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I have really exciting news . . . I am the Colorado delegate for Parenting Magazine’s Mom Congress! What an honor – WA-HOO!
P.S. This month (March) watch for a completely redesigned home page!
Take a quick survey & enter to WIN a children’s book.
March 14, 2011
I’ve been negligent posting all the pretend play ideas we’ve been doing. So, to get back in the swing of things, I wrote a post on playing beauty shop. Even boys can learn to braid and have fun with makeup.
Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen, picture book author and mom, shares how she balances work and family life with fantastic, practical tips. Thank you, Sudipta!
Do you have spring fever like we do? Green your school lunches for spring and beyond with Easy Lunchboxes, they’re our favorite eco-friendly lunch boxes.
And in math, some fun ideas this week. Hopscotch math and ways to make math exciting plus a math giveaway.
March 7, 2011
Can you imagine a prechool mommy and me bookclub? Read how Danielle, mom of three and former kindergarten teacher, does a parent-child book club for preschoolers! So clever and inspiring!
Samantha Vamos’ recent picture book, The Cazuela That the Hand Maiden Stirred, warmly tells the story of making arroz con leche in a similar style of The House that Jack Built. Learn the Spanish words and enter to win your own copy.
This week is the Share a Story week – I can’t wait to share with so many wonderful blogs. For the Reading is a Gift Day, I posted “A Library Card of My Own.” For Literacy 2.0, I share some ideas for reading “on the go.”
February 28, 2011
Yesterday we celebrated a sixth birthday with a Three Musketeers Party!
Dawn Little, a blogger, writer and mom friend, gives us some great ideas for authentic and creative writing activities to do at home with our kids.
In reading, what “rights” do we have as readers? What are the rights of young readers?
And, you don’t want to miss Kia’s post about her favorite children’s cookbooks plus a giveaway of her Today I Ate a Rainbow Kit.
Learn the Days of the Week with fun socks, organizational ideas, songs and books!
Don’t forget to check out the new giveaways!
February 21, 2011
What do you shop for when you’re buying toys for your kids? I can tell you, don’t bother with a big box store like Toys-R-Us! I couldn’t believe the lack of non-plastic toys; and nothing to encourage children’s imagination. Bluck. And to that effect, check out this hilarious cartoon from Rhymes from Orange and the 5 Best Toys according to Wired Magazine.
Have you seen these colorful Flip a Word books for early readers?
So embarrassing . . . I just snoffed. O frabjous day! How about making up some words?
February 14, 2011
Go Greek or Roman or Norse or . . .! Percy Jackson got us into Greek mythology. Check out the best kid mythological resources that we found. (Okay, I already loved mythology. My cat in college was a fluffy blue-eyed kitty named Isis.)
Give your child a intelligence boost by simply going outside. Your brain on green! How much green did you get today?
Presidents’ Day is coming up. Did you know how Abraham Lincoln developed into a learner? Read Dawn Morris’ guest post.
February 7, 2010
I’m thinking about early readers this week. Why we made a Word Wall, err Refrigerator, for sight-words. Also, I think you’ll enjoy reading the I See I Learn books to teach important life lessons to your preschooler.
Lemony Snicket’s new picture book, 13 Words, will inspire young writers. It’s zany and I think it’s amazing! Comment and enter to win one of three books I’m giving away.
Do you agree with me? I think we need someone like Dr. Patty Gabow in Education – and here’s why.
January 31, 2011
As I was drooling over a writers conference for myself, I started wondering why not have writers conferences for kids?
And, in response to a friend with an eight-year old who only likes funny books, I create a master list of my favorite humorous chapter books that I think he might like.
Speaking of good books, I recommend the new Super-Pets series for early chapter book readers.
You’ll either love the Giant Microbes Valentine’s Day gift pictured above or think I’m totally weird but, it led to a fun way to teach about reproduction.
January 23, 2011
More books for your nightstand . . . some must read books on brain research, writing and literacy for 2011. And, while you’re reading, have you seen these blog posts?
January 16, 2011
We’re continuing a month devoted to education. I LOVE Charlotte Brantley’s guest post on what you’ll see in a high-quality early childhood environment, the classroom, the teachers, the students. Charlotte knows – she’s the CEO of Clayton Early Learning, an award winning Head Start program.
Speaking of environment, what are the goals and the mission of your child’s school? Find out because that will tell you a great deal about their values.
Parents, you need to know what should be happening in the classroom and what you should be seeing in reading instruction! Find out what you should see based on decades of research. And, find out what you shouldn’t be seeing!
Want to know what brain research says about raising a child? (Hint: it’s NOT videos!) I review John Medina’s book, Brain Rules for Baby.
January 10, 2011
Last week my concerns about my kids’ education started a much needed conversation. But, I realized that I needed to explain what I meant when I asked for a constructivist classroom and a constructivist approach to teaching. It’s is best for children and students.
I couldn’t believe my ears — my daughter singing WHAT? Innocent hand clapping song or racist hand clapping song?
Plus, an Imagination Soup reader shares why she started homeschooling. You won’t want to miss her post.
Off the subject, and onto what I first thought was a prank — but wasn’t, thankfully. 
Target is offering an Imagination Soup reader a 16 GB iPad! Win it by sharing your favorite book, place to read, or time to read with your kids. Wahoo!
January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
This month will be all about education – what makes for good education, good teachers, positive learning environments, homeschooling, unschooling, and more.
What makes a good teacher? See if you agree with my list. Comment to add anything I missed, please. And, take a look at the environment of an exemplary second grade classroom, what is posted on the walls.
It’s time for preschool registration. I explain the different kinds of preschools and why I choose play-based preschools for my children.
December 27, 2010
How were your holidays? I’m enjoying some time away from the computer, reading tons of books and not cleaning my house.
I did make my kids write thank you notes – and post how even young kids can do it.
Other than that, I wish you all a happy 2011 and will see you then!
Imagination Soup’s Holiday Gift Guides
- Children’s Book Gifts: The Best Books from 2010 to make the perfect gifts!
- Young Writer’s Gifts: Great gifts to inspire your children to write, write, write!
- Math Gifts: The best, fun math related gifts for kids!
- Science Gifts: Totally awesome science gifts for kids!
- Art, Games & Play Gift Guide
- Hanukkah and Christmas Themed Gifts
December 20, 2010
Columnist Ask Amy implores America to give books this holiday season with “A Book on Every Bed.” I wonder what books you’re giving this year?
Author of The Pink Locker Society and mom, Debra Moffit, shares an easy craft — soda tab bracelets.
December 13, 2010
Here’s the scoop on giveaways, my ideas for 2011. Will you comment and tell me what you’d like to see for 2011?
This week I’m recommending and giving away Storyplay Cards for their ingenious games and storytelling ideas. Also, color and build this three foot high castle tower from Imagination Box Co.
Try our favorite Christmas holiday family game – I Spy with Christmas tree ornaments!
Fashion Angels ROCKS! At first I thought I wouldn’t like the products, but I thought they were open-ended enough to allow creativity and totally engage children.
December 6, 2010
My life is too — too stressed, too disorganized, too . . . So when I started Simplicity Parenting, it was the right book for the right time in my life. I needed it. First, I started with decluttering my physical space. It feels really good to lose the extra stuff.
Another way I destress? Reading YA fiction! My Percy Jackson confession and an interview with talented YA author Micol Ostrow.
I love these Christmas Tree Ornaments – they’re microbes! Win a set here. Then, check out this fun vocabulary game, Nounsense.
We all want readers — try the book, A Family of Readers for inspiration and ideas.
This week, enter to win Fashion Design Sketch Portfolio and Interior Design Sketch Portfolio from Fashion Angels.
November 29, 2010
Well, I did it. I tried a digital book on a borrowed iPad. What did I think? It wasn’t what I expected.
This week, a librarian shares her favorite picture books for teaching kindness and tolerance. Don’t miss her picks! Then, nanny, Candi Wingate, shares her best ideas to make reading exciting for your kids.
Reviews & Giveaways: Do you love Melissa and Doug toys? Win a Bake and Decorate Cupcake Play Set! I love this plush barnyard with it’s noisy animals — mostly because I could give it to my friend’s son and give one away to you. I think you’ll like the Boca Beth Spanish Backpacks and Marbles: The Brain Store. Also, Nanodots from Steve Spangler Science are the magneto supremo of the magnet world.
November 21, 2010
The Familiars hooked me right from the first chapter. If you don’t know, familiars are magical creatures bonded to a wizard. I love the book and the idea. I really love that the authors of The Familiars guest post on how to create your own familiar.
It’s not winter until you make your own snowflake. Get a reminder and some snowflake fun. Plus, snowflakes teach symmetry, too!
I am thankful for you. Thank you for reading and commenting. Happy Thanksgiving!
November 8, 2010
Natasha Wing, author of How to Raise Your Dinosaur, tells us to play the What If game to gets ideas for writing.
If you like Bananagrams word game, you’ll love their new Appleletters game.
Please read this insightful guest post on How to Develop Emotional Intelligence in Children.
Finally, I’ve just found a fun early chapter book series about science detectives, Doyle and Fossey. Read more about the books and giveaway that author, Michele Torrey, is offering.
November 1, 2010
I’ve been pondering how to teach my kids about diversity ever since we moved from the city to the suburbs. Luckily, I know Karen Carter, an advocate for social justice and mom of mixed-racial children. She guest posts this week on “Teaching Diversity in a White-Washed World.” It’s a must read.
Do you talk about race and diversity? What do you think of this app that encourages conversation?
What about labels? I share my surprising feelings when my kids are labeled “special needs”. It’s raw. It’s real.
Plus, I have some recommendations for toys and books to teach children about emotions. Also, how I’ve been helping my own daughter deal with her anxiety. What about you? I’d love to hear your ideas!
QUICK ANNOUNCEMENTS: Watch for a week of Fashion Angels giveaways – some excellent art supplies! Also coming up, this year’s best products for the holidays — products I love and think you will, too.
October 25, 2010 (Educational) Game Week
I love playing games with my family, always have – especially ones that teach. This week, I’ll share with you my new favorites and give you a chance to win. Bubble Talk is hilarious – think sarcastic dialog plus crazy photographs and you’ve got the gist. Your 4 – 6 year olds will love Shopping Cart Dash because you get your own cart, shopping list and money then race around the board to buy groceries. Plus, you’re going to love the 3-D puzzle balls and a great vocabulary building game called Blurt.
You know about Socrates, right? But do you know about Socratic Parenting? Laurie Gray guest posts to explain.
October 18, 2010 Book Week
My favorite, must read book of 2010 is . . . (don’t judge me, I know I’m a total nerd) . . . Different Learners by Jane Healy. Go see why I love this book so much! Plus, I’ve been in a memoir mood and here are three of my recent favorites. The most inspiring memoir, Now I See the Moon, I’m giving away to a reader. It made me understand autism in a whole new way.
Then, if you need a few scary stories – you’ll want to read three new Grimm inspired fairy tale books: Reckless, A Tale of Dark and Grimm and Little Red Riding Hood.
A Long Piece of String is just one of the beautiful new alphabet books I’m giving away. You’re going to love these!
Waiting for Superman starts a conversation. I like conversation, especially about education. Here’s why I liked the movie and how my perspective as a teacher, a literacy trainer and a parent shaped my opinion.
Welcome readers of Parent and Child Magazine!
I still can’t believe I won Scholastic’s Blog Award for Best Reading and Book Blog. Thank you so much to all of you who voted and supported the mission of Imagination Soup — to make learning fun for kids! If you’re new here, I write about the week’s posts on the home page. Feel free to click on the links as you find an interesting post or browse the tabs by the categories above — reading, writing, math, science, imagination, toddler, preschool, elementary and of course, giveaways! To read more about me and my life click About me, Melissa Taylor, and why I started Imagination Soup. Want to get the posts emailed to you? Click here to subscribe.
Week of October 11, 2010
Guyku author, Bob Raczka , shares how to get your kids writing Haiku. It’s easier than you think!
Even before the NY Times wrote the article panicking the world about sales of picture books (really?), I’d been watching my own daughter read stacks of picture books. She’s eight. Here’s how I got her hooked on picture books . . .
Then, Lisa Railsback, author of Noonie’s Masterpiece, writes about puppets and plays.
Plus, how about some drawing integrated with math? You’ll want to know about Draw Plus Math, a new book by Freddie Levin.
Week of October 4, 2010
I got to meet Mo Willems! I’m such a groupie; he’s my Mick Jagger. My ode to Mo. . .
Autumn wants you to find her outside on this fall scavenger hunt for kids.
If your kids love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, you’ll want to know about (& win) the Cheese Touch board game.
Dinner table conversation at our house gets kind of repetitive. We’re loving Penny Stones to spark some new ideas. Check them out and enter to win your own set.
Don’t forget to nominate your favorite books for a Cybil!
Have you been reading my other blog, Bookmarkable? I’ll give you reviews of the best children’s books and parenting books. Don’t miss this week’s review of How to Raise A Dinosaur and Talking Sex With Your Kids.
Week of September 27, 2010
Beautiful Oops is the kind of book you’ll want to buy in triplicate, or you can enter to win one here. Read how the author, Barney Saltzberg, created the book and then try one of his oops ideas.
I couldn’t believe when someone called my friend’s autistic son “sick”. How can we teach our kids about differences and respect?
Last year, this was a very popular post for Halloween book character costume ideas. Read the list and add on if you can!
Week of September 20, 2010
Debbie Daley, author of the Bailey School Kids series asserts, “There’s NO such thing as a reluctant reader.” Is she serious? out of touch? Go to her guest post and find out.
Win a Grasshopper Preschool Kit for hands-on learning fun.
Got a hankering for some new reading material? Here’s a list of my favorite blogs for your reading enjoyment.
Week of September 12, 2010
Have you seen an upside down t-shirt? Because if you haven’t, you should check these adorable (and educational) shirts and enter to win one.
I had serious doubts about this “Who Am I?” app, so I chat with the creator, Michael Baran, Ph.D. and teacher at Harvard. Read our discussion and decide for yourself. At the very least, you’ll want to prioritize talking to your kids about race and diversity.
Learning specialist, Jill Lauren, guest posts about when to get your child tested, how far behind should he or she be in reading and what to do if that happens.
Week of September 6, 2010
Happy September! What colors are you seeing? What if you saw words in color? I’m inspired to see words in color and make a color book with my kids. Read more at Writing in Color.
Also, author Christin Ditchfield shares her favorite eight ideas to get kids reading and writinge . And, I rave about Steve Spangler’s newest book, Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes. It’s a keeper.
Week of August 28, 2010
I’m hoping all of you quiet friends out there in cyberspace will start commenting again – it’s been a quiet summer! At least comment on the giveaways – how about this Canvas Storybook Kit?
Have you tried one of these five fun word activities?
If you haven’t learned of the dreaded TKWDLTR Syndrome, don’t miss this guest post from YA author, Michael Spradlin. Then, download another FREE Literacy Lava filled with fun ideas from great bloggers to do with your kiddos. Finally, consider cooking with your kids — not just for fun but for art, science and math.
Week of August 23, 2010
Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord, author of Handmade Books for a Healthy Planet guest posts on making a family time line accordion book. You’re going to love it!
Develop your child’s artistic side with ideas from picture book author and illustrator, Bob Barner, who suggests drawing to music and collaging. (Can I make that a verb?) Plus, he’s giving away a copy of his latest book, Bears! Bears! Bears! to one lucky reader.
Week of August 16, 2010
Ready, set and we’re back in school! What happened to summer? This week, I have a very personal essay on Babble.com about learning to understand my introverted daughter. I hope you like it! Here, on Imagination Soup, I share the difference between shyness and introversion. One of my favorite authors, T.A. Barron, shares a family activity to spark your children’s creativity. Also, if you need a meaningful birthday gift idea for a friend, consider the picture book, Walk On!.
Week of August 9, 2010
Yikes! My daughter is starting kindergarten next week. Children’s author, Audrey Vernick, guest posts on “Five Essential Things You Must Do For Your Child to Be Ready For Kindergarten.” Plus, she’s offering a giveaway of a backpack loaded with school supplies AND a signed copy of her book, Is Your Buffalo Ready For Kindergarten? to which I demand a sequel titled Is Your Buffalo’s Mom Ready For Kindergarten? (Some days I can’t wait. Other days I worry.)
Exciting news! Guests posts from authors, Ridley Pearson, Bob Barner, Sue Fliess, Michael Spradlin, Gitty Daneshvari, Lisa Railsback and more, coming up in the next few months! Subscribe to make sure you don’t miss any.
Did your child take any photographs this summer? Author, Esther Hershenhorn, suggests using your photos to make an alphabet book.
Week of August 2, 2010
Cameras and kids? YES! See how fun a family trip can be when you add cameras and teach your child a few basics about photography – like holding the camera still . . .
Mitali Perkins, YA author, mom and world traveler, writes about using stories to shape a child’s heart – to teach compassion, understanding and charity. It’s an amazing post; I hope it will inspire you as it did me.
Week of July 25, 2010
This week is about my favorite new books for early readers. First, the Toon Books which are AMAZING! Geoffrey Hayes, author and illustrator of The Big No-No shares how comics teach literacy skills and are not to be discounted. (That’s a big no-no I say!) His publisher is generously offering three lucky readers their own copy of The Big No-No!
Just as delightful and entertaining are Jan Thomas’ books – like Rhyming Dust Bunnies and Where Will Fat Cat Sit? You’re going to love them if you don’t already. I’m so happy to have discovered her.
Week of July 18, 2010
Need another artist date idea? My blogger friend, Mary-Francis Main, shares three fun ideas: play-dough, cloth pencil case and felt dolls.
Want something to exercise your imagination? Try telling mixed-up fairy tales. Don’t worry, it’s easy-peasy. I explain in my mixed-up fairy tales post.
Week of July 11, 2007
You’re going to LOVE this week’s posts! I’m so excited to host two wonderful guests. First, Anne Mazer, the author-extraordinaire of Spilling Ink and many children’s books, gives us fun ideas for writing dates with your kids. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Melanie Sklarz of a Dose of Creativity, shares how important creativity is to our health and well being and gives us fun ideas to encourage creativity in our children. Thank you both so much.
I love Anne’s Young Author’s Handbook, Spilling Ink written with co-author Ellen Potter. Read my review and enter to win a copy of Spilling Ink here. Also, win a copy of my new favorite YA Novel, Tortilla Sun here.
Week of June 28, 2010
It’s here at last!!– my scheduled few days of solitude in the mountains!!! I can’t wait and I’m nervous. It’s been so long . . . Wish me well as I embark on the great no-children unknown . . . Here at Imagination Soup, things are buzzing. Playaways are my newest favorite, most wonderful invention. You must read all about them! Our next artist’s date is from Jennifer Cervantes, author of YA book, Tortilla Sun. From co-writing a story to learning the word of the day, Jennifer gives us some great ideas for living a writerly life with our kids
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Week of June 21, 2010
I’m so privileged to host two amazing guest posts this week. First, Maya Bisineer asks What is YOUR special story? and offers a reader the chance to be published on Memetales. Then, Debi Huang of Go Explore Nature gives us a fun idea for an artist date with nature. Thank you Maya and Debi so much!
