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... [read more ]
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? You’re... [read more ]
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 focus will help... [read more ]
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;... [read more ]
Dear Friend and Reader, I stir the bubbling pasta for my family. Chicken is in the oven. But, my mind is on characters in The Swan Thieves and the unknown woman Robert keeps painting. I’m not thinking about the two mortgages, the car that has used up our AAA tows or my four year old’s recent epilepsy diagnosis. I’m not thinking about the... [read more ]
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 plenty more. Susan’s... [read more ]
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 my Class page. Click here... [read more ]
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.)... [read more ]
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 brave... [read more ]
Valentine’s Day learning? Yup, I love Valentine’s Day crafts so I figured out a way to make crafts a learning experience. How, you ask? Read on, my friends. 4- 7 year olds: LETTERS and SPELLING: Get out your old magazines and cut out big letter for this cutting and gluing home-made Valentine’s Day card craft. 7 – 10 year... [read more ]
by Susan Stephenson, from 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 to being a good parent, but the truth is, I was... [read more ]
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,... [read more ]
