adopted my husband’s new iPad for my own so I could get Tales2Go. Tales2Go is perfect for book-loving families like us — it’s practically a million (or 1,500) audio books for your iPad (or any [...]

  • 06.09.2011

    Best Children’s Books for the iPad

    After trying out many eBooks on the iPad, I’m convinced that eBooks count as valid reading material. At the moment, there are many great books for young children but the selection dwindles for the tweens and teenagers. But I’m sure that will change soon as more people adopt the technology. Also, I’ve read about eye strain, [...]

  • 06.08.2011

    Sparkle Stories Remind Me Of Old-Time Radio Shows

    Storytellers, David and Lisabeth Sewell McCann, captivated me immediately with their original, audio-only, Sparkle Stories. I love listening to stories. In fact, I grew up listening to old-time radio shows on public radio — have you ever heard one? My family and I would gather around the radio and listen to The Shadow or Fibber McGee and Molly, [...]

  • 06.07.2011

    Help Your Child Read and Comprehend Non-Fiction

    Encourage your children to select both fiction and non-fiction text to read this summer. Text = book, magazine, cereal box, guide, map, graphic novel, encyclopedia, Internet, and so on. Read my specific non-fiction book recommendations from the first part of 2011. But, non-fiction reading is harder for most children than reading fiction simply due to [...]

  • 06.07.2011

    Fantastic Non-Fiction Books For Kids

    It’s very important for kids to read non-fiction as well as fiction books. Why? Because most reading and writing in our life is non-fiction – information in school, communication in work, and almost everything on the Internet. Read more about non-fiction comprehension strategies including word-attack skills and text-structure knowledge. Non-fiction for children keeps getting better [...]

  • 06.06.2011

    Reflection and Goal Setting With Kids

    One of my favorite books is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. And from it, the most memorable piece of wisdom was this– “The best gift an educator can give is to get their students to be self-reflective.” I’d previously thought that the best gift an educator could give was to teach a child to [...]

  • 06.05.2011

    Do It Yourself Summer Camp Ideas

    An at home, do-it-yourself summer camp can be an inexpensive and fun way to help your children grow intellectually, artistically, socially and spiritually over the summer. Think of the goals you have for your children this summer. This summer, I want my children to _________________  . (Fill in the blank.) Would a summer camp at [...]

  • 06.02.2011

    Viva Boredom! Let Your Kids Get Bored

    Bethe Almeras, aka. The Grass Stain Guru, tweeted me today, “I look forward to today’s kids getting bored! They are so over-scheduled & adult-led. Viva boredom! ”  Thank you, Bethe, for my blog post title because today I want to elaborate on the benefits of boredom and why it should be a summer goal. Encouraging Boredom [...]

  • 06.01.2011

    Teach a Child to Fish, Feed Her For Life

    I splurged on the Fisher Kids Responsibility System because I needed a system to encourage all of us to keep the house clean, to teach the kids new things, and to build responsibility. Here’s what didn’t work: Magnetic Chore Chart Written Chore Chart No Chore Chart Nagging Weekly allowance -we only sometimes remembered to give. [...]

  • 06.01.2011

    Talking Electron Microscope Giveaway

    I’m practically an expert on mucus. Not because of my children’s head colds but because of Educational Insights’ Talking Electron Microscope which has taken my mucus knowledge to new levels. For instance, did you know that nose hair is thicker than hair on your head? And that your nose makes 1 liter of mucus a [...]

  • 05.31.2011

    Get Organized For Summer Learning

    We are organized for summer learning. Honestly, I think organization is the key to happiness. And by organization, I mean systems. Which equal routines and peace. Our key learning and organization components are: a learning space, a learning time, and learning options. The reason I’m so excited is because the last few years weren’t my best for [...]

  • 05.30.2011

    Thanks, Dad Shirts for Father’s Day Giveaway

    Thanks Dad makes shirts and ball caps that say all you want to say for Father’s Day, “Thanks Dad.” “Thanks Dad’s art was inspired by my own memories of my father,” writes creator, Tom Kiddo on his website. “These snapshots, suspended in time, take me back to a place where my dad and I were [...]

  • 05.29.2011

    The Spotted Monkey Online Store

    I love the eclectic products my sponsor, The Spotted Monkey, carries. I particularly resonate with the playing products – art supplies from Clementine, ABC cups, children’s aprons in pokadot and cupcakes, stuffed plush creatures, and my personal favorite, superhero capes. But, you’ll also find unique items for on the go like Dabawalla Mod Pod Backpack or [...]

  • 05.26.2011

    Inspiration From Other Bloggers

    As spring turns to summer, I wanted to share links to keep you inspired. Also, I share on Parenting.com “What’s Working in Colorado.” But, most of all I want to wish you a great Memorial Day weekend, and thank you for being the best parents, teachers and readers. Cyber hugs to you and you and you! ~Melissa [...]

  • 05.26.2011

    Nancy Drew – Best iPad Chapter Book

    If you have an iPad, you’ve probably found that chapter books are lacking and often poor in quality. So you’re going to want to know about the best chapter book – hands down – for the iPad, is Nancy Drew Mobile Mysteries: Shadow Ranch from Her Interactive. It’s is available on the App Store for iPhone, iPod [...]

  • 05.24.2011

    Have You Forgotten the Most Important Safety Rule?

    What are your safety rules? Wear helmets, don’t stick your finger in an outlet, buckle up, look both ways before crossing the street, . . . things like that? If you only read one parenting book this summer, read Off Limits, A Parents Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse by Sandy K. Wurtele, [...]

  • 05.23.2011

    Alice’s Pawfect Tea-Party Kit Giveaway

    If you love classic children’s literature and tea parties, you’re going to love the Storybook Tea Kit Company‘s Alice’s Pawfect Tea-Party Kit. Look, here’s the book. Now, open your book and see what’s inside . . . a tea party kit! Inside you’ll find a “Play me” CD. Put it on and listen to the [...]

  • 05.22.2011

    Multicultural, Huggable Ishababies Dolls and Giveaway

    I’m so excited to introduce you to a new sponsor of Imagination Soup, Ishababies® , 16 huggable, multicultural doll characters for children ages three and older. Their cartoon-like faces, expressive eyes, and real-people skin color, from rich coco to succulent peaches, enable every child to identify with a character who looks like them, or has similar interests. [...]

  • 05.19.2011

    Think Books For Summer Learning

    Guest post by writer, author, and grandmother, Linda L. Osmundson. With summer approaching you might ask, “How can I keep my child learning while not in school?” Books are the answer. Find books on his favorite topic, be it sports, music, celebrities, movies, cowboys, or Indians. Perhaps your child wants to learn a skill like painting [...]

  • 05.18.2011

    Are You Anticipating or Anxious About Summer?

    Guest post by Emily Rempe, mom, education advocate and Productive Parenting co-founder. I don’t know about you but my thoughts towards summer have swung like a pendulum over the years.  As a kid, like most, I anticipated it as a time of freedom and exploration.  With the structure of school lifted, it was a time [...]

  • 05.17.2011

    UKloo – an Early Reader Treasure Hunt

    Doreen Dotto invented the perfect game for kids who are learning to read (like my JJ) called UKloo. Maybe it will be perfect for you, too. It’s pronounced you-clue and will send your beginning reader on an exciting treasure hunt adventure. And, if you do what JJ and I do and try to give each [...]

  • 05.16.2011

    Best Children’s Picture Books Spring 2011

    The great philosopher, Dr. Seuss, once wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” In honor of his wise words, I present to you my list of the best, most impressive, newly published picture books of spring 2011. I love and [...]

  • 05.16.2011

    A Magical Magician Birthday

    AJ wanted a magician for her birthday party. But have you seen how expensive they are? Yikes! I said NO until I found a Weekly Plus email for Nickelodeon Entertainer of the Year, Chad Wonder. We booked an hour show plus magic lessons with magic sets for each child at a very affordable price. Chad Wonder [...]

  • 05.15.2011

    Math, Magic, and Kids

    Uber-talented artist, Pablo Solomon, showed me how magic is a way to learn math. Since AJ is on her second time through the Harry Potter books, it seemed like a perfect idea for her because she still isn’t solid with her number sense. (I think that is one of the biggest weaknesses of the Everyday Math [...]

  • 05.12.2011

    Word Play With Kids

    Guest Post: by Marilyn Singer, author of numerous children’s books, including many books of poems. My parents did plenty of things wrong, but they also did plenty of things right.  The older I get, the more I prefer to remember the latter.  And the latter includes reading to me every night until I couldn’t wait to [...]

  • 05.12.2011

    Does Your Family Play Cooperative Games?

    Introducing the Family Behind Family Pastimes Games Canadians Ruth and Jim Deacove raise their children to value sharing, being kind, and helping each other. But, when looking for games, they couldn’t find any that weren’t competitive. Jim explains,”What has bothered me about the games we have bought for our two girls.  The game always puts them [...]

  • 05.12.2011

    Medical Conditions Disguised as Learning Disorders

    Guest post by Bola Ajumobi, owner of SlimyBookworm.com, a certified family physician, and  mom of two. Your first or second grader is having difficulty putting words together while trying to read. He or she is otherwise performing at age and grade level in other function like dressing, toileting and self-feeding. There might already be talks of [...]

  • 05.10.2011

    My Favorite Children’s Chapter Books Spring 2011

    I love children’s books and really love helping kids find their perfect book. Here are a list of my favorite chapter books in 2011 so far, perfect for your summer reading lists. Early Chapter Books Mouse and Mole a Winter Wonderland by Wong Herbert Yee Wishes and Wings Faeries’ Promise by Kathleen Duey Tales for [...]

  • 05.09.2011

    The Best Graduation Gifts

    Do you remember counting the cash for high school graduation? I was so excited for any amount because I wanted to buy a mountain bike – a Specialized Rock Hopper – which I did and it lasted me many, many years. While I still think money is the best gift for a graduate, add meaning [...]

  • 05.08.2011

    Ahoy, Me Hearties Pirate Books, Games and Play

    Get your eye patches and read these two new picture books that I love – Captain Buckleboots and the Naughty Step and Pirate vs. Pirate. Then play a fun math game called Ahoy, Me Hearties, and you’ll be ready to pretend play pirates. Enter to win the Ahoy, Me Hearties game while you’re here, too. Pirate Versus Pirate: [...]

  • 05.06.2011

    Write a Book with Your Child

    Guest blog by Sue Fliess, author of Shoes For Me. The idea of writing a book – a whole entire book! – can be (and usually is) overwhelming – no matter what your age.  But if you do it as a team, it can take the scariness out of it – and actually be really [...]

  • 05.04.2011

    Inspiration from Others

    Today, I wanted to share a few blogs and posts I’ve been reading. I love that a lot of bloggers do this weekly link round up regularly – I always find new blogs to love. While i probably won’t do this regularly, I think I will spring it on you occasionally and see if you [...]

  • 05.03.2011

    My Favorite Beginning Reader iPad Apps

    Since it’s confession week, here’s another one. My new solution to sneaking in some writing time — the iPad. I can get an article started, or a blog post written, or dinner made and JJ can do something educational on the iPad. The only minus is sometimes my husband thinks the iPad is for his [...]

  • 05.02.2011

    Map Your Imagination

    Guest post by Jennifer Trafton, author of fantasy middle grade novel, The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic. I have always loved books with maps at the front. As a child, I pored over ever detail of the geography of Oz, Narnia, the Hundred Acre Wood, and Middle Earth. The stories brought those lands alive in [...]

  • 05.02.2011

    RIF Helps Low Income Families Without Books

    Do you remember Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) when you were in school? Tables filled end to end with chapter books and picture books. And you got to pick one out for your very own? I fondly remember RIF days. They were so awesome. RIF’s goal is to reach families without any books. Nearly two-thirds of [...]

  • 05.02.2011

    Confessions of a Bad Kindergarten Mom

    As you know, JJ is in kindergarten and I’ve been frustrated with her school’s lack of differentiation and reliance upon worksheets during reading time. So, in March, I asked a trusted reading expert to assess JJ in reading and the results shocked me — JJ was at a preschool reading level and didn’t know half the [...]

  • 05.02.2011

    Introducing Baby Abuelita Dolls and Books

    I’ve invited several sponsors to join Imagination Soup; sponsors who value playful learning for children. Today, I want to introduce you to Baby Abuelita Dolls. Baby Abuelita was designed by two moms to preserve Latino heritage. Abuelita Rosa and Abuelito Pancho were their first lullaby singing dolls. Now their products include four additional dolls, two [...]

  • 05.02.2011

    Jumpstart Volunteers In ECE

    Start Behind, Stay Behind “1 in 3 children enter kindergarten behind,” said Kim Davenport, mom and Chief Program Officer at Jumpstart, a national early childhood education program. She added that kindergarten teachers can predict with 90% which students will graduate and which will not. Scary. The statement has huge implications. If a child is not ready to learn [...]

  • 05.01.2011

    Jump on the Let’s Move! Trampoline

    I’m sure you’ve heard of First Lady Michelle Obama‘s Let’s Move! Initiative, right? If you haven’t it’s all about raising a healthier, active generation of kids. Robin Schepper, Executive Director, of Let’s Move! shared at Mom Congress her personal story and how she got involved with Let’s Move!. As a mom in D.C. public schools, she [...]

  • 05.01.2011

    What Does Secretary of Education, Arnie Duncan, Believe?

    “Our country far too complacent. We can not have strong communities with an uneducated workforce,” said Arnie Duncan, Secretary of Education, in a recent speech to Parenting Magazines Mom Congress, April 2011. My first encounter with Secretary of Education Duncan was an NPR Q and A with listeners. Folks were upset about the cuts in programs, [...]

  • 04.29.2011

    Kids Learn About Will & Kate: A Love Story

    Today is the day!! Don’t you love love stories? Today most of the world will be joining me in wishing Prince William and Kate Middleton a happy life as they marry in royal style. A fun way to introduce the Prince William and Kate story is the fantastic, kid-friendly, interactive eBook for iPad titled Will [...]

  • 04.28.2011

    Inside Mountain Climbing Obstacle Course

    Guest Post By Ryan Sias author of Zoe and Robot Let’s Pretend. When it’s a rainy day and everyone is getting antsy, do something to encourage imaginative play and get the wiggles out! In my book Zoe and Robot – Let’s pretend, Zoe creates a mountain out of a stack of pillows and pretends to be [...]

  • 04.28.2011

    Save a Mother For Mother’s Day – Every Mother Counts

    90% of all maternal deaths are preventable. Every Mother Counts wants to you to take action to save women’s lives. It’s an organization Christy Turlington started after her own home birth went awry. Even women in the United States die or have debilitating complications. Do you know that we rank 50th in maternal health care? Download “10 [...]

  • 04.27.2011

    Alternatives to Take Your Child to Work Day

    Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day is Thursday, April 28 but it can be an opportunity to pursue your child’s interests and explore careers beyond your own. Both my husband and I work at home so my kids pretty much understand what we do. Mommy works on the computer. Daddy talks on the phone. [...]

  • 04.27.2011

    Doctors Make Literacy a Priority

    One of the highlights of Mom Congress was hearing about the amazing work people do to help children. Reach Out and Read inspired me because of my own passion for literacy. It’s a program started by pediatricians to nurture the roots of literacy and encourage reading aloud to kids. Let me explain. In the Doctor’s Office [...]

  • 04.26.2011

    Byron Garrett Shares Wisdom and Inspiration

    It took all my discipline not to shout “amen” during Bryon Garrett‘s speech at Mom Congress. Garrett is the President and CEO of Life Works International and advocates for youth, education and family engagement. He spoke with the passion and style of an African-American preacher, and gave us so much information and inspiration, I’ve been thinking about it [...]

  • 04.25.2011

    12 Best Educational iPad Apps for Elementary Kids

    Since my husband got an iPad for work, we’ve found that it can also be a great learning tool for the kids. Since I’ve only downloaded educational apps, they’re forced to choose an educational option. (Insert evil mom-laughter here –> Ha, ha, ha.) So, without further ado, here are my mom-approved, kid-tested ten favorite iPad educational [...]

  • 04.25.2011

    We Need Playful Children

    Guest Post by: Megan Rosker, mom, writer, teacher and education advocate. The everyday monotony of life can pull a mom and dad down, allowing them to fall out of touch with their playful side, the side they naturally exhibited as children.  However, while our role is to now be responsible to our families, we also [...]

  • 04.22.2011

    Practically Poop

    Guest Post by Gretchen White, mom of 8 and blogger extraordinaire. I’ve always considered chocolate graham crackers to be a superior base for key lime pie. They kick up the chocolate quotient when making s’mores, too. Thanks to my son, Tommy, I’ve learned chocolate graham crackers also make excellent poop. His 3rd grade class was [...]

  • 04.21.2011

    Recycled Words, Color Sort and Poems

    Happy Earth Day! We love to use our recycling for creative projects, how about you? Today we made a color sort and poems using old magazines. 1. Get your magazines out of your art / recycling box. 2. Cut out words and phrases. 3. OLDER CHILDREN: Play with the words to make poems. 5. YOUNGER [...]

  • 04.20.2011

    Mrs. Q Goes to Washington

    My new favorite woman, teacher, mom and activist is the blogger Mrs. Q. Have you heard of her? She’s the anonymous teacher-blogger who ate school lunch (162 school lunches,) took pictures with her cell phone and blogged about it at “Fed Up with Lunch”. “It’s actually not just food – it’s everything. It’s the basis of [...]

  • 04.19.2011

    Playworks Makes Recess Awesome

    Jill Vialet of Playworks made everyone at Mom Congress do some crazy things. Climb a ladder, swing in a swing, and some other silly movements. Even though I felt silly, it was fun to be moving and got me ready to learn. Vialet founded Playworks to focus on recess. It hires and trains people to [...]

  • 04.19.2011

    Juno’s Full Orchestra, Stories and Characters

    I’m a huge believer in music education and appreciation for children which is why I’m so excited to tell you all about Juno because we’re LOVING it at our house. I don’t know of another company like it. It’s beautiful, originally composed music, plus engaging stories and lovable characters. It’s great for kids under five. (Although [...]

  • 04.18.2011

    Michelle Rhee Breaks It Down at Mom Congress

    Michelle Rhee tends to polarize people. So, I’ll share what she said to us at Mom Congress. Then, you can decide for yourself what you think about her positions. I typed this up as fast as I could (thanks to working my way through college as a temp) and hope that I typed it as [...]

  • 04.17.2011

    What The Gates Foundation Really Believes

    When Marguerite Roza, PhD, Senior Data and Economic Advisor for the U.S. Program of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, started her presentation, I pursed my lips, anxiously awaiting the Q and A session. I was really annoyed at The Gates Foundation’s position on class size. Except, as I listened to  Roza, it became clear that [...]

  • 04.17.2011

    Cheerios New Author Contest

    Are you a pre-published children’s picture book author? (That’s what we say at Lighthouse Writers Workshop, pre-published!) To encourage writers like YOU to pursue their dream of creating a children’s book, Cheerios has once again launched the Cheerios New Author Contest (an extension of its Spoonfuls of Stories program). In 2010, mom and small business owner Laurie [...]

  • 04.17.2011

    The Food Revolution Goes to Mom Congress

    “Educate yourself about food and cooking, and find out what your child is eating at school. Make only a few small changes and magical things will happen. Switching from processed to fresh food will not only make you feel better, it will also add years to your life,” says Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution website. Last [...]

  • 04.16.2011

    Parenting’s Mom Congress and Education Advocacy

    Last week I attended the Parenting Magazine Mom Congress on Education and Learning as the Colorado delegate. The event, held at Georgetown University in Washington D.C.., brought together 51 amazing mom-delegates from all over the country, each passionate about different aspects of education. Many educational leaders and advocates in the United States spoke with us; [...]

  • 04.13.2011

    The Night Before Books By Natasha Wing

    Have you read The Night Before books by Natasha Wing? My husband’s favorite Christmas book is Wing’s The Night Before the Night Before Christmas. It is quite hilarious, as are all her books. (And, the author, Natasha Wing, lives right here in Colorado.)  The Night Before book series comes in the following holiday and special-occasion flavors for [...]

  • 04.12.2011

    Kids Can Blog Too

    Anyone else have a child in their life who doesn’t like to write? Whether you do or don’t, as parents, we always need ideas to get all our kids motivation and opportunity for writing – not just our unmotivated kiddos. How about blogging? Before you freak out and stop reading, let me tell you this [...]

  • 04.12.2011

    The Best Friend and Worst Enemy Bully

    Very commonly, elementary aged girls are bullied by good friends. Surprised? I was, too. Girl friends bullying girl friends is the premise of the book, Little Girls Can Be Mean. One of the authors, Michelle Anthony, Ph.D., walked me through the book over coffee recently. Initially, when she told me about her book, I felt [...]

  • 04.11.2011

    Let’s Pretend 5 Book Giveaway

    Zoe and Robot Let’s Pretend written by Ryan Sias totally captures what we want for our children – to develop and use their imaginations! The gist of this colorful cartoon is that Zoe wants to pretend play play climbing a mountain (also known as a large pile of pillows) with Robot. Robot tells her, “Zoe, Robot [...]

  • 04.10.2011

    Five Tips for Introducing Your Family to Astronomy

    Guest Post by: Justine Ickes, writer, mother, anthropologist, and traveler. “My very educated mother just showed us nine planets.” Remember that childhood mnemonic? Sadly, for most of us that’s as deep as our astronomy awareness goes. Fortunately, stargazing is an easy and fun way to boost your family’s celestial knowledge. Here’s how to get started. [...]

  • 04.08.2011

    A Backyard Obstacle Course for Your Kids

    Get kids active and outdoors with a backyard obstacle course. Obstacle courses build important gross motor skills, develop muscles, develop coordination, help motor planning, increase endurance, increase confidence, basically, all the benefits of outdoor play and physical activity that you already know about. Go outside and find things you already own in your toy storage [...]

  • 04.06.2011

    Make and Write a Story Roll

    Guest Post by: Alida Bunder, ECE specialist, mom, grandma, and literacy expert. Making story rolls with paper towel rolls is a happy writing activity that gets children excited about creating books. By using both hands and heads, children will invent something that is uniquely his or her own. Materials: one or two empty rolls from [...]

  • 04.05.2011

    Excellent, Interactive Book for Kids on the Autism Spectrum

    Point to Happy from Workman Publishing arrives with perfect timing for Autism Awareness Month which is the month of April. It’s a book designed specifically for kids on the autism spectrum. But really, it’s a great book for all kids, too! I believe this is a wonderful gift for parents with kids on the spectrum because [...]

  • 04.04.2011

    My Daughter’s Non-Disorder Sensory Processing Disorder

    Apparently, AJ has tactile Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This news is good and bad. The more I learn about SPD, I feel like finally we’re getting to what’s going on with AJ. But I’m mad, too — because she’s nine! How did the pediatricians and teachers miss this diagnosis for so long? (And, just to be clear, [...]

  • 04.03.2011

    Press Here is a Magical Experience

    Press Here by Herve Tullet is the most original, interactive, and imaginative picture books I’ve ever experienced. Yes, experienced! Because you, the reader, make magic with the dots. Or are the dots magic? If you follow the directions and . . . press, rub, shake, tilt, blow, clap, . . . watch what happens to [...]

  • 03.31.2011

    Happy Poetry Month To You

    April is National Poetry Month. The Academy of American Poets created National Poetry Month in 1996 to celebrate and promote the achievement of American poets.See the calendar of events HERE.Brimful Curiosities is hosting a poetry challenge during the month of April in celebration of National Poetry Month. Do you know who the U.S. Poet Laureate is? (It was [...]

  • 03.30.2011

    Exploring Other Cultures and Languages With Your Family

    Guest Post By Karen Nemeth, Ed.M., Author of Many Languages, One Classroom: Teaching Dual and English Language Learners and Founder of Language Castle LLC When you think about exploring different cultures and languages with your family, I hope you aren’t imagining a scene where everyone is silently memorizing flashcards or sleepily repeating the days of the week [...]

  • 03.29.2011

    Spring Planting With Recycled Gardening Kit Giveaway

    Green Ostrich sent me their Green Toys Recycled Milk Container Indoor Gardening Kit which reuses 100% recycled milk containers. (Isn’t the milk carton thing amazing?) The gardening kit gets kids learning about seeds, plants and growth cycles of plants – something we need to be learning. We dug right in. (whoops, aren’t I hilarious?) 1. We watered [...]

  • 03.28.2011

    Thinking Strategies in Reading Comprehension

    Kids need to be taught what good readers do. Believe it or not, it’s not intuitive. One of the best things you can teach a child is to think about their thinking, or to be meta-cognitive, and to purposefully use thinking strategies when reading. (P.S. Check out this amazing lesson on metacognition from Diane Dahl!) [...]

  • 03.27.2011

    Capturing Signs of Spring With Cameras

    I’m always looking for ways to get my kids outside to get in their 60 minutes a day, also known as a “Green Hour” according to the National Wildlife Federation. Last week, I let each kid use a digital camera to photograph signs of spring and get them walking outside and noticing nature. (6 year old, [...]

  • 03.26.2011

    Books About Children With Special Needs

    That’s Like Me! Stories about Amazing People with Learning Differences by Jill Lauren M.A. If your child has a learning difference of any kind, this might be a great book to read together. Jill’s collected 15 stories of children and adults (like illustrator and author, Jerry Pinkney) — each person shares their story of having [...]

  • 03.25.2011

    Guess How I Feel? Game

    AJ is going to Occupational Therapy for Sensory Processing Disorder and it’s been life-changing for all of us. Today, I want to tell you about an amazing website called Fun and Function, Where Special Needs is Cool (Affordable too!) and a great feelings game called Guess How I Feel. Both have helped us in our journey [...]

  • 03.23.2011

    A Pile of Shoe Books

    It’s raining shoes here! I have so many excellent children’s books about shoes. So, here’s a book round-up of my favorite picture books about shoes. Shoes for Me! by Sue Fliess, illustrated by Mike Laughead captures the fun of selecting new shoes as Hippo tries to find the perfect pair – the first time she [...]

  • 03.23.2011

    Airline Travel Learn and Play

    Guest post by Julia Simens, educator, consultant and presenter, who helps children and families adjust to their global lifestyle. I currently work with families in the international setting with a focus on child, adolescent and family therapy. Because we live in such a global world now, I love playing airline travel when I work with a whole [...]

  • 03.21.2011

    An Outdoor Family Game for Staycations, Vacations and Playcations

    Try Boochie to encourage your entire family to play outside. Boochie is our family’s favorite outdoor, active game – both kids (now 6 and 9) can play it for at least three color rotations. See this large orange ball? Throw it somewhere in front of your group. To start playing, each player chooses a color and [...]

  • 03.20.2011

    What to Buy in April’s Scholastic Book Orders

    Scholastic gives families an opportunity to own lots of books for not too much money. My kids just got their Scholastic Book Orders for April and I thought I might give you all a heads up on what’s good and what to skip. (In case you were wondering.) Ordering now will give you plenty of [...]

  • 03.17.2011

    Hopscotch Math

    Guest Post: by Caroline Mukisa from Maths Insider. My 11 year old loves playing hopscotch! In fact we’ve run out of chalk due to the number of times she’s played it in the past few months. During the long hot summer she found an alternative way of playing this delightful traditional game. Step 1 – [...]

  • 03.17.2011

    Ideas to Make Math Exciting

    Guest Post: by Matthew G. Mandelbaum, MA, MSEd, PhD Candidate, Learning Specialist. As a parent and an educator, I know how much we all care about our children and how much we want them to succeed.  Here are some helpful tips I have found that promote achievement among students and make math an exciting subject [...]

  • 03.15.2011

    Green Your Lunch For Spring

    I know you have spring fever, we do, too! But, there’s still more school and more lunches to eat so I must tell you about Easy LunchBoxes.com, designed by mom of three, Kelly Lester, because they are our favorite, waste-free, eco-friendly lunch box. The Easy Lunch Boxes are totally helping our family save plastic bags and be [...]

  • 03.15.2011

    Baby Sign Language Games

    Guest Post: by Misty Weaver, Editor of Baby Sign Language. Baby Sign Language is a great way of communicating with your pre-verbal child and having fun together. Babies and children learn more quickly when they are having fun, so why not try playing some baby sign language games with your baby or toddler? Animal Sign [...]

  • 03.14.2011

    Balancing Work When Your Chicks Run Wild

    Guest post by children’s picture book author and mom, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. As a children’s book author, my own children are both a blessing and a curse. Together they are my most potent source of inspiration, yet they are also the reason I have not written as many books as I might have had I not [...]

  • 03.12.2011

    Hair and Beauty Salon Imaginative Play

    I like to organize pretend play into 5 Ps — Prepare, Picture Books, Props, Play and Play, to give your child the information and props for playing Beauty Salon. When you use the Ps, you’ll see rich, longer play scenarios. So, before you say, “Why don’t you go play beauty shop?”, take a second, teach some [...]

  • 03.09.2011

    Spanish English Bilingual Picture Book and Giveaway

    I love Samantha Vamos’s bilingual picture book, The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred. It got me thinking of a fun way to learn the Spanish words in the book using Total Physical Response or TPR. TPR Let me explain. Remember how your own child learned to speak? First, she listened and watched you. It [...]

  • 03.08.2011

    Reading On the Go

    You’re a busy family, driving to sports, spending time with friends and family, whatever. The point is, you kids still can read even if they’re away from your comfy couch. So how to you encourage children to read when you’re on the go – in the car, at brother’s basketball game, waiting for the doctor, [...]

  • 03.07.2011

    A Library Card of My Own

    If you want your child to be a reader, get him or her a library card. Of his own. And use it every week. A library card equals reading independence! It’s empowering! My (Suggested) Library Guidelines: 1. One backpack or reusable bag per child. Allow him to fill it up, choosing the books that interest [...]

  • 03.07.2011

    Mommy and Me Book Club For Preschoolers

    Guest Post: by mom, kindergarten teacher and blogger, Danielle Scribner. Her blog, Mommy and Me Book Club, shares ideas for a preschooler book club – it’s genius, you’re going to love it! Six years ago, my oldest son was born, and  I left the classroom to begin my dream job of stay at home mommy.  [...]

  • 03.04.2011

    Days of the Week Fun with Books, Socks and More

    We’re still working on learning the days of the week around here. How about you? Our days of the week socks are a huge help! At night before bed, JJ sets out the next day’s socks. Plus, we read Chickens to the Rescue every . . . single . . . night. It is great – [...]

  • 03.02.2011

    The Rights of the Reader

    I first discovered Daniel Pennac’s The Rights of a Reader in Donalyn Miller’s The Book Whisperer Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child. Pennac’s “Rights” remind us that we can empower our children as readers! Click HERE for a beautifully Quentin Blake illustrated printable poster of Pennac’s Rights of the Reader. The Rights of the Reader [...]

  • 03.01.2011

    The Best Children’s Cookbooks

    Guest post by Kia Robertson, mom and the creator of the Today I Ate A Rainbow kit. Looking for something fun to do with your kids? Try cooking together! Sure it can sometimes mean a little extra time and clean up when you have little “helpers” but it’s worth it. Of course this isn’t something [...]

  • 02.28.2011

    Seriously Fun Writing With Kids

    Guest post by Dawn Little, author, mom and blogger at Picture This! Teaching with Picture Books, Literacy Toolbox and Links to literacy.com. We often forget that reading and writing go hand in hand. If we want our children to be better readers, they need to write more. Conversely, if we want our children to be [...]

  • 02.27.2011

    EXTENDED Slimy Bookworm $50 Free Books Giveaway

    Slimy Bookworm emailed me and asked if any of you would like some free books. I hope it’s okay that I said . . . yes!? Slimy Bookworm, an independent online children’s bookstore, carries books for children age zero to twelve, parenting books and toys. Founder and mom of two boys under five, Bola Ajumobi, believes [...]

  • 02.27.2011

    Pretend Play Three Musketeers

    Three Musketeers isn’t the typical theme for a birthday party but JJ wanted it! So, for her sixth birthday, we celebrated Musketeer style. I used my four Ps of pretend play - plan, picture books, props, and play – to guide my birthday party planning. Plan: (Develop background knowledge ) I can’t believe I’m saying this [...]

  • 02.24.2011

    Jungle Jive, Balance and Laugh Game

    Ravensburger’s Jungle Jive gets the whole family moving with crazy egg balancing. Start with a beginner level of difficulty and work up to intermediate or advanced, choosing from 36 exercises. My friend, Jaymie, borrowed this game for the weekend and loved it. Her only suggestion was to include more activities for beginners. Successfully balance the [...]

  • 02.23.2011

    Flip a Word Colorful Early Reader Books

    Flip a Word Books from Blue Apple Books are the most enticing early readers – colorful, bold, and absolutely perfect for learning to read and learning word families. I love that each book focuses on three word families. The pages have a bright and bold illustrations matched with one or two words. But, the best [...]

  • 02.22.2011

    Why I Read Poetry to My Toddler

    Guest post by Robin Merrill is a freelance writer who can usually be found blogging at uBaby, a site dedicated to helping every woman have a healthy pregnancy. My son just turned two. Every time he sees something that he considers beautiful, he exclaims, “flower!” I can’t even articulate why this brings me so much joy, [...]

  • 02.21.2011

    I Just Snoffed . . . O Frabjous Day

    Sneeze + Cough = a Snoff? Is a cough- sneeze a snoff or a cougeeze? If there’s not a word for something, why not invent one? And, why not entice your reluctant writers with such fun word play? Word play in children starts early – we rhyme, we make up silly languages and we try [...]

  • 02.20.2011

    No Birthday Wishes at Toys R Us

    This is not a post on having your kids write lists using bullet points. Not anymore. It’s a post about buying toys, and how hard it is to find open-ended, non-plastic toys, especially if you go to a big chain store like Toys R Us. (And, I’ll also tell you my only guideline for buying [...]

  • 02.17.2011

    This is Your Brain on Green

    Remember those commercials –This is your brain on drugs? Now, imagine the opposite, your brain on green . . . on nature. It’s so good for you, it’s like taking smart pills! How much green per day? The National Wildlife Foundation recommends 60 minutes – or a “Green Hour.” Pediatricians prescribe “Grow Outside” for better [...]

  • 02.16.2011

    Go Greek or Go Home! Kids and Myths

    AJ and I love the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan. Remember my essay, “Percy Jackson is My Therapist“ about how the books gave me an escape from a difficult time? Yup, I’m a fan! Percy Jackson Percy Jackson, a 12 year old boy with ADHD and dyslexia and a pattern of getting kicked out [...]

  • 02.14.2011

    I’m Going to Parenting Magazine’s Mom Congress

    Mom Congress is Parenting Magazine’s way of improving schools. Created in 2009, Parenting magazine began the Mom Congress on Education and Learning. Can you imagine hearing from Seth Nickinson of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution, Kelly Chapman Meyer of The Teaching Garden, Jill Vialet of Playworks, Robin Schepper of Let’s Move!, author, James Howe, Michelle Rhee [...]

  • 02.13.2011

    Abe Lincoln Sets the Stage

    Guest post written by Dawn Morris, M.A., C.P.A., blogger and mom of Moms Inspire Learning, Blogging about Children’s Books and Lifelong Learning. As Presidents’ Day approaches, the life and times of Abraham Lincoln will be revisited in many classrooms across the United States. He’s viewed by many as one of the greatest American Presidents, but how [...]

  • 02.10.2011

    Inspire Writers With Lemony Snicket’s 13 Words

    You know Lemony Snicket (aka. Daniel Handler) from his Series of Unfortunate Events. And, if you’ve read that series, you’ll be amply prepared for his new, zany picture book, 13 Words, with painted illustrations from the fabulous, Maira Kalman. Imagine for a minute that you come upon thirteen words – any old thirteen. And then you [...]

  • 02.08.2011

    We Need Leaders Like Dr. Gabow in Education

    I want to tell you about Dr. Gabow, the CEO of the hospital in Denver that is known for serving poor patients. Last summer, I went to an executive meeting with Gabow. All I knew about Denver Health was that the uninsured came there. The picture in my mind was of homeless people in unclean [...]

  • 02.07.2011

    I See I Learn Books That Teach

    Stuart J. Murphy’s I See I Learn picture books from Charlesbridge Publishing teach preschoolers social, emotional, cognitive, health and safety skills. Initially, I didn’t think JJ would like these books – because sometimes books with overt lessons aren’t engaging. However, it was quite the opposite. When we first read Emma’s Friendwich, we read it several [...]

  • 02.06.2011

    Sight Word Walls and Ideas

    Sight words are words that kids need to know “by sight” – not sound out, not use picture clues, or any other strategies. Recently, we started a Word Wall for JJ’s sight words — okay, a Word Refrigerator – so I thought I’d share about the Wall and some other ideas for learning sight words. [...]

  • 02.04.2011

    I Love My Readers! Tell Me More About You

    Wow, do I love Imagination Soup readers! Thank you for all your comments and support over the last 18 months. I want to collect some basic data about you so that I can 1) better know you, my awesome readers, and 2) begin to earn a little money for my work by offering limited advertisement [...]

  • 02.04.2011

    Superhero Pets For Early Readers

    DC SUPER PETS SERIES FOR EARLY READERS I’m excited to share with you a fantastic and engaging new series for young readers. DC Super-Pets Books are early chapter books about the super pets of familiar superheros and super villains like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Catwoman, and Aquaman. The Super-Pets are these Superhero’s pets — Streaky [...]

  • 02.01.2011

    Sperm Meets Egg For Valentine’s Day

    Recently one of my favorite companies, GIANTmicrobes®, sent me a Valentine’s Day gift, of sex education. Yes, it’s true. In the Heart Warming Valentine’s Day Mini-Microbe Box, I got the following: Sperm Cell, Egg Cell, Kissing Disease, Penicillin, and Amoeba. Aren’t they so cute and cuddly and wouldn’t any child want to play with them? Look at [...]

  • 01.31.2011

    My Eight Year Only Likes Funny Books – Help!

    “Help! I need some ideas for books for an 8 year old boy. We are having a tough time finding something to capture his interest. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Pseudonymous Bosch are the only one’s that have captured him.” This could be a young boy who is a reluctant reader or maybe he’s just [...]

  • 01.30.2011

    What About a Writers Conference For Kids?

    I’ve been drooling at the thought of a this writer’s conference in San Miguel de Allende with Joan Dideon and Sandra Cisneros. I love both writers and really love San Miguel de Allende – it’s a beautiful little town. I saw my first Mexican parade there and was almost killed by torpedoed candy. Aaaah. Good times. [...]

  • 01.26.2011

    Don’t Miss These Greatest Blog Hits

    Today I got picked for jury duty so . . .  how about a greatest hits post? Here are some of my favorite Imagination Soup posts from the last year. Enjoy! Heart Mapping   Storytelling Made Simple       Basketball Playoff Math     Valentine’s Learning Crafts Imagination Time! Grocery Store My Favorite 7 [...]

  • 01.25.2011

    More Books for Your Nightstand

    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 [...]

  • 01.19.2011

    What Should Your School’s Reading Instruction Look Like?

    Do you remember how you learned to read? Were you in a reading group? Did you use the SRA boxes? Plenty of research tells us what works best for learners who are learning to read. What we should see in our children’s classrooms when it comes to reading: Student-centered. Children select their own books — [...]

  • 01.17.2011

    What is the mission of your child’s school?

    What is the mission of your child’s school? Take a look right now, I’ll wait. . . . Seriously, go look. . . . My daughter’s elementary school’s mission statement says this: “students will develop, apply, and refine literacy in the language of words, numbers, and the arts so that they are able to achieve [...]

  • 01.16.2011

    What Will You See in a Quality Early Childhood Learning Environment?

    Charlotte Brantley, President and CEO of Clayton Early Learning guest posts today on what you should see in a high-quality early childhood (preschool) learning environment – from teachers, the classroom, the environment to the children. Note from Melissa: I’ve never seen a better early learning environment than Clayton Early Learning. Simply put, it’s exceptional –from [...]

  • 01.14.2011

    Attention Parents, Read Brain Rules for Baby

    Brain Rules for Baby by John Medina is an excellent, well-researched book about parenting using the latest brain research – it’s almost as good as his You Tube videos where he elaborates on the brain function with hilarious skits and easy-to-follow information. Medina, a developmental molecular biologist and dad, isn’t selling you a program of [...]

  • 01.12.2011

    One Mom Shares Her Decision about School

    Guest post by Mary Prather, mom and former public school music teacher. What makes for a good education?   That is a question I asked myself for several years BEFORE I had children. You see, I was first an elementary school music teacher and then I earned my Masters Degree in Educational Administration.  The classroom was [...]

  • 01.12.2011

    Bananagrams Book and Word Play Game

    I bought Bananagrams because of it’s a cute, yellow banana bag. Lucky for me, it turned out to be an easy, word-play game and worth the silly reason I bought it. Bananagrams is like Scrabble but without the board and without taking turns. Each player makes his or her own words on the table or [...]

  • 01.12.2011

    Need a Good Book? Read the Cybil Finalist Books

    The Cybil KidLit Blogger Awards reward children’s and young adult authors and illustrators whose books combine the highest literary merit and “kid appeal.” I was fortunate enough to be a panelist for the Easy Readers and Early Chapter Books. There are five finalists in the following categories: Easy Readers & Early Chapter Books, Fantasy & [...]

  • 01.11.2011

    Innocent Hand Clap or Racist Song?

    “Mom! Want to see something?” my eight-year old asks. She gets off the counter stool and stands, waiting. I finish unscrewing the vitamin lid, “Okay, what?” “It goes, ‘I went to a Chinese restaurant to buy a loaf of bread, bread, bread . . .’” Her hands clap and pat her legs as she continues [...]

  • 01.10.2011

    What Is a Constructivist Classroom?

    I realized last week that those of you who are parents might not know what I was talking about when I used the word constructivist. So, let me explain. Research (see my bibliography below) shows that constructivist learning is congruent with how the brain learns. There is no argument, and plenty of research to prove, [...]

  • 01.07.2011

    ENDED Win a 16 GB iPad from Target Read With Me

    Target Read With Me, a new initiative to encourage parents and caregivers to read with children daily, wants to know your favorite time and place to read with your child and / or your favorite children’s book. And, while you’ll inspire us all with your ideas, and give us a reading ideas for 2011, for [...]

  • 01.06.2011

    Choosing a Preschool – Why I Like Play-Based Preschools

    What is the best kind of preschool, early childhood education, for your child? Believe it or not, January is the time to register for preschool. You want to understand different preschool styles which is a good fit for you. You will also want to know how to tell if it’s a quality preschool. According to [...]

  • 01.04.2011

    Is My Child’s Teacher a Good Teacher?

    Last month, a blogger friend asked me, “How do I know if my child’s teacher is a good teacher? and could you write a post?” Recently I visited  Gold Rush Elementary in Parker, Colorado because my friend, Kristen Hyde teaches there. I wanted to take photos of her phenomenal learning environment. I saw a school [...]

  • 01.04.2011

    The Walls of an Exemplary Second Grade Classroom

    The walls of a Kristen Hyde’s exemplary second grade classroom reflect a learning classroom environment. Kristen’s lessons are collaboration and instruction. She writes their thinking on a large sheet of chart paper. When they’ve finished the lesson, that paper goes up on the wall for reference, continued learning and reflection. I randomly stopped by – [...]

  • 01.02.2011

    Why I Don’t Want to Send Her (Back) To School

    ** I originally removed this post after extreme backlash from the school. I am returning the post to my blog because it’s my opinion and I have the right to express it and I will not be bullied by veiled threats. ** 9/2011 update on Advocacy and Parental Involvement in Schools I’m dreading sending my [...]

  • 12.27.2010

    Kids Can Write Thank You Notes

    I believe in teaching kids good manners, writing thank you notes is one of them. That’s why, before we put away our new Christmas gifts, I have the kids write thank you notes. What if they’re too young? No problem. 0 – 5 YEARS: I take a photo of the girls holding up the present, [...]

  • 12.21.2010

    A Book on Every Bed Campaign

    Author, writer and mom, Amy Dickinson, is using her column “Ask Amy” to encourage and promote the “Book on Every Bed Campaign.” Amy writes,  “Here’s how it works: Take a book. Wrap it. Place it on a child’s bed so it’s the first thing the child sees on Christmas morning (or whatever holiday you celebrate). [...]

  • 12.19.2010

    The Power of Soda Tab Bracelets

    Guest post by Debra Moffit, parent and author of The Pink Locker Society. The Power of Soda Tab Bracelets I am not a crafty mom. Yet on a recent evening, I confess, I could not stop making soda tab bracelets. Soda tab bracelets fall into a genus of craft projects that I heretofore did not [...]

  • 12.16.2010

    Christmas Tree I Spy

    Christmas Tree I Spy is our favorite after-dinner December game. It’s exactly what it sounds like — an I Spy game with Christmas tree ornaments. Play the same way you play the traditional I Spy. Get two or more people and take turns spying an ornament. If it’s your turn you say: “I spy with [...]

  • 12.13.2010

    Decorate, Color and Build a Castle Tower

    You’re going to love this for your young knights and princesses . . . WIN a Castle Tower from Imagination Box Company. All the Imagination Box Co. products are made in the U.S., and made with 45% post consumer materials and 100% recyclable recycled sturdy double-walled corrugated board. The castle comes flat for easier decorating. [...]

  • 12.13.2010

    Storyplay Cards

    I panicked my daughter this morning when I told her I was doing a giveaway of StoryPlay Cards. “NO – I love those!” We both do. Not to fear, daughter, the winner will get a brand new set cards, not our review set which my friend, Randy Compton in Boulder, Colorado sent me to review. [...]

  • 12.12.2010

    Imagination Soup Giveaways,Update and Question

    So, we’ve come to the last week of ideas for your holiday season and with that, the end of all the fun, educational giveaways. (Tomorrow I’ll post Storyplay Cards and Imagination Box Castle Play Tower.) If you haven’t seen all the giveaways, go to my giveaway page and make sure you register before they end! [...]

  • 12.12.2010

    ENDED Project Runway Fashion and Figure Drawing Set

    Win this Project Runway Fashion and Figure Drawing Set! 12″ Wooden Mannequin will help you see how to sketch the body in proportion. Add on fashion when you’re ready. The set includes: 1 wooden mannequin, 12 colored pencils, 3 drawing pencils, news print pad, sketch pad, eraser, sharpening pad, tortillon and instructions. I must say [...]

  • 12.12.2010

    ENDED Interior Design Light Box from Fashion Angels

    WIN this Interior Design Studio Light Box Set from Fashion Angels! It’s perfect for budding interior designers! The light box makes it easy to trace outlines of over 200 furniture and room environments. Special rubbing plates help create textures for fabrics and textiles. Kids can follow their own inspiration or use the design guide that’s [...]

  • 12.12.2010

    ENDED Fashion Angels Light Box Fashion Design Set Giveaway

    WIN: Fashion Angels Light Box Travel Fashion Design Set Review by my lovely neighbor and mother’s helper, Gio, age 13, whose mom tells me that Gio played with it a lot. “I think it’s very creative, and that a lot of girls would enjoy it. The part that I liked most about it was that [...]

  • 12.10.2010

    ENDED Fashion Angel Giveaway – Magazine Editor Tote

    I love my readers so I’ve been offering you tons of educational, fun giveaways, I hope everyone will win! Today only win this amazing writing and art gift: Project Runway Fashion Magazine Editor Tote You’ll get to design your own magazine – plan the layout and color scheme, write the stories, it’s all there plus [...]

  • 12.09.2010

    Stress Relief for Readers and Micol Ostow

    How do you deal with stress? Because for me, I read — YA fiction. Today is a big day for me as I confess all on Babble.com in Percy Jackson is My Therapist. Will you visit my true confessions and show me some comment love? I’m so happy to interview the talented Micol Ostow, an [...]

  • 12.08.2010

    ENDED Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio

    ENDED The reason I like the Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio is because it allows for so much creativity in styling but doesn’t require artistic skills so it’s perfect for younger kids or average artists. My kids, 5 and 8, both loved this and spent hours and days working on their fashion designs. It comes with [...]

  • 12.08.2010

    Nounsense Noun Fun Game

    A Canadian reader of Imagination Soup sent me an email about the game, Nounsense, a silly story vocabulary building game. To play the game, you get a list of nouns. As you move through the game board, you can pick any noun to put on your playing card. Nounsense can be played with 1-6 players, [...]

  • 12.08.2010

    Giantmicrobes Christmas Ornaments

    Giantmicrobes™ are plush dolls that look like common microbes. You’ll LOVE these plush ornaments – they’re a great conversation piece for our family and our guests! JJ proudly shows everyone her favorite, the Kissing Disease! (it’s the purple one.) AJ thinks the Brain Cell is super cool. I think I’m going to order Brain Cells [...]

  • 12.08.2010

    We all want A Family of Readers

    A Family of Readers, The Book Lover’s Guide to Children’s and Young Adult Literature is a dense book of essays, interviews, exposition, and book recommendations from Roger Sutton and Martha V. Parravano, editors of the Horn Book Magazine. But it’s not all written by them, in fact most isn’t. You’ll see contributions from familiar authors [...]

  • 12.07.2010

    ENDED Artistic Fun With Fashion Angels Interior Design Giveaway

    This is one of my favorite gifts from my Art and Games Holiday Gift Guide. Your kids will love the Fashion Angels Interior Design Sketch Portfolio. You get seven pages of stencils from which to create, imagine, and design a room on 40 blank pages. (All for only $8.99!) Look at one page of stencils [...]

  • 12.06.2010

    Simplicity Parenting Starts With Decluttering

    Simplicity Parenting says there are “”four levels of simplification: the environment, rhythm, schedules and filtering out the adult world.” (pg. 19) Jamie Martin of Simple Homeschool told me about Simplicity Parenting, Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Kim John Payne with Lisa M. Ross. Thank you, [...]

  • 12.05.2010

    Hanukkah and Christmas Specific Gift Guide

    Hanukkah Themed Gifts ideas at: Little Sugar My Mom Shops Disney Family Fun Christmas Themed Gifts Go Fish Christmas with a Capital C |  $15.00 |  All Ages Full of familiar Christmas songs as well as originals! Joy To The World, We Three Kings, Away in a Manger / Beautiful Savior, Christmas Time, Christmas with [...]

  • 12.05.2010

    Wikki Stix Christmas Fun Activity Book

    Don’t you love Wikki Stix? They’re hours of entertainment, fun and learning. My kids got engaged right away with these fun Christmas activities – garlands, shapes, ornaments and more. Wikki Stix is offering an Imagination Soup reader their Christmas Fun Activity Book!! To win, comment below with your favorite Christmas carol. Merry Christmas! Contest ends [...]

  • 12.02.2010

    Baby Abuelita Dolls, Books, DVD

    I first found Baby Abuelita from a blog that I love called Latin Baby Book Club. Started by two working mothers, a teacher and a psychotherapist named Hilda Argilagos-Jimenez and Carol Fenster, the pair wanted to preserve Hispanic heritage with “canciones de cuna”, the traditional Hispanic songs of early childhood so they developed a line [...]

  • 11.30.2010

    Wooden Cupcake Play Set Giveaway

    I prefer wooden toys whenever possible – they’re sturdy and better for the environment, particularly if they’re made from sustainable forests. You already know this – and probably, like me, are also a huge fan of Melissa and Doug products. Gummy Lump, a fantastic online toy retailer with good prices, offered me the Bake and [...]

  • 11.29.2010

    Digital Books For Kids and Me

    I don’t have an iPad but grandpa does. He let me borrow it to read a few digital books with my kids. Wowza. I didn’t hate it! I thought it was actually quite fun. We read books from Ruckus Media – classic books which I’ll list in a moment. The first one we listened to [...]

  • 11.29.2010

    Boca Beth Backpacks

    I speak Spanish fluently, at least I used to . . . I figured that I’d just speak to my kids in Spanish and they’d learn it easily. HA. You’re already laughing aren’t you? That was the plan BEFORE I had kids. My oldest daughter threw fits and refused to speak. I eventually got her [...]

  • 11.29.2010

    Is Reading Exciting For Your Child?

    guest post by Candi Wingate, author of 100 Tips for Nannies & Families & The Nanny Factor: A Parent’s Guide to Finding the Right Nanny for Your Family Here are a few tips to make reading enjoyable for kids: The key is to make your ideas – reading books! – exciting for your kids. * [...]

  • 11.28.2010

    Teaching Children Kindness, Tolerance and Compassion

    Guest post by Jeanette Larson, librarian, writer and children’s literature expert. Infants and young children are pretty self-centered; the world revolves around their needs and desires. As we begin to interact with others, we hopefully develop compassion, tolerance, sympathy, and kindness. Research has shown that children who don’t develop these characteristics may, at best, have [...]

  • 11.28.2010

    Nanodots Make Magnet Science Cool

    Nanodots are magnetic little beads from Steve Spangler Science. They’re so strong that they are both positive and negative which means all the beads stick to each other — no repelling like those inferior, weaker magnets. Cool. Except, they kind of freaked me out. Because they’re such strong magnets that the directions said to stay [...]

  • 11.28.2010

    My Barnyard Friends Plush

    My two year old friend thought this barn and it’s noisy animals were awesome. We played and played and played with Aurora’s Plush My Barnyard Friends. FUN!!! (Much better than Barbies.) And, we practiced the animal names and their sounds. LEARNING! (What with bringing gifts, I wonder if I’ll be getting more babysitting calls?) WANT [...]

  • 11.28.2010

    One Stop Shopping at Marbles The Brain Store

    I’ve recently discovered the coolest store– Marbles: The Brain Store. Today, Cyber Monday, they have some great sales so I thought I’d tell you about the sale and let the owner Lindsay Gaskins, CEO/Founder of Marbles tell us more. Cyber Monday: Shop today and get a FREE Marbles Mind Music CD with the purchase of [...]

  • 11.23.2010

    Winter Snowflakes Teach Symmetry

    I’m not a crafty mama as you know. But, I had to remind you about snowflakes because they’re such a great vacation activity — and you can use old newspaper or recycled paper! Start with a square. If you don’t have one, fold your rectangle paper to make a square like this: Now that you [...]

  • 11.23.2010

    Create Your Own Magical Animal Familiar

    Guest writing game post”Create Your Own Familiar” by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson, authors of the popular new middle fiction book, The Familiars. Do you have pets? Do you ever wonder if they possess magical powers? Or, if you don’t have any pets (like Adam), do you ever imagine that you have a magical [...]

  • 11.22.2010

    Sculpting Beads PlayFoam Giveaway (Ended)

    I’d never seen Playfoam before I won it on the Educational Insights Facebook Fan. It’s beads. And it’s hard to describe. It feels like soft, smooshy pellets. It comes apart, goes back together and doesn’t stick to your clothes or hands. My daughter and her friend made flowers, snowpeople, and snakes, sculpting like pros. It [...]

  • 11.22.2010

    Learning Laundry Jumble Game Giveaway (Ended)

    I highly recommend Laundry Jumble for your preschool child as a fun, learning game gift. Our family LOVES this game! How to Play: Draw a card from the stack of 30 cards. Find the item of clothing — without looking — in the laundry. Use your sense of touch to find the item. If you [...]

  • 11.22.2010

    ZipBin Storage and Play Mats

    ZipBin sent me a Dollhouse Play Backpack to review. I wondered if my five year old would like it. I had to make a new bedtime rule. No backpacks in bed. I think she liked it. Her backpack that looks like a castle. The front unzips to reveal a two story dollhouse with a slide [...]

  • 11.22.2010

    Best Kids Gift Guide for Art, Play, Games and More

    You want to give a great educational gifts for the holidays – not plastic toys that will break in a week. That’s why I’ve written Imagination Soup’s Gift Guides! Today’s ideas for you – from infant to preschooler to tween – are my favorites in art, games and play. These all reflect my personal opinion. [...]

  • 11.21.2010

    Get Schooled Gets Kids Excited About School

    Denver’s George Washington High School couldn’t believe it when the Get Schooled tour surprised them  last Friday afternoon with a short performance from Ludacris and appearances from Sway, La La, Carmelo Anthony and Saigon. Really? Can celebrities get kids excited about school? To stay in school? The kids were wild with excitement – dancing, singing, [...]

  • 11.18.2010

    Math Brain Game PigzUp

    You know me and learning games. You’re the same, right?  So, here’s another goodie for your kiddos, four and up called PigzUp! Flip over your top card to get a number and color. If your card matches with another player’s card, you race to stack up the wooden piggies according to the number on the [...]

  • 11.17.2010

    Cold Germ Named Sniffles

    Sniffles, the Common Cold Germ from GIANTmicrobes®, sneezes when you press his nose AND his tag teaches you what to say after the sneeze in 5 different languages AND he’s really quite adorable. Now, why would you want such a cute and cuddly germ? Well, to teach kids why they should wash their hands. Plus [...]

  • 11.16.2010

    Kids Gift Guide for MATH and SCIENCE

    Kids Gift Guide for MATH and SCIENCE Product Description Company Fat Brain Toys Reptangles | $24.90 | Ages 6 + Flip, slide, turn, connect, combine, build with Fat Brain’s newest construction toy! Clever, colorful turtles snap & slide together in over 100 incredible ways! Each set of 24 Reptangles comes with a full-color bonus activity [...]

  • 11.16.2010

    I love Educational Rap Music

    Music and learning so totally rock. I mean . . . rap.  Think about how many songs you can sing by heart, even those terrible songs from the 80s you really don’t want to admit that you know so well! Anyway, Educational Rap is like Schoolhouse Rock only, dare I say, . . better. I [...]

  • 11.15.2010

    Upcycled Repurposed Golden Book Blank Journal

    This is one of my favorite giveaways!! I LOVE these vintage journals so much that I got them for all my friends and editors last Christmas. (They’re only $12.00!) The journals are repurposed Little Golden Books which include the original story and 100 plus pages of recycled white paper. Aren’t they so cute? I think [...]

  • 11.14.2010

    Holiday Gift Guide Best Writing Gifts for Kids

    Holiday Gift Guide to the Best Writing Gifts for Kids plus giveaways! Product Description Company Storycubes | $9.99 | Ages 8 + Rory’s Story Cubes contains nine cubes with 54 images. Just roll the cubes and come up with a story that links together all nine face-up images. Marbles the Brain Store Storybuilders Spies, Inc. [...]

  • 11.14.2010

    ENDED The Writer in Me Writing Kit for Tweens

    Just the colorful packaging Little Miss Matched, The Writer In Me, invites further inspection. Inside the box you’ll find an observation notepad, a diary, and a lined blank book, a  rhyming dictionary, a “Why Writers Write” inspirational poster, and a deck of word cards and story-starters PLUS an instructional book about writing. This is written [...]

  • 11.14.2010

    Yamodo Word Game for Parties and Family Fun

    Yamodo is a clever game of imagination where you and your kids (ages 8 +) must invent interesting definitions for nonsense words AND draw a picture (or a scrawl or doodle). Your definition will be judged by the “Chief Imaginator” — and the winner with the best definition gets a point. Also, before the play [...]

  • 11.14.2010

    A Book for the Whole Family, The Butt Book

    The Butt Book by Artie Bennett won’t gross you out. It will crack you up. Get it? Crack? I’m laughing by myself, aren’t I? Oh, poop. Anyway, The Butt Book is a perfect just-enough potty humor kid book to gives kids an excuse to say butt. Seriously, what kid (or husband) doesn’t like to say [...]

  • 11.14.2010

    Spies, Inc. for Reading, Writing and Imagining

    Our hero in Spies Inc. loves reading his own book, The Adventures of Dash Danger which we read over his shoulder in this book. He’s surprised when the class bully, Biff Vermin, sends him on a mission to steal a secret cupcake frosting recipe from The Lunch Lady. He agrees but he needs help — [...]

  • 11.11.2010

    2010 Holiday Gift Guide – Best Books for Kids

    So many wonderful books this year, it was hard to pick. Books make the best gifts for the holidays so scroll down to find my recommendations for the best books for kids. I hope your children will love, love, love these books for gifts. For buying information, click on the publisher or the book’s cover. [...]

  • 11.11.2010

    Science Detectives Doyle and Fossey Book Giveaway

    Have you seen the science-related chapter book series Doyle and Fossey, Science Detectives? It a great series. I love it and think you will, too! It’s perfect for second and third grade readers, both genders will like it, the kids are scientists with awesome parents (who drive them around) and the books include science experiments [...]

  • 11.09.2010

    How to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Children

    Guest post by teacher, administrator and speaker, Michelle Macchia. It is predicted that by the time our children join the workforce, they will be expected to work in ways that are quite different from the way in which previous generations have been required to work. They will be expected to be fluent in digital media, [...]

  • 11.08.2010

    Play the What if Game

    Guest post by Natasha Wing, author of picture book, How to Raise a Dinosaur. A question writers are often asked is, “How do you get your ideas?” Many of my ideas come from reading. Sometimes I’ll read an article in the newspaper and am curious to know more. That’s what happened when I read about [...]

  • 11.08.2010

    Appleletters Game from Bananagrams

    The game Appleletters combines  apples and letters. Without much of the apple — except the cute apple case. We play Apple Snake — it’s like scrabble so you have to make words with the letters you’ve drawn. The difference is there’s no board and you can only use the letters at the beginning and at [...]

  • 11.07.2010

    Teach Your Child How to Write a Haiku

    Guest post by Bob Raczka, poet and author of Guyku, A Year of Haiku for Boys. Haiku poems are short. They are also fun to write. But writing a good haiku is not as easy as it looks. It takes practice. Here are some tips: 1. The form of a haiku is very simple: – [...]

  • 11.05.2010

    What Can You Do to Help an Anxious Child?

    Stress in kids? Really? After missing school and numerous trips to the doctor, my pediatrician kindly advised me that my kindergartner’s stomach aches were mostly likely due to anxiety — there was no physical cause. My daughter, like many kids, experience stress physically. Headaches, stomach aches, vomiting and bed wetting are all common manifestations of [...]

  • 11.03.2010

    Help Children Understand Their Feelings

    It’s difficult for most kids to identify their feelings. Then, it’s even harder to know what to do with them — hint: accept, accept, accept.  But, acceptance of all emotions is not always valued. Psychologists will tell you that its important to be able to identify and accept your emotions, whatever they are, and learn [...]

  • 11.01.2010

    Special Needs, What a Joke

    Do you ever wonder what a mom feels when her child is labeled? Maybe your child has been labeled. Or maybe you’ll know someone who could use your compassion and empathy. This is where I begin, sharing from my heart, what those words mean / meant to me. I wrote this in an essay writing [...]

  • 11.01.2010

    Teaching Diversity in a White-Washed World

    Readers, this is a post you MUST read. Please stop everything you’re doing. It’s that good; and that important. Karen Carter guest posts today. She’s a mom, an author, and advocate for social justice. I’m what author Amy Ford calls a “Pink Parent,” a term I think is actually pretty darn cute. I’ve yet to [...]

  • 10.27.2010

    Blurt Word Game

    We’ve reached the end of Game Week. Was it a good idea? Should I do this again? Let me know. Today’s totally awesome and educational game is Blurt – a word game that will build vocabulary, make you think fast and provide hilarity. We love it and think you will too. Thumbs up we cheer. [...]

  • 10.27.2010

    Luxury, Elegance and Style in a Puzzle

    Ravensburger puzzles are the Maserati of puzzles.  Oh, yes, you know, all the luxury, elegance and style you can imagine in a . . . puzzle. Well, maybe you can’t imagine. But, they’re really good quality and well made. What can I say, it’s late and I’m trying to be clever.  Let’s move on to [...]

  • 10.25.2010

    Shopping Cart Dash Great for Preschoolers

    Your toddlers and preschoolers will love Shopping Cart Dash. Even older kids will like this game, too. They all get their own shopping cart, money to spend and a shopping list. Whoever gets around the board first, with all their groceries, wins! Get a cart. Here’s an example list. Land on the color space and [...]

  • 10.25.2010

    What is Socratic Parenting?

    Guest post by writer, lawyer and mother, Laurie A. Gray, JD. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” –Albert Einstein I’m a big fan of Socrates—Plato’s teacher—who had to drink poison hemlock because he drove everyone crazy with his constant questioning.  The gods said he was the wisest man in Ancient Greece, but Socrates said if [...]

  • 10.24.2010

    Bubble Talk

    This week, I’m reviewing my favorite games of 2010 and offering a chance to win them. I hope you’ll get some good ideas for the holidays. When I get sent complimentary games to review, rest assured,  I only write about ones that I highly recommend. Bubble Talk is one of those games, it will keep [...]

  • 10.22.2010

    The Sisters Eight, An Adventure Series for Girls

    The Sister’s Eight will be your next favorite series — I love finding good series, don’t you? And this series will have nine books total so if you like it, you’ll have lots of books to look forward to. The story begins when Mommy and Daddy don’t come back from Mommy getting eggnog and Daddy [...]

  • 10.20.2010

    Memoirs I Love and Recommend

    I’ve been on a memoir kick — partly to pick the best books of the year. Here are three that I couldn’t put down.  All memoir, all very compelling. Giveaway: Now I See the Moon comment below to enter Now I See the Moon by Elaine Hall (2010) I couldn’t put this book down. Elaine [...]

  • 10.20.2010

    Best New Alphabet Books

    I love alphabet books, for all ages of children. They’re a unique opportunity to learn letter sounds as well as consider words, categorizing, and genre writing.  Here are a few of my favorite alphabet books from 2010. A Long Piece of String illustrated by William Wondriska Chronicle Books, 2010 picture book A quiet red and [...]

  • 10.18.2010

    3 New Grimm Inspired Fairy Tale Books

    This fall brings three new books that are inspired by the 19th century Brothers Grimm stories; they’re not for the faint of heart just like the originals. In fact,The Story of Little Red Riding Hood, A Tale of Dark and Grimm and Reckless might actually scare you a little. (Just in time for Halloween?) The [...]

  • 10.18.2010

    Different Learners by Jane Healy

    Different Learners by Jane Healy Ph.D. is my favorite non-fiction book this year. Tt synthesizes the latest brain research for parents and educators. It’s important; it’s scary; and it’s a must read. I feel very privileged to know Jane (she lives in Vail, Colorado and I interviewed her recently) and she writes just like she [...]

  • 10.16.2010

    Waiting for Superman Starts the Conversation

    Also posted at Mile High Mamas today. Waiting for Superman, the new movie from Davis Guggenheim who directed An Inconvenient Truth, affected me as both a mom and an educator. I loved it. Parents seem to be with me. Educators, not so much. First, I’ll tell you my perspective on the movie and then, I’ll [...]

  • 10.12.2010

    Characters, Puppets, and Story Development

    Guest post by Lisa Railsback, author of Noonie’s Masterpiece and Betti on a Highwire. I love puppets. Unfortunately, I’m not much of an artsy-craftsy-painter of a person, as is my character, Noonie Norton. Noonie is a true artist; she’s all about the art. As for me? I love characters. I’ve always loved characters.  As a [...]

  • 10.12.2010

    Draw an Odd Numbered Creature

    Draw Plus Math by Freddie Levin arrived in my mailbox recently and I couldn’t wait to share it with you! It’s a step by step guide to math related drawing. For example, in one lesson, you’ll learn the steps of drawing a car.  Then, you’re asked to make a math sentence using cars and shown [...]

  • 10.11.2010

    A Reading Diet that Includes Picture Books

    Recently, the New York Times article published “Picture Books No Longer a Staple for Children.”  It turns out that their reporter inaccurately quoted a source and frankly, I wasn’t surprised – but that isn’t why I’m writing this post.  Here’s what I do wonder . . . Do we have a cultural paradigm that children [...]

  • 10.08.2010

    Win Pairs in Pears Word Game For Kids

    We love Pairs in Pears and think you will, too! PAIRS IN PEARS® (SRP: $16.95) is a word construction game for  where players race to make pairs of connecting words in matching patterns. We found it adaptable to make rhyming words with the different alphabets – there are four alphabets, each with a unique pattern [...]

  • 10.08.2010

    Nominate Your Favorite Book for a Cybil

    The Cybil Awards need your help to nominate your favorite book in each category category from early reader to YA fiction.  You have until October 15, 2010 to nominate your favorites.  Here is the link to the nomination form. Want to see what’s been nominated so far? Read the Cybils blog and find out. I’m [...]

  • 10.06.2010

    Dear Mo Willems, How I Love You So!

    Dear Mo, Okay, I don’t love you. That would just be weird since I don’t even know you. I do love your books though.  A lot. Love, a fan See the photograph? It’s me and my five year old with Mo last night at the Tattered Cover Book Store. Mo read from his newest books, [...]

  • 10.04.2010

    Autumn Scavenger Hunt for Kids

    Guest post by Rebecca Brown of Scavenger Hunt Guru. October is upon us and fall is in the air.  The evenings are getting cooler and we are beginning to wake up to brisk mornings as well.  The leaves are beginning to change to reds and golds and the kids are getting restless. What better way [...]

  • 10.03.2010

    Beware of the Cheese Touch Game

    The Cheese Touch! Do you know that it’s played at school these days? Maybe your kid tells you more than mine. I just found out. My daughter, like many of your kids, loves Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. The books are a hilarious blend of comics and narrative detailing life in middle [...]

  • 10.03.2010

    Conversation Stones

    Entrepreneur mom, Tammy Gentry, developed a way for children and adults to practice conversation skills.  You know, asking a question and listening to the answer.  Her product is called Penny Stones – like, a penny for your thought? We’ve been using the Penny Stones at dinner time when both my husband and I are tired [...]

  • 09.29.2010

    Listen up kids, read an audiobook

    Take this short quiz to see if you and your child need audio books in your reading lives. Are you busy? Always on the go? Does your child resist reading every night? Do you want some peace and quiet for a few minutes? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I have [...]

  • 09.28.2010

    My Son Isn’t Sick. He’s Different and So Are You

    I’m calling you to action today. “He came up to me and said, I know all about your son’s sickness,” said my friend whose son does not have a sickness.  He has Asperger Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder.  It is part of who he is.  He is not sick. She said, “What if he learns [...]

  • 09.27.2010

    Finding Beautiful Oops Moments

    Guest post written by author and illustrator, Barney Saltzberg whose newest book is Beautiful Oops. Beautiful Oops was inspired by teachers to whom I’ve show how I write and illustrate picture books.  Two of the images I show how I turned mistakes into artwork.  One is the cover of my sketchbook.  I spilled coffee on [...]

  • 09.27.2010

    September Parent Child Book Club Newsletter

    Note: This was sent to book club subscribers via email and is reprinted for reference.  Sign up to get this book club newsletter here and hear first about book set giveaways. Parent-Child Book Club Newsletter by Melissa Taylor / September 2010 The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch (Book #4) Little Brown [...]

  • 09.23.2010

    My Dog Fact Is Bigger Than Yours

    I like card games. They’re portable, fun and entertaining. When Top Trumps sent me a “educational” card game called The Dogs, I was skeptical. Remember how I loved card games? That was before I played The Dogs nine-hundred-million times.  And learned every fact about dogs possible. Ugg. Just kidding.  I really like the game, I [...]

  • 09.21.2010

    Organizing Your Home for Safety

    Guest post by Alison of the Home Safety Council. For me, fall is always a time of fresh starts.  When I was in school, I used to love getting all of my new school supplies and organizing my notebook with the dividing tabs, my pencil case and the clean paper.  I guess this has carried [...]

  • 09.20.2010

    There’s No Such Thing as a Reluctant Reader

    Guest post by Debbie Dadey, author of The Adventures of the Bailey School Kids. There is no such thing as a reluctant reader IF you find the right book. What a big IF that is, because there’s not one single book that every child will love.  As a school librarian, I was determined to help [...]

  • 09.18.2010

    Preschool Playful Learning Kit Giveaway

    GRASSHOPPER® Kits provides playful multi-sensory activities that aren’t workbooks (good) and are developed by an experienced occupational therapist.  Grasshopper Kits sent me a  Getting Our Hands Ready Kit to review so I found some great product testers (2, 4, and 5 years olds) and we tried it out. The Getting Our Hands Ready Kit is [...]

  • 09.16.2010

    My Favorite and My Best

    What’s your favorite blog? (Besides Imagination Soup?) Here is a list of my favorite and my best blogs — aka. my blog roll which you’ll find on my About page.  I finally updated it, something long overdue. Since I love these blogs so much, I wanted to share them with you. Some you’ll know, some [...]

  • 09.13.2010

    Win an Upside Down Shirt

    I found Teach Me Ts at my favorite bookstore, The Tattered Cover.  I just couldn’t resist the lure of this adorable pink t-shirt – although they came in many colors.  What a great way for my preschooler to learn to read her colors. Do you see how cute? Look.  The words are upside down for [...]

  • 09.13.2010

    Do you talk about race and diversity?

    I have mixed feelings about the app, “Who Am I?”.  Is it a way to encourage racism and labeling or a chance to begin teaching our children about identity and respect? I decided to get more information from the app’s creator, Michael D. Baran, PhD, a cultural anthropologist at Harvard University. I.S.: What is your [...]

  • 09.09.2010

    Beautiful Milk, Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes

    Science guru, Steve Spangler, is an icon around Denver. He’s from Colorado. He’s always on the Ellen DeGeneres show. He has a great blog and totally cool products.  And, now, his latest book totally proves he’s a real science hall of famer! It’s called . . . drum roll . . . one of my [...]

  • 09.09.2010

    Writing in Color

    Synesthesia is the subjective sensation of a sense other than the one being stimulated like seeing the number 4 as dark purple.  The memoir, Born on a Blue Day, of Daniel Tammet who has synesthesia, got me thinking, . . . what if we all could see words as colors? What if we feel words [...]

  • 09.06.2010

    Eight Reading and Writing Ideas to Try With Kids

    Guest post from author and educator, Christin Ditchfield. Reading: Read aloud together as a family — even with older elementary / junior high kids! If it’s a great story, they’ll be drawn in. Listen to audio books together in the car, on road trips and family vacations. Talk about the story, what the kids liked and [...]

  • 09.02.2010

    Science, Math and Art: Cooking with Children

    I’m trying a new approach to school lunches and snacks: cooking with my kids. Last week, we made a batch of yummy, healthy muffins which went to school for lunches. Dr. Kathy Roemer, director of Twin Parks Montessori Schools in Manhattan says “One of the best ways to combine science, math and art is to [...]

  • 09.01.2010

    Free Literacy Activities Magazine

    The sixth issue of Literacy Lava, a free pdf for parents or anyone who wants kids to love reading, writing and communicating, is now available from The Book Chook a.k.a. Susan Stephenson’s website. Enjoy!

  • 08.29.2010

    Win an Arttero Canvas Storybook Kit

    Artterro Canvas Storybook Kit Arttero sent me a Canvas Story Book Kit to review. I couldn’t quite visualize writing on a canvas cloth  so I wanted to see for myself. It turned out to be so much fun! The directions suggest writing with a pen or marker but I decided just to use the supplies [...]

  • 08.29.2010

    Want to Get Kids Reading? Try a Sit Down Comic

    Guest post by author, Michael Spradlin. Does your child suffer from The Kid Who Doesn’t Like To Read Syndrome? The answer to why kids contract TKWDLTR Syndrome is multi-layered and complex. I meet many during school visits who come from homes where the parents don’t read themselves, not even a newspaper or magazines. (Note to [...]

  • 08.28.2010

    Five Fun Word Activities for Kids

    Make your own word search, start a poem collection, memorize a classic poem and more. Five fun word activities you can do at home with children ages four and up. 1. Word Collection Make a word collection notebook or box. I like the notebook because kids (and I) can alphabetize our words – one letter [...]

  • 08.23.2010

    Engage Young Readers with Music and Art

    Guest post by Bob Barner, author and illustrator of over 30 books, including his most recent, Bears! Bears! Bears! (Enter to win a copy below.) When I was in school the music and art teachers came to our classroom twice a week.  I was always excited when I saw the piano roll through the door [...]

  • 08.21.2010

    Family Timeline Accordion Book with Recycled Materials

    Guest post by Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord, mom and author of Handmade Books for a Healthy Planet: Sixteen Earth Friendly Projects From Around The World.   Making books engages the hands, the head, and the heart. It gives us the opportunity to tell our stories and express our feelings while working together in creative community. I’ve been making [...]

  • 08.18.2010

    She’s not shy; She’s introverted

    Do you know the difference between shyness and introversion? I’m in a self-help group (of 1) of extroverts who don’t understand introverts. Maybe you’ll join me. Or maybe you’re that introvert who wants to be understood, like my daughter. My very personal story of parenting my daughter and learning to understand her unique gifts as [...]

  • 08.17.2010

    Family Activity to Spark Creativity From Author T.A. Barron

    Guest post by T.A. Barron, Colorado YA and children’s author, dad and naturalist. As a writer and a father of five great kids—I’ve decided that my favorite job ever is simply being a dad.  My only complaint about having children is that they grow up too fast—but there’s nothing I can do about that. There [...]

  • 08.16.2010

    Need a meaningful gift? Try this picture book

    Walk On! a guide for babies of all ages by Marla Frazee is perfect for older “babies” – ones with drivers licenses, mortgages and kids.  These babies, like any of us, might be stepping into a new time in their lives and need the encouragement to “walk on”. Recently, I gave Walk On! to a [...]

  • 08.11.2010

    Children’s Author Says Write Alphabet Photo Books

    Guest post by Esther Hershenhorn, author of S is for Story in our summer artist’s date series. I had great fun creating my newest book, S is for Story: A Writer’s Alphabet (Sleeping Bear Press, ’09) – especially once I focused on my book’s purpose.  The purpose was offering Young Writers an A-to-Z  journey through [...]

  • 08.09.2010

    Five Things You Absolutely Must Do To Be Ready for Kindergarten

    Guest post by children’s author, Audrey Vernick, of Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten? As children prepare for their first day of kindergarten, parents everywhere, well, kind of lose their minds. Some of them. Not you, of course. But maybe someone you know. Parents worry. What if their child’s not ready? What if he cries? [...]

  • 08.04.2010

    Stories Shape a Child’s Heart

    Guest post written by Mitali Perkins, YA author, mother, blogger and world traveler. As we seek to raise a generation of compassionate children, stories are powerful allies. I grasped the beauty of sacrificial giving at nine years old when  befriending Sara Crewe in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Little Princess (J. B. Lippincott)  for the first [...]

  • 08.02.2010

    Kids, Cameras and Family Fun

    Don’t you just love digital cameras? Snap.  Delete.  Snap.  Snap.  Delete. I especially love the delete button! You take a million photos and keep the ten best.  It’s wondrous, eco-friendly, and believe it or not, very kid-friendly.  In fact, we’ve discovered the key to our travel success — especially if we take the kids for [...]

  • 07.26.2010

    Rhyming Dust Bunnies Will Crack You Up

    My new favorite picture book easy readers are written by author and illustrator Jan Thomas. Here Comes the Big, Mean Dust Bunny! is the perfect book — rhyming, bold illustrations, and funny as heck! It follows the also hilarious book, Rhyming Dust Bunnies. One dust bunny (the blue one) has rhyming issues — but it [...]

  • 07.26.2010

    Adorable Toon Book from Geoffrey Hayes

    Didn’t you just love Geoffrey Hayes’ post “Building Reading Skills Through Comic Books”? My daughter is recently obsessively reading all the Archie comics from the library and it reminded me that I also loved Archie, Tintin and the Illustrated Classics that my school teacher mom had in her classroom.  Now, it’s time for a new [...]

  • 07.25.2010

    Building Reading Skills Through the Language of Comics

    Guest post by Geoffrey Hayes, author of award winning Benny and Penny Toon Book, The Big No-No and over 40 picture books. Having spent many years working in the traditional picture book arena, I am now writing and illustrating children’s comics as well. Although I have been a longtime comics fan, doing comics for kids [...]

  • 07.22.2010

    Parent Child Book Club Newsletter July 2010

    View Original Newsletter HERE. Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook Written and drawn by Eleanor Davis, inked by Drew Weing Bloomsbury Kids, 2009 Winner of 2009 Graphic Novel Cybil Award Kids who save the world from bad-guy adults?  What’s not to love about a story like that?  In this case, three (eleven and twelve [...]

  • 07.22.2010

    Parent Child Book Club July Contest

    WIN: 5 copies of The Secret Science Alliance for your book club. WIN: 5 copies of A Whole Nother Story for your book club. TO ENTER: Comment below with the number of kids in your book club and what you’re reading this summer. Giveaway extended through August 6, 2010.  Winner will be chosen at random.  [...]

  • 07.20.2010

    Mixed-Up Fairy Tales For Storytelling and Family Time

    This summer, try telling mixed-up fairy tales for your family artists dates, road trips, plane trips, camping trips, bedtime, and even waiting rooms. Think of three different fairy tales and pick one from each – a character, a setting, and a plot. Mix it all together in your own imaginative way and voila — you have [...]

  • 07.19.2010

    Lazy Days of Summer Three Craft Ideas

    Artist Date guest post by Mary-Frances Main, writer, crafter, blogger and mama. We’re enjoying a warm summer but spending a lot of it inside in the air conditioning. If you think about it, it’s a lot like being snowed in – but lazier! Of course there are the rainy days, too where you must find [...]

  • 07.15.2010

    Hoot Playaway by Carl Hiaasen

    UPDATE:  The winners are Sac Book Mom and Robin!  Congratulations and thanks everyone for entering! Remember my happy dance when my kids discovered Playaways? Aaaah. I love Playaways. Great news! The Playaway company is generously giving two Imagination Soup readers the Newbery Award winning book, Hoot by Carl Hiaasen on a Playaway! (Worth $39.99.) How [...]

  • 07.13.2010

    Children’s Author Suggests Writing Dates With Your Kids

    Artist Date guest post by mom and author of Spilling Ink and other books, Anne Mazer. Years before I read Julia Cameron, I was doing artist dates with my kids. It was called “writing with mom” and for years, it was a nightly ritual. Like many good things, it happened by accident, almost unconsciously, and [...]

  • 07.13.2010

    Kids Want to Write? Read Spilling Ink Book.

    Spilling Ink, a Young Writer’s Handbook isn’t what I expected, it’s MORE!  I loved it – and think it’s appropriate for us older young writers, too! *The only books for young writers I like are well, very few — Ralph Fletcher and Victoria Hanley‘s books come to mind in addition to my new favorite, Spilling [...]

  • 07.11.2010

    How You Can Encourage Your Child’s Creativity

    Guest post by Melanie Sklarz of A Dose of Creativity. Part II:  Encourage Your Child’s Creativity As I mentioned in my last post (Part I), creativity allows children to develop skills for life. So how can you encourage creativity in your child? First of all, you don’t even have to consider yourself creative. Raising a [...]

  • 07.11.2010

    Creativity Gives Kids Skills for Life

    Guest post by artist, educator and blogger, Melanie Sklarz. Part I: 3 Reasons for Creativity Did you know that as humans we have the unique ability to make connections between different ideas and things, understand symbols and metaphors, and use our imagination? By tapping into our personal creativity and imagination we help our brain and [...]

  • 07.07.2010

    Cancer Sucks! When a Parent has Cancer

    Her husband got the news last week– cancer.  (Again.)  Their boys are one and four. When she told me, I taught her boys a bad word. Somehow it just slipped out. Sorry. Cancer is scary and big and inconvenient. Not knowing what to do I asked another friend, Michelle, a breast cancer survivor with two [...]

  • 07.05.2010

    Win YA Novel Tortilla Sun

    Did you read Jennifer Cervantes’ guest post on encouraging your kids to write?  And maybe you even read my gushing review of her book Tortilla Sun! It’s on my other blog, Bookmarkable, and I loved, loved, loved it! From Bookmarkable . . . “Izzy’s life was a series of houses, sadness and secrets – why [...]

  • 06.28.2010

    My New Favorite Way to Keep ‘Em Reading

    Playaways are, dare I say, God’s gift to parents. Seriously. Last week, we found Playaways at the library and I didn’t hear a peep out of my kids for two hours! I actually read my own book. (And fell asleep on the couch.) Luxurious. But, I am not a slacker mama.  Really!  Because Playaways are [...]

  • 06.28.2010

    Live a Writer’s Life with your Kids

    Guest post by Jennifer Cervantes, YA author of Tortilla Sun, my newest favorite book and pick for this year’s Newbery Award –read my review here. One of my favorite ways to spend time with my daughters is when we are involved in some sort of creative exercise. Of course, for me, writing is at the [...]

  • 06.23.2010

    Make a Date with Nature

    Artist Date Guest Post from Debi Huang of Go Explore Nature. I love to seek creative inspiration from nature. Now that I have kids, I encourage them to do the same. Nature provides an endless and ever-changing landscape with an array of free tools and resources right at your fingertips. What better place to enjoy [...]

  • 06.22.2010

    What is YOUR Special Story?

    Guest post by Maya Bisineer, author, mom and founder of Memetales. I do not recall making up stories until I had my kids. And then, all of a sudden I started making up stories – out of thin air. Well, not really thin air. I think the imagination spark that kids create and  the inspiration [...]

  • 06.19.2010

    Starting a Parent Child Book Club

    Starting Your Parent-Child Book Club 1.  Decide who to invite. (Group by interest, age or gender.) 2.  Select the first book, date, time and location. 3.  Read the book with your child. 4.  Plan discussion questions and/or activities. Involve your children in this process or let them plan it themselves. 5.  Add snacks and you’re [...]

  • 06.16.2010

    Early Readers Read the Pictures

    I have fond memories of the wonder and possibility of wordless picture books in a particular inner city classroom in east Denver. Wordless picture books give pre-readers and beginning readers reading success.  Why?  Because  kids are good at “reading the pictures”. They look and tell the story as they see it unfold in the illustrations. [...]

  • 06.15.2010

    A Young Writer’s Alphabet, S is for Story

    You need S is for Story, A Writer’s Alphabet for your library.  It’s the perfect book to kick off your summer reading and writing plans! This informative and engaging picture book illuminates words from a writer’s life from A to Z starting with Alphabet, explaining the history and Greek word alphabetos, ending with Z for [...]

  • 06.15.2010

    Collage a Dream Board for an Artist’s Date

    I’ve read about dream boards and never gotten around to making one.  Basically, the idea is to find things that you’d like to see in your life, your future dreams.  But, it is also a cool, creative artist’s date you can have with your kids — although theirs will be less intentional and more whimsical [...]

  • 06.13.2010

    Thank You, I WON!

    Guess what? I WON the Scholastic Blog Award! And I have YOU to thank. Thank you so much for voting for Imagination Soup! I never thought in a million years I would win the Scholastic Award (– but I sure hoped that I would.) It’s still unreal. Here’s what the editor wrote me: Congratulations! You [...]

  • 06.09.2010

    Teaching Lessons Through Picture Books

    Guest post by Suzanne Santillan author of picture book, Grandma’s Pear Tree. My favorite picture book as a child was “Mrs. Twiggley’s Tree” written by the late Dorothea Warren Fox. It was a quirky tale about a terribly shy woman who lived in a tree with her dog and some visiting bears. During the story [...]

  • 06.07.2010

    Handy Dad’s Summer Fun With Kids

    Have a Dad-Style creative artist date with your kids. Guest post by Todd Davis, host of HGTV’s Over Your Head and author of Handy Dad 25 Awesome Projects for Dads and Kids. A slip and slide is always so easy to do and guaranteed many laughs. Go to your local paint supply store and get [...]

  • 06.03.2010

    Choices, Choices, Choices Get Them Hooked

    “Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” – Maya Angelou Any book? Are you seriously questioning Ms. Angelou? Yes! ANY book. Which means . . . . . . your child gets to pick the book. [...]

  • 06.01.2010

    Start Your Summer Artist’s Date with Inspiration

    IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR SUMMER ARTISTS’ DATES guest post by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich I loved Melissa’s summer artist’s date post so much, I was just full to bursting with new ideas and old memories. And my mind immediately went…all over the place. I don’t know if anyone out there is at all like me, but sometimes [...]

  • 05.31.2010

    Literacy Lava 5 Free Magazine For Parents and Teachers

    My article for the fifth issue of Literacy Lava, talks about my discovery of graphic novels — and that graphic novels aren’t just for struggling readers. Literacy Lava is a free pdf for parents or anyone who wants kids to love reading, writing and communicating, is now available from Susan Stephenson’s website. In this fifth [...]

  • 05.31.2010

    Stop and Give Me Five (Senses)

    Ever go through your day in such a rush of busyness that you don’t stop to notice the moment — any moment? Living mindfully helps us observe and trains our senses to absorb each moment.  As writers, we use this to write with sensory details. Practice living mindfully and observing with your five senses. Even [...]

  • 05.24.2010

    6 New Ideas for Reluctant Readers

    Do you have a reluctant reader?  I did — and I tried everything to get her to like books and engage with stories.  Here are some of the odd things I tried that seemed to work. EAT and READ:  Read to a child while they are at the table eating. (Sitting still.  Undivided attention.) OVER-KILL: [...]

  • 05.23.2010

    I’m a finalist in the Scholastic Blog Awards

    You can help me win by voting for me in “Books and Reading”! Yes, it’s true!  I’m a finalist in the Scholastic Blog Awards for best blog in the Book and Reading category. Help me get into the Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine by voting for me to WIN. Please! Click here to vote. Did [...]

  • 05.23.2010

    Giveaway Frieda B. Herself Picture Book

    Did you read guest post, “Imagination Is More Than Child’s Play: Free Play that Feeds Your Child’s Cognitive Development” by Frieda B. Herself author, Renata Bowers?  Such a great encouragement to play and imagine! Enter to win picture book, Frieda B. Herself, by commenting below.  The winner will be chosen at random.  Contest runs through [...]

  • 05.20.2010

    Children’s Summer Reading Programs 2010

    Keep your children reading during the summer by joining one (or all) of these rewards-based reading programs.  Also, don’t forget to check your local library’s program — the libraries give out fun prizes and free books, too. Barnes and Noble:  Read 8 books and choose 1 free. Scholastic’s Reading Challenge:  Read for the Summer World [...]

  • 05.19.2010

    Imagination is More than Child’s Play

    Turns Out, it’s Free Play that Feeds Your Child’s Cognitive Development guest post by Frieda B. Herself author, Renata Bowers So I’ll admit it right off the bat. I’m biased. I’m a proponent of books, board games, pretend play and plenty of downtime in a child’s life.  And I’m leery – really leery – of [...]

  • 05.17.2010

    Mix Up Meal Monotony

    Guest post from writer, editor and mom, Dawna Edwards. Eat foods alphabetically, starting with A and ending with Z. That’s right, commit to 26 days-worth of different letters at each meal. You’ll add new dimension and learning to meal time. Unless you’re a die-hard meal planner blessed with children who have super-flexible tastes, you may [...]

  • 05.15.2010

    ENDED Music Giveaway The Final Funktier of Recess Monkey

    Recess Monkey is the band.  The Final Funktier is the CD. Parental Warning: “Todaaaay is the science fair” is very catchy. If you’re not singing that, you’ll be singing “My Brother is a Satellite . . . around he goes” when you least expect it– at the gym, in the car without your kids, during [...]

  • 05.12.2010

    Children’s Picture Book Author Explains Plotting for Kids

    Guest post by Deborah Underwood author of children’s picture books including The Quiet Book, Spring 2010. I recently saw a video that shows an adorable little French girl telling a convoluted story with baby monkeys, frightening trees, crocodiles, a battling hippo and lion who go to heaven, a mammoth with claws, and a witch-killing orange [...]

  • 05.10.2010

    Reading In Front of Watchful Eyes

    When I was little, every night after dinner, each of us chose our favorite chair and read until bedtime.  My mom, my dad, my sister and me, all curled up in chairs around the black wood stove which heated our house.  A combination of no television and this daily family reading habit helped make me [...]

  • 05.04.2010

    Rose’s Reading Story Could Help You

    Guest Post by Colorado’s own Victoria Hanley, author of two of my favorite books, Violet Wings and Seize the Story. All of us reading enthusiasts don’t need to be told that books are exciting, insightful, adventurous, delicious, inspiring. . . This, we know. As a parent, naturally I wished for my children to share my [...]

  • 05.02.2010

    My Top Seven and ½ Summer Books For Kids Three and Up

    A few weeks ago, I drove by a speed limit sign last week that said 17 ½ .  Was there a heated argument with the construction crew and the city between 20 and 15 which they settled by choosing 17 ½? So, in honor of my new favorite speed limit sign, I’ve organized my summer [...]

  • 04.28.2010

    ENDED Princess Katie and Racer Steve Music Giveaway

    Princess Katie and Racer Steve’s Tiny Cool CD sambas, rocks, bee-bops, and funks.  It’s a musical variety show. Want to introduce different styles of music and beats with kid friendly lyrics?  This is the CD for you. Enter to win by commenting below.  Winners will be chosen at random.  Contest runs through April 30, 2010.

  • 04.28.2010

    Read, Read More, Read More Often

    Guest post by Mary Gallagher, author of Teach a Child to Read with Children’s Books. The framed print that sits on my desk features a little girl reading to her dog. The caption summarizes how to help children become better readers: “Read, read more, read more often.” As a reading specialist and literacy coach, I [...]

  • 04.26.2010

    Planning for Your Summer’s Artist Dates

    In her book, The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends artist dates with yourself.   She writes, “An artist date is a block of time, . . . committed to nurturing your creative consciousness, your inner artist. . . a play date that you preplan . . . you do not take anyone on this artist date.”  On [...]

  • 04.24.2010

    Free Books For Parent Child Book Clubs

    Are you in a parent-child book club?  (Say, yes!!) Simon and Schuster is offering giveaways of books sets for parent-child book clubs through Imagination Soup!!! Books like The Dork Diaries, Frankie Pickle, Olivia and many more. Imagination Soup is offering YOU the chance to win with lots of fun ideas on books to read, activities [...]

  • 04.23.2010

    Make Your Own Dinosaurs

    Eight year old Caitlin says, “I think the dinosaur craft was awesome! The craft reminded me of The COLORADO STATE FOSSIL.  Stegosaurus is really cool because of it’s four tale spikes. I think this project would be for children ages 7 and up because it requires a lot of cutting.   I liked it.” All you need [...]

  • 04.19.2010

    Why I Wish Rosalind Wiseman Lived With Me

    If only I could just call up Rosalind Wiseman every time I had a question about navigating the shark-filled waters of girl friendships! She knows girls and their stuff.  Thankfully, she wrote a book. (Since she probably won’t move in to become my personal parenting guru I guess that will have to suffice.) Last week, [...]

  • 04.15.2010

    Easy Places to Find Poetry Ideas

    Guest post by Kenn Nesbitt, poet and founder of Poetry for Kids. Read his book, My Hippo Has the Hiccups FREE in April.  See below for details. I visit a lot of schools and libraries, and I speak to as many as 30,000 kids each year. Because the poems I write tend to be creative [...]

  • 04.13.2010

    Random Thoughts on Fish and Flax Oil

    Ever try flax oil? Don’t. You’ll gag. Or fish oil?  Lovely burps, right? Well, one day while cruising through Whole Foods, I sampled (all of the) flavored Omega Swirl Barlean’s Organic Oils. These oils are delightfully delicious! You can add them to foods or drinks but we, and that includes my picky children, drink spoonfuls [...]

  • 04.08.2010

    Giveaway Green Golly and Her Golden Flute

    Congratulations to phxbne!  Random .org picked you as the winner of this contest! Green Golly and Her Golden Flute Music CD by Sweet and Tickletoon innovates music and storytelling for children.  It combines flute classical music with the story of Rapunzel – only in this story, she’s Green Golly and she plays the flute. Flute [...]

  • 04.05.2010

    The Love of Writing Came From Love of Reading

    Guest post by Riley Carney, author and literacy advocate.  Read more about Riley after the post or on her website. Encouraging Your Child To Write Because I’m a teenager, a published author, and the founder and director of a nonprofit for children’s literacy, adults often ask me what they can do to get their kids [...]

  • 04.01.2010

    Books Make Me Happy Reading Log

    Win your own copy!  Comment below to enter.  Contest through April 15, 2010. Books Make Me Happy: My First Reading Log by Judy Pelikan got me thinking about  reading habits at home .  Do you have good reading habits?  Does your child?  Good readers read for fun.  Good readers find that books make them happy. [...]

  • 04.01.2010

    Read to a Dog

    Guest post by Ilene Fine, author of Brandy and Val books and pet therapy advocate. Iʼm really excited that Imagination Soup is giving me the opportunity to share with you. I love to participate in and support children through my volunteering in pet therapy and reading programs. In the past two years, Iʼve discovered how [...]

  • 03.30.2010

    ENDED Books Make Me Happy Reading Log

    Congratulations #2 comment, Shannon!  You’ve won the Books Make Me Happy giveaway! Books Make Me Happy: My First Reading Log by Judy Pelikan got me thinking about  reading habits at home .  Do you have good reading habits?  Does your child?  Good readers read for fun.  Good readers find that books make them happy. But [...]

  • 03.24.2010

    Strong Female Protagonists (who you want as your best friends)

    Guest post by Laura Resau, YA author of The Red Glass, What the Moon Saw, The Indigo Notebook and upcoming, The Star in the Forest. When Melissa asked me to write a guest post about strong female protagonists, I loved the idea. I always have books to recommend. But as I started brainstorming ideas, I [...]

  • 03.23.2010

    Author, P.K. Hallinan, on Kids Loving to Write

    I’m thrilled to welcome guest blogger, P.K. Hallinan, author of over 85 children’s books.  Thank you for your contribution to Imagination Soup! I have a few thoughts on how to help kids love to write… 1) Encourage Reading: First, you need to get them to love to read.  This is often not easy, especially with [...]

  • 03.20.2010

    Win Tickets to Girl World Tour Event in Denver

    You know about Rosalind Wiseman’s Queen Bees and Wannabees — heck, you’ve lived through your own queen bee dramas and wish you could forget it, right?  Now, you and I are moms with daughters facing their own  social dilemmas.  What do you do?  How can you help? Rosalind Wiseman’s Girl World Tour will be in [...]

  • 03.15.2010

    Create a Writing Environment at Home

    Okay, I know I’ve mentioned it before, but if you haven’t set up a writing nook or area, it’s time. Even if you have young kids. Even if you have old kids. If you have kids. Who can resist the lure of fresh notebooks, pencils, new markers, stencils, pom-poms, stickers, colored pencils — and the [...]

  • 03.09.2010

    Are you a fiction or non-fiction reader?

    There are two kinds of people in this world.  Fiction and non-fiction. Think about it.  Some of us naturally prefer reading fiction (me) while others naturally prefer non-fiction (husband, eldest daughter).   For those that are naturally inclined to non-fiction, they will read voraciously in that genre without needing much encouragement.   I once taught a 5th [...]

  • 03.07.2010

    Video Games and Learning

    Video games can make kids better problem solvers.   In fact, video games can promote thinking skills as well as improve spacial and fine motor skills.  (That is, the good video games – the non-violent, non-sexist, non-shoot ‘em up games – those are mind numbing and detrimental, among other things!) You don’t believe me, do you?  [...]

  • 03.07.2010

    How I Started Our Mother Daughter Book Club

    One chilly fall morning last year, my neighbor and I stumbled upon the idea of having a neighborhood mother-daughter book club.  Both our daughters weren’t very enthusiastic readers. We thought that the social aspect of the book club would get them motivated to read. At least we hoped. So, in first grade, we started a [...]

  • 03.05.2010

    Imagination Soup Update

    Well, readers, I love how supportive you all are, thank you. Don’t worry, I’m not going to make any major changes.   However, I’ve decided to focus more on literacy and books and not post more on science and math.  Knowing me, I’ll tie in science and math to literacy anyway – but narrowing my blogging [...]

  • 03.05.2010

    Literacy Blog Tour March 8 through 14

    Get ready for the Literacy Blog Tour:  It Takes a Village to Raise a Reader coming the week of March 8 2010 Day1 – The Many Faces of Reading CHANGE Host: Terry Doherty @Scrub-a-Dub-Tub Topics of the day will encompass the relationship aspect of helping children learn to read: parent-child and teacher-parent partnerships, literacy outreach; [...]

  • 03.01.2010

    Literacy Lava Magazine

    Literacy is a top priority for all parents so Susan, the Book Chook, Stephenson developed a literacy magazine called Literacy Lava. The Literacy Lava Fourth Issue is now available FREE for download here. In it you’ll find great ideas for themed baskets, books and boys, writing for kids who hate it (which I wrote) and [...]

  • 02.20.2010

    Children’s Writing Classes Summer 2010

    I love that I’m getting emails asking about my writing class schedule for the summer! Ya’all are so organized! (I can’t even plan next week.) So, I stayed up late last night to get organized. (Still don’t know about next week.) Writing classes for 4-6, 7 – 12 and 10 – 15 are posted on [...]

  • 02.15.2010

    Oatmeal Box Constellations

    If you watched the opening ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics last Friday, you probably were impressed by the constellations!  Learn how to make your own constellations with an oatmeal box, a flashlight and some imagination.    (A constellation is a group of stars in a visible pattern — well, it’s visible to some people anyway.) [...]

  • 02.09.2010

    Thinkets Trinkets

    Think-ets rhyme with trinkets.  And that’s what they are — and more! Each Think-ets bag fits in the palm of your hand.  A bag holds 15 miniature toys.  My green bag contains: a book, a milk jug, a ring, an alphabet block, a Guatemalan doll, a shell, a hammer, a rose, a pig, a hammer, [...]

  • 02.09.2010

    Geometry fun with tangrams

    Want a fun math activity?  Try tangrams.  Theses are seven shapes, or tans, which come from China.  It’s geometry and it’s a lot more fun than proofs!  (Or is it just me who still hates 10th grade geometry?) Print out your own set of tangrams or order a  set from ThinkFun.   Rearranging the tans increases [...]

  • 02.07.2010

    Author Study of Robert Munsch

    We think Rober Munsch is hilarious!  Do you agree? Kiss Me, I’m Perfect will make anyone who’s received a “grandma gift” groan with recognition. Stephanie’s Ponytail will remind you to be yourself and not do what everyone else is doing — or you might end up bald! The Paperbag Princeess tells the story of a [...]

  • 02.04.2010

    ENDED Rock Star Music For Kids

    Joanie Leeds’s kid music CD “I’m a Rock Star” literally rocks and jazzes and hip-hops.  I’m admit that I’ve been listening to it non-stop and oh, did I say I?  I mean WE.  Ha.  We’ve been listening to it non-stop in the car.  I, we, know all the words to the songs.   Those songs sure [...]

  • 02.01.2010

    Learning Valentine’s Day Crafts

    Why not give your Valentine’s Day crafts a learning twist? 4- 7 year olds: Get out your old magazines and cut out big letters for this cutting and gluing home-made Valentine’s Day card craft. 7 – 10 year olds: Print out a craft. Cut up the directions into different strips of paper.  Mix up the [...]

  • 01.26.2010

    Wiz Kidz Thinking Skills Card Game

    Congratulations to Hallie Doyle! Random.org picked you as the winner. The Wiz Kidz card game is really fun!  You pick two cards — a letter card and a category card.  So, if you get the letter O plus the category, Something a Grown Up Does . . . you could answer “office work”. The game [...]

  • 01.25.2010

    Crawly Bugs for Math Patterns, Shapes and Addition

    Congratulations to Lori!  Random.org picked you as the winner! Discovery Toy’s Busy Bugs ROCK!  Both my 4 year old and 7 year old LOVE them . . . and our 3 year old friend and his little 2 year old brother LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them, too. The 36 colorful bugs just make you want to [...]

  • 01.25.2010

    Fine Motor Skills with Sorting and Stacking Toy

    Guest post by Whitney Trujillo, www.themotherlist.com My son was recently given a fabulous toy from a family friend.  I was amazed at how much learning was packed into one smallish toy train.  Ours happens to be the Fisher-Price Little People Stack ‘n Sort Train, and it really does have it all – building, sorting and [...]

  • 01.20.2010

    Write a Sequence Story With Stencils

    Hands down, Usborne Stencil Cards rule the stencil universe. I use them in writing classes and my kids use them weekly for their creative stories. Why? They’re indestructible! And, frankly, if you can write and easily illustrate a story, it makes the writing process much easier. Use the animal stencils to make a sequential story. [...]

  • 01.14.2010

    The Reading Aloud Habit

    guest post by Susan Stephenson, of The Book Chook As a single mother, with a full-time teaching job, I was often exhausted after a day at school. However, my four-year-old son knew that storytime came before bedtime, and he demanded his books if ever I suggested skipping them. I’d like to think I was devoted [...]

  • 01.14.2010

    Internet danger is just one click away

    by Sue Scheff Have you thought about how dangerous a “click of a mouse” is?  Dangerous? As you start a new year, take the time to educate yourself on Internet safety.  Learn how you can become proactive in your kids lives both online and off.  Learn how that one click can either open doors that you [...]

  • 01.12.2010

    10 Ways Kids Can Practice Math During the Day

    You know that your kids learn better with repetition and engaging activities.  So, weave in math learning opportunities throughout the day. Breakfast Time How many 1/4 cups to fill up your cereal bowl? (estimation) What do those fractions add up to make? (addition of fractions) How many minutes until we leave? How many hours until [...]

  • 01.06.2010

    Get Smart Play: 15 Fun Ideas from Bakery to Veterinarian

    Play is really, really good for children.  By age four or five, kids have the ability to engage in complex, mature play.  This kind of play if vitally important to a child’s development. This eBook will give you ideas beyond “go play in your room.” In fact, you’ll get fifteen fun and easy play themes [...]

  • 01.06.2010

    solar racing car

    Congratulations to Triffany!  Random.org selected you as the winner. I love this.  Err, rather, my kids love this and if they let me play, too, I wish it were mine. Again, Steve Spangler Science offers the best science activities to an Imagination Soup reader – a Super Solar Racing Car!  Thanks! The kit lets you [...]

  • 01.01.2010

    Imagination Time Bakery

    Great news — play is good for you.  Even more so for your kids.  Guess what happens when you facilitate play with some background  information, a few props and specific roles? Well, positive development happens.  Research says that facilitating  “mature play“  increases social, physical and thinking skills!  In other words, kids are developing things like  [...]

  • 12.21.2009

    Flashlights and the Plasma Ball

    Flashlights win over the plasma ball.  You see, Scientifics sent me a Plasma Ball for Christmas. (Thanks for thinking of me!)  Here’s what I found. You can . . . Touch it.  Watch the blue light streams focus on your touch points. You can . . . Look at it. I looked up all the [...]

  • 12.20.2009

    ENDED Giveaway Thank You Note Book

    Congratulations to Laureen!  Random.org picked you as the winner! Yay!  Another reader can get this book today only.  It’s Cat Wagman book on writing thank you notes.  And Cat’s giving away another copy. Why . . . THANK YOU! author, Cat Wagman,  discovered that her two sons, as well as most kids and grown-ups, were [...]

  • 12.18.2009

    Holiday Author Study of Jan Brett

    Jan Brett is required reading for the holidays.  Her writing tells a story, and so do her illustrations – especially the borders.  Brett’s website includes a ton of activities and coloring pages. Read these favorites–then try the fun activities!  Happy holidays! Gingerbread Baby Make gingerbread cookies into different figures – girl, boy, cat, dog and [...]

  • 12.18.2009

    ENDED Little Bird Tales for Your Little Writing Birdies

    Congratulations to winner, Laureen! Need a fun writing activity over winter break?  Here it is! Little Bird Tales give your child a way to write a story, illustrate and record in his or her own voice.  Illustrations are either uploaded photos or made using Little Bird’s drawing tool.  See a demonstration on You Tube here. [...]

  • 12.16.2009

    ENDED Win a Scribble Press Make Your Own Book

    Congratulations to Julia!  Random.org picked you as the winner! Okay, just because it’s the holidays and I’m full of mirth and cheer . . . I found another incredible learning giveaway – the Scribble Press Author/Illustrator Kit. Kids write their story, create illustrations and send the book to Scribble Press (envelope enclosed.)  The books include [...]

  • 12.15.2009

    ENDED Monkeying Around the Kitchen DVD

    Congratulations to Kelly D!  You’ve won the DVD.  Random.org picked you as the winner. Yay, another holiday giveaway! Yummy Fun is offering an Imagination Soup reader a cooking DVD with recipe book. In “Monkeying around in the Kitchen,”  Yummy Clare will teach you and your child how to make Monkey Pops, Banana Dogs and Hawaiian [...]

  • 12.15.2009

    ENDED I heart Melissa and Doug products

    Congratulations to Shara!  Random.org picked you as the winner. Imagine making dinner in a peaceful kitchen.  Even better, your child is playing restaurant with you.  (=quality time and getting something done!) This is what happened when I gave my four year old the Melissa and Doug Sandwich Making Set because I wanted it to help [...]

  • 12.14.2009

    ENDED Bari Koral Cool Music for Kids Giveaway

    Congratulations to Teresa!  Random.org picked you as the winner. Bari Koral is will release her first full-length kids’ CD, Rock and Roll Garden, on January 12.  It’s folksy and very kid friendly with songs like “hey ducky,” “pop,” “best friends” and “uh oh.” Would you like to win a copy?  First visit  Bari Koral .  [...]

  • 12.14.2009

    Allowance basics for beginners like me

    Ask anyone about allowance and you’ll get a wide variety of answers -  when to start, if it’s tied to chores, how much money, every detail.  While it’s good to know friend’s opinions, what are you going to do?  What am I going to do?  I ask because I still have no idea what to [...]

  • 12.10.2009

    Lab in a Bag Test Tube Adventure Giveaway

    Congratulations to Melissa!  Random.org picked you as the winner. It’s the holidays so I have another giveaway for YOU from the great Steve Spangler!  Warning: you may want to skip the gushing and go right to entering the giveaway below . . . Gushing point #1.  Fun science = kids like science! Gushing point #2. [...]

  • 12.10.2009

    ENDED Win a copy of Why . . . THANK YOU!

    Congratulations to Hallie, Random.org picked you as the winner! Cat Wagman wrote an entire book on writing thank you notes.  And it’s yours for free, just in time for the holiday thank you note drama opportunities. Why . . . THANK YOU! author,Cat Wagman,  discovered that her two sons, as well as most kids and [...]

  • 12.10.2009

    Write in time for the holidays

    Preschool Ideas Christmas or Hanukkah alphabet book.  Fold 14 pieces of paper in half to make a book.  Staple.  Write the letters of the alphabet on each page.  Give your child Christmas books to look through and find pictures that start with each letter.  Draw the picture and write the word (with help) on the [...]

  • 12.10.2009

    Sedarach is what spelled backwards?

    Guest post by Triffany Hammond. Congratulations to Laurie Juergens! Sedarach (Charades spelled backwards) is a new game by The Game Chef, LLC and is exactly what the name implies, charades backwards.  Rather than have one person act out a word or phrase to their team, the team instead acts out the subject on the card [...]

  • 12.09.2009

    In a Jar Products Make Learning Fun

    Congratulations to Hallie Doyle and Wendy Young.  Free Spirit publishing picked two winners for this contest! Science Riddles In a Jar?  Travel Treasure Hunt In a Jar?  Wondrous Words In a Jar? I was skeptical about these products.  Then I opened Science Riddles In a Jar.  Here’s what I read to my kids, ages four [...]

  • 12.08.2009

    Tessy and Tab Reading Club

    Tessy and Tab Reading Club, for ages 2 – 6, arrives twice a month.  And, I don’t know about you but my daughters LOVE mail.  Their own mail.  With their name on it. Already, I’m sold on the mail idea.  But, I also really like the literacy aspects as well.  This magazine is quite different [...]

  • 12.08.2009

    Author Study of Audrey Wood

    You’ll recognize this author, Audrey Wood. She wrote Silly Sally and The Napping House, two of my all time favorite books.  But, did you know that she’s written 55 great picture books?  Here are some of my favorites: King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub – My favorite of all her books!  It’s a hilarious story about [...]

  • 12.08.2009

    ENDED Gustafer Yellowgold DVD and CD

    Congratulations to #3 Georgette!  Random.org picked you as the winner. Who is Gustafer Yellowgold?  He’s a little yellow dude from the sun of course!  His creator, Morgan Taylor, invented Gustafer, composed the music and  illustrated the DVD.  The music is mellow and folksy.  We enjoyed listening to the music, it’s singable and age appropriate.  The [...]

  • 12.07.2009

    Literacy Lava Imagination in Preschool Play

    The Book Chook, Susan Stephenson, published another great literacy ideas magazine, Literacy Lava.  This edition features a contribution I wrote on imaginative play in preschool.  Here’s an excerpt.  Download the full article plus many more great articles and activities in the free Literacy Lava magazine here. Preschool play  needs 1. Imaginary scenario (theme) 2. Background [...]

  • 12.06.2009

    My Busy Kit Giveaway Entertains Kids for Hours

    Congratulations to Janelle!  Random.org picked you as the winner! I love My Busy Kit and think creators, Annabel and Lorraine, are geniuses.  Their My Busy Kit kept kept my four year old busy for a two hour conference call the waiting room of a doctors office months of car rides quite time in her room [...]

  • 12.05.2009

    Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten

    Congratulations to Lissa!  Random.org picked you as the winner. Is your child ready for kindergarten? Compared with our own kindergarten experience, kindergarten is much more advanced.  Stacey Kannenberg, a mom and entrepreneur, wanted parents to know what their kids should know to be ready for their kindergarten year. Kannenberg’s book, Let’s Get Ready For Kindergarten, [...]

  • 12.04.2009

    Learn math facts with 3 unique approaches

    Do you watch your own children struggling with math facts, hating flashcards and tuning out? According to the office of Learning Resources of the University of Utah, the best way to get those pesky math facts into long term memory is to “RECITE – Recitation is the single most effective way to increase long term [...]

  • 12.04.2009

    ENDED A work of art in a teaching clock

    Congratulations to Colleen!  Random.org picked you as the winner of this contest! I admit it.  My daughter is in the second grade and not telling time.  At all. I’ve tried practice clocks.  Talking clocks.  Worksheets.  A clock game.  Nothing seemed to help. So, I tried labeling the minutes by 5s with sticky notes. But, she [...]

  • 12.03.2009

    24 Hr sale on Ready, Set, Blog eBook

    Writing a family blog gives kids a purpose for writing.  Purpose? Write about life, sports, books, school and daily activities.  For?  Friends and family. A family blog is an online family newsletter.  Kids love computers.  Blogging is fun and slightly addictive. Blogging is immediate gratification because you publish right away and can get comments immediately.  [...]

  • 12.03.2009

    Win the Diary of a Worm and Insta-Worms

    Congratulations to Kari!  Random.org picked you as the winner! Steve Spangler Science of Colorado sent me the Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin kit which included an Insta-Worms experiment.  Loved, loved, loved it. First, I’m a huge Doreen Cronin fan.  She’s the author of Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type.  The Diary of a [...]

  • 12.01.2009

    Educational Holiday Gift Guide

    The holidays, the holidays.  I know the grandparents have the toys covered (and then some,) I try to keep my gifts on the educational side.   Here are my recommendations for great educational gifts.  I think you’ll find inspired ideas for your kids from travel ideas to science experiments, these are fun, educational gifts  in all [...]

  • 12.01.2009

    Welcome to Imagination Soup’s New Design

    Welcome to Imagination Soup’s new and improved design! As we celebrate Thanksgiving and all the upcoming holidays, I’m celebrating my new design with lots of freebies. Read through the Holiday Gift Guide and pass along to friends! Enter all the contests I’ll be having on in the FREEBIES category. I’m going to be giving away [...]

  • 11.19.2009

    Spanish CD Sing A Lingo Giveaway

    Congratulations to Whitney!  Random.org picked you as the winner. Sing-A-Lingo is listed in Imagination Soup’s Holiday Gift Guide (Get your FREE copy here.) Sing A Lingo’s En Mi Casa is a great beginning Spanish CD. My four year old dances and sings along.  The music is perfect for young children, very age appropriate. I like [...]

  • 11.18.2009

    Read an Audio Book

    Take this short quiz to see if you need audio books in your life. Are you busy? Does your child need to read daily? Do you spend a lot of time in the car? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I have the answer for you. Audio Books Listen up – [...]

  • 11.12.2009

    Free online learning games for kids

    Who has time to find all the best free online learning games for kids?  Me.  I know that inquisitive parents of inquisitive kids might need these sites.  One day.  Some day.  So, here you go. But first, a quick newsflash . . Imagination Soup is getting a makeover.  Thanksgiving will bring an amazing new look [...]

  • 11.10.2009

    The Plot, the Setting, the Characters

    Henrietta is a writing chicken.  She uses the book Writing Rules and discusses her story writing process with her chicken aunts, one of whom is slightly deaf. “Rule One:You need a main character. . . Rule Two:  You need to hatch a plot. A plot of land? . . . Rule Three:  Give your main [...]

  • 11.07.2009

    ENDED Board Book Photo Album Giveaway

    Congratulations to Cynthia!  Random.org picked you as a winner! Kids LOVE photographs of themselves and their world– now even the  little kiddos can get their own photo album board book from Board Book Albums, LLC. I tried so many photo albums with my babies — the plastic ripped or they’d only fit a few photographs [...]

  • 11.07.2009

    5 Ideas for Kids Who Hate to Read

    What do you do when your child hates to read?  It’s painful to see your child struggle and feel such negative emotions.  No doubt you’re wondering what you can do at home to help your child learn to love reading.  (Or at least like it.) Try these 5 easy ideas at home with your reluctant [...]

  • 11.04.2009

    Imagination Time Veterinarian

    Any age can pretend play animal hospital doctor or veterinarian.  Use your love for animals and let my 3 p’s of pretend play — props, plan and play — guide your make-believe time into a delightful journey of imagination. Props: – stuffed animals – pillows and blankets – band-aids of all sizes – doctor’s kit [...]

  • 11.02.2009

    Teach your child to read

    You want your child to read. I understand.  Reading rocks!  Who wouldn’t want their child to read!? (Please remember:  Kids will read when they’re ready.  Pushing them won’t help them or you.) No, you can’t watch a video. No, Sesame Street won’t do it either. The most important thing you can do to teach your [...]

  • 10.28.2009

    Make your own jigsaw puzzle

    Making your own jigsaw puzzle is a fun way to incorporate math (visual-spacial skills) and art.  Jigsaw puzzles involve lots of kid fun — drawing, coloring, pasting and cutting. (And, save your recycled cereal boxes this week because you’re going to need them.) Observe something about fall or Halloween.  Look out the window, look around [...]

  • 10.28.2009

    Win rockin’ DVD and CD pack from The Jimmies

    Congratulations to Leah! Random.org picked you as the winner of the Jimmies CD! You’re going to want this . . . The Jimmies Trying Funny Stuff DVD & CD.  Enter to win now until November 3, 2009 midnight central time.  Creative.  Awesome.  Entertaining.  Danceable.  Read on. I’d never heard The Jimmies music until they sent [...]

  • 10.25.2009

    Author Study of Mo Willems

    I LOVE author and illustrator Mo Willems.  Studying an author as brilliant as Mo Willems can help children to appreciate writing, illustrating, humor, cartooning, and literary elements – just to name a few. If you’re not yet a fan, um, WHY NOT? Run to the book store or library and get all his books. Read [...]

  • 10.22.2009

    Imagination Time Halloween Fairy

    Twas the night after Halloween . . . . . . are you ready for the Halloween Fairy, also called the Candy Fairy? This Halloween Fairy delivers gifts to children.  But . . . you must trade almost all, not all, of your Halloween candy to receive the gift.  The Halloween fairy is generous so [...]

  • 10.19.2009

    Arts and crafts corner

    “NO one in this house is allowed to say that they’re bored any more!!!” Some of you remember the What Should I Do? post and printable.  I still point my kids to that picture chart of ideas if they say that there is NOTHING to do.  Oh, but there is. Most days, my kids choose [...]

  • 10.19.2009

    ENDED Win action figures from ancient history

    Congratulations to #1 Theresa N!  Random.org picked you to win! I love enriching educational activities.  So when Figures In Motion offered to giveaway Famous Figures of Ancient Times, I jumped at the chance. Enter to win Famous Figures of Ancient Times, worth $19.95.  Your child can cut, color and assemble movable action figures of Julius [...]

  • 10.16.2009

    Adopt a tree and learn the seasons

    Don’t you just love fall?  The blue sky.  The colorful leaves.  The brisk air.  Aaaah. Fall is the perfect time to adopt a tree and learn about the seasons. Bring paper, pencil and a collection basket for leaves.  Now, take a fall walk.  Gather leaves, observe the blue sky and feel the cool air on [...]

  • 10.11.2009

    Picking a book at just-right reading level

    Ever heard these book description words from your child?  Easy, Just Right, and Challenge?  Teachers use this vocabulary with students to describe if their book choice is below, at, or above reading level.  Here’s the scoop on helping your child find a book that is at their reading level, in other words, a just right [...]

  • 10.09.2009

    ENDED Enter to Win a Make Your Own Book Kit

    Random.org picked #2, Colleen, to win this great prize.  Congratulations! Magic Lantern is giving an Imagination Soup reader a Kidz Publishing kit.  The kit allows your child to write a story and publish it!  Cool, huh?  It includes a story page template and markers.  Your child writes a story, illustrates it and sends it to [...]

  • 10.08.2009

    60 Favorite Book Character Costumes

    Dress up as your favorite book character and have a Happy Bookish Halloween! How about one of these book character costume ideas from the best children’s picture and chapter books? *9/26/11 Updated with reader comments.  Alice in Wonderland: Alice, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, The Mad Hatter Amelia Bedelia Angelina Ballerina Any of the American Girls Artemis Fowl [...]

  • 10.05.2009

    Learn to count and skip count

    Got some time?  Count.  Count in the car.  Count on a walk.  Count making dinner.   By 1s, by 10s, by 2s, by 5s.  Counting is fun but takes repetition. Count by ones (1s) to one hundred (100). Count from one and see how high you can go! Count your fingers — make sure that you [...]

  • 10.01.2009

    Read Magazines and Non-Fiction Books

    If your child only reads fiction, it’s time to expand his or her reading horizons.  Try non-fiction this week.  Perhaps a magazine or a short book? As a teacher, I always encouraged students to read more non-fiction.  Non-fiction structure is different — table of contents, headers, captions and so on.   Familiarize your child with non-fiction [...]

  • 09.28.2009

    ENDED Win a lively and educational cd

    Congratulations, #3, Rachel.  Random.org picked you as the winner! “Miss Amy” is generously offering one Imagination Soup reader her CD “I Wanna Know How It Works!” for FREE!  All you must do is tell me that you want it.  So, leave a comment.  Contest runs through October 5, 2009. “I Wanna Know How It Works!” [...]

  • 09.27.2009

    Imagination Time Meteorologist

    Have you seen or read Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett?  Wouldn’t that kind of weather be fun?!  Let’s learn about the weather using that story for inspiration! Find a window near your eating space, and christen it “the weather window”.  Now, dub your children junior meteorologists!  (Explain that meteorologists study the [...]

  • 09.23.2009

    Heart Mapping

    A heart is both the physical literal beating heart AND the emotional center of love, pain and other feelings.   In this activity, you’ll focus on the second kind, the heart you can’t see or touch. The heart that feels. Georgia Heard, in her book Awakening the Heart, shares heart mapping as a technique for children [...]

  • 09.18.2009

    Struggling readers read your own writing

    Some kids HATE to read.  Some kids hate to write.  Does your child hate to read or write?  If they hate reading, or struggle, try having them read their own writing. Melissa Depper, a youth services librarian at Arapahoe Library District, reminded me that a story written in the reader’s own words is easier for [...]

  • 09.15.2009

    Imagination Time Marching Band

    (I apologize in advance for the noise.) Before you start making music, get inspired with this short video of a stellar marching band. Discuss:  Marching bands march.  Bandleaders direct the band.  Bands keep the beat.  Often, flags and baton twirlers add excitement and pizazz.  Introduce these “jobs” to your children to prepare them for their [...]

  • 09.13.2009

    Tell a Better Story – Storytelling Made Simple

    You tell your kids a story? It’s late. You’re so tired you could sleep through an earthquake but you know what’s coming next . . . “Tell me a story,” your child implores. Only you can’t think of a single idea. Well, fear no more, my tired friends. Here are all the elements you need [...]

  • 09.10.2009

    Invent your own science experiment

    Have you ever tried to make a volcano erupt?  We had a Volcano kit that contained  directions to make a volcano erupt, er, rather– bubble up. After learning the basic directions, my kids preferred to mix their own concoctions using the same principals – baking soda, vinegar and water. Here’s their basic plan.  It occupies [...]

  • 09.07.2009

    Imagination Time Post Office

    Who loves to get mail?  Kids do! MAIL BOX: Make mail boxes for everyone in your family.  Take old shoe boxes, decorate, cut a hole in the top, label with the appropriate name. MAIL: Get index cards or cut up pieces of paper and show your child how to write a post card. The left [...]

  • 09.03.2009

    Win Writing Supplies!

    Congratulations to Wendy! Thank you to everyone who entered.  Look for more fun contests coming soon.  — Melissa Win a set of colorful and smelly Smencils plus 4 hardbound blank books for writing. Subscribe to my blog and you’ll be entered to win.  Contest begins September 3, 2009 and runs through September 12, 2009.  Winner [...]

  • 09.03.2009

    Write a Counting Book

    MAKE THE BOOK Do you have any paper?  Good, then you’re ready to make a counting book.  Fold paper, staple.  (Cut out into a cool shape for extra fun or go buy one at an educational supply store like I did.) Decorate the cover.  Give your book a title. NUMBER AND STICKER For preschoolers, you [...]

  • 09.01.2009

    Imagination Time Paleontologist

    Do you have any dinosaurs lying around?  One of our favorite games involves dinosaurs and digging.  We like to call it –  Paleontologist.  (Mostly because I think it’s such a cool word.  And, isn’t it amazing all the dinosaur names our kids already know?) To play, simply bury the dinosaurs in the a sandbox or [...]

  • 08.30.2009

    Stranger danger prevention

    What rules do you have?  Do your rules include body safety rules? Keeping our kids safe means rules include body safety. What can be touched, what can’t. What can be seen, what can’t.  These rules should be part of daily conversation — in the bath, playing tackle, playing dress up.  Simple reminders like, “Remember your [...]

  • 08.26.2009

    Fun math patterns (you can eat)

    My kids will eat melons IF they get to use the melon baller.  (Finally, I’ve found the answer!)  Last week, we bought a honeydew, a cantaloupe, and a watermelon.  Each girl got a melon baller and got to work “balling” the melons. After making the balls, the kids stuck the balls onto straws.  And inadvertently, [...]

  • 08.23.2009

    Imagination Time Circus

    In honor of Cirque du Soleil’s Denver presentation of Kooza, I thought why not try the fun of the circus at home?  (And, while I can think of a few reasons, it is a rhetorical question, just so you know.) I’m not going to rant (much) about how much I hate the regular circus because [...]

  • 08.21.2009

    Best Back to School Books

    My librarian recently told me that reading books to handle difficult situations is called bibliotherapy. So here are some bibliotherapy suggestions for back to school. Also, see Bookmarkable for a different round-up of Back-to-School books for kids.   On reading:   Hooray for Reading Day by Margery Cuyler Jessica, a first grader, worries about reading out [...]

  • 08.17.2009

    On your mark, get set, go . . . to school

    Alarm clock.  Check. Coffee stockpile.  Check. Slippers for walk across street to bus.  Check. School supplies. . . dang.  Not check. It’s all you these first days of school.  But, get enough systems in place and you’ll be able to hand off responsibility to your child.  You’ll just need to have a system and do [...]

  • 08.13.2009

    Homemade paper dolls

    Our talented ten year old neighbor, Gia, is the best mother’s and babysitter!  She brings toys and thinks of new activities to do with my four year old while I’m working or teaching.  Last week, after writing class, I wandered over to the dining room table to see what they’d been doing.  I found them [...]

  • 08.10.2009

    Imagination Time Grocery Store

    Introduce grocery store words like deli, bakery, checker, stocker, and coupons. Create and assign roles: shopper, checker, bagger. Make a list. Save your grocery store ads.  Have your child cut out his or her favorite foods, paste them on a paper, and try to write the word.  If your child is young, help them figure [...]

  • 08.07.2009

    Nature Alphabet Book

    This week, preschool and kindergarten children ran around my backyard searching for nature’s treasures to add to their alphabet books.  What a blast! You can try it, too.  I order my books from Bare Books but you can always make your own book in a 3 ring binder or using the fold and staple technique. [...]

  • 08.03.2009

    Bubbles blow by brightly

    Writers and scientists observe.  Watch.  Learn.  Describe.  Experiment with . . Help your child be both scientist and writer while enjoying the playfulness of bubbles. Best bubble solution (tested by Imagination Soup writers) Homemade bubbles: 1 cup water 2 Tablespoons dish soap Store bought bubbles might include several different brands.  Make your homemade solution and [...]

  • 07.31.2009

    Make your own book

    This is ridiculously simple – but once you show your kids, they can do this all on their own over and over again.  The beautiful part, they’ll be writing, creating, imagining AND doing so independently. My teacher soap box: Make sure you emphasize that the most important thing is to get their ideas on paper [...]

  • 07.28.2009

    Imagination Time Travel

    My kids can’t wait to take a vacation, so much so that they’ve been playing “trip” for a week.

  • 07.25.2009

    Frisbee Fun

    Don’t you think physical exercise, just like mental exercise, rewards children with better skills, health and fitness? If you have a Frisbee, you can get creative with some target practice and games.  If your child doesn’t know how to throw a Frisbee, get a nice soft one (REI has a good one,) show him or [...]

  • 07.21.2009

    Helping kids be bucket fillers

    image from Amazon.com When my daughter told me that she was “locked out” of playing at recess, I was incensed.  In first grade, there was a queen bee who was leaving my daughter out.  I never expected it to happen so early.  “Why do you keep trying to play with them?” I asked after a [...]

  • 07.18.2009

    Learning and eating math

    Sort, count, add and compare . . . with your food.  I suggest M&Ms, Chex Mix, Fruit Loops, jelly beans, or different shaped pretzels.  Yes, I’m writing this and getting hungry.  Or maybe I already was. Darling preschoolers Don’t you love this age?  They’re beginning to count so get them to COUNT as high as [...]

  • 07.16.2009

    Make a snack, write the recipe

    Trail mix (or Gorp) is one of my favorite snacks which might explain a few things . . .  But, it’s good fats, right?  And filling, especially from protein sources like almonds or cashews. Make this snack with your kids, then help your kids write down the recipe that they invented. Shop the grocery store [...]

  • 07.12.2009

    Imagination Time Restaurant

    Playing restaurant involves complex thinking and vocabulary.  Help your child think about going out to eat, the menu, the server, the waiting for food. A great way to start is to write a MENU. Help your child pick out the food and write up a menu. (Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Apple Slices, Juice, Milk, Cookies, etc.) [...]

  • 07.08.2009

    My child won’t write . . .

    We’ve all been there.  Getting our children sit down to WRITE seems like punishment for them –and for us. It doesn’t have to be torture. Make it part of every day life — more real, not separate from everything else. Try these and see how it goes . . . LISTS – make a grocery [...]

  • 07.06.2009

    Don’t forget about sprinklers

    Don’t forget about the fun of sprinklers. . .

  • 06.28.2009

    Imagination Time Penny Store

    Time to play store!  Make it a learning experience by using pennies. What you need: Sticky notes for prices, store area, pretend cash register, something to sell, and pennies. What to sell: art supplies, we like to sell beads toys books little sister’s stuff rocks dad’s ties markers and crayons coloring pages Barbies ANYTHING except [...]

  • 06.27.2009

    Imagination Soup Logo

  • 06.26.2009

    Map making

    I love kids’ maps, both of real and imaginary places. Here are a few examples of my daughters’ map making.  We had such fun! Your kids can create all sorts of wonderful 2-D maps with paper and markers like . . . – treasure maps – maps of the neighborhood – maps for a story [...]

  • 06.24.2009

    Learning the Alphabet

    Is your child learning the alphabet?  Keep things mixed up with a variety of activities like . . . the alphabet song magnetic letters – Fridge Phonics from Leap Frog is great Leap Frog’s Letter Factory video (recommended by a friend) alphabet board book spelling own name alphabet cookies, soup, snacks play dough alphabet shapes [...]

  • 06.23.2009

    Let’s go fly a kite

    Remember the Mary Poppins song?  “Let’s Go Fly a Kite?” In Colorado where we live, we end up running a kite more than flying a kite.  Still, my kids love the running.  I love the wearing out. There’s something so symbolic about the kite flying, the wind blowing, the freedom, the delight . . . [...]

  • 06.21.2009

    Motivating readers during the summer

    Get your kids reading this summer!  As a teacher, mom, and book nerd, I’m always reading something – for me or for someone slightly younger.  Click here for my recommendations by age and topic. My favorite “get your child to read trick” is (drum roll please . . . ) let them read in bed. [...]

  • 06.18.2009

    Games for the Car With Paper and Pencil

    If you’re like me, you and your kids are in the car a lot.  This summer, you might be traveling by car on vacation.   Whether on a road trip, in a restaurant, or inside on a rainy day. . . here are a few fun ideas your kids can do with a pencil and [...]

  • 06.16.2009

    List Poems

    Write a list of words down the side of your paper of . . . Everything You See Somewhere Like The Park Or The Backyard Then add verbs to all those things.  What are those things doing? Grass grows Trees whisper Flowers bathe Voila!  You have written a poem! P.S.  You can subscribe to Imagination [...]

  • 06.14.2009

    Mad Libs

    Going on a road trip? Think Mad Libs?  or Mad Libs Junior.  You make your own stories, inserting nouns, verbs and adjectives.  It turns out hilarious. Kid crack up so much with Mad Libs – they don’t even realize how much grammar they are learning.  It’s worth the money to see your kids laugh that [...]

  • 06.13.2009

    Writing Bug Notebooks

    Bugs are everywhere – give your kids a notebook, pencil and magnifying glass — if you have one.  They can make a science notebook on backyard bugs. *Tell them that scientists and writers both must be good observers.  They look closely at details and include those details in their notes. To do: Draw the bug. [...]

  • 06.10.2009

    Rockin’ rock art

    Ever gone hiking with a three year old?  It’s all about the rocks!  And guess who gets to carry them home? (me) We have rocks – from really basic,  gravel rocks to crystal beauties.  My kids love their rocks. But, is a painted rock even better?  Imagine a rainbow rock!  It’s colorful, abstract, and requires [...]

  • 06.07.2009

    Deck of cards for math fun

    What can you do with a deck of cards? Lots.  Some of them even involve learning.  Here are a few I like. 2 – 5 year olds:  GO FISH – Learning your numbers takes practice.  Take out the 9, Ace, King, Queen, and Jesters.  Play like regular Go Fish but with numbers.  “Do you have [...]

  • 06.04.2009

    Chore charts, do they work?

    I can’t remember to use chore charts.  I try every year with a new system.  It’s not that they don’t work, it’s that I’m terrible at remembering to use them. Here’s  a Printable Chore Chart from another mom’s site.  I love her simple design.  Maybe this one will work for me? I’ve bought two different [...]

  • 06.02.2009

    Rainy day found poetry & recycled art

    My class today is Recycled Art & Found Poetry.   In Colorado, it’s pouring rain – this is the perfect activity for a rainy day – even if you didn’t sign up.  Here’s what you do. 1.  Get out your recycling! 2.  Cut out words from magazines, advertisements, newspapers. 3.  Make a poem. There are different [...]

  • 06.01.2009

    spray bottles

    To do: buy small spray bottles. Nothing fancy. Just plain spray bottles. *If your child is young, make sure his or her little hands can fit around it to squeeze. I’m sure your kids will make up their own fun.  Here are a few ideas to start . . . – spray water art on [...]

  • 05.30.2009

    Digging to China

    Never underestimate the mesmerizing power of dirt.  It can provide hours o’ fun.  Messy fun, that is. Your kids can . . . dig to China. dig for gold. bury toy dinosaurs and play “paleontologist.” make mud pies. make a matchbook car race track. make a mess!!!

  • 05.28.2009

    Basketball Playoff Math

    We are huge Denver Nuggets fans.  So is our seven year old daughter.  She’s managed to convince us (not too hard) to let her stay up late to watch the play-off games.  To ease my guilty bad-mama conscious, I’m making her work for it . . . Math Questions During the Game: How much are [...]

  • 05.26.2009

    Curl up with a good book

    The kids are home for the summer. Either they want to watch television or play Wii. But, you want them to read. How?  Sell it! Make it as fun as possible. We have several “curl up with a good book” corners. All you need are some throw pillows, bean bags, or a cozy couch. Add [...]

  • 05.24.2009

    Mom, I’m bored

    — Click here for an UPDATED POST on Letting Your Kids Get Bored. The Benefits of Boredom.— My kids are officially on vacation – and I’m just waiting for the whining. “There’s nothing to do.” “I’m bored!” But, this time I’m ready. I’ve made this handy-dandy “What Should I Do?” list of things to do.   [...]

  • 05.19.2009

    Geometric snacking

    Yes, you can do geometry with food!  Remember your shapes? Didn’t you just hate proofs in high school math? Or was that just me?  None of that here so let’s talk shapes . . . You’ll need: toothpicks soft, squishy food – raisins, Craisins, marshmallows, fruit snacks Two dimensional shapes are fun to make with [...]

  • 05.15.2009

    Make a writing nook

    Writers need to write. Artists need to create. Musicians need to play. Create a wonderful writing “center” or “nook” for your young writer(s) to write. All you need are space and materials. Try to let your child’s inner writer emerge. Don’t comment too much or expect perfection. Let them write. Give them the tools they [...]

  • 04.23.2009

    Encourage a love of writing

    I want your child to love writing.  I want to show how fun words and writing can be. We are born loving play.   We delight in the silly, the ordinary, and wonder when we are young.  It is this gift of youth, the perspective we so often lose as adults, that makes children amazing writers.  [...]

  • 04.21.2009

    Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment (Paperback)

    From Booklist A quote from B. F. Skinner sums up the goal of this book: “We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.” Hamilton, a prolific children’s book author, believes that success in reading—or in any endeavor, for that matter—depends on the pleasure that results. After beginning with some disturbing statistics about [...]

  • 04.17.2009

    Welcome to Imagination Soup

    Welcome to your vacation destination.  If you’re anything like me, you’re not going to the Bahamas for three months, you don’t have the time to be crafty, you don’t read Martha Stewart Living, and you think kids might be able to live on Mac and Cheese, especially if it’s organic. What to do over the [...]