Disclosure: I’ve partnered with Sphero to write this article. #sponsored #beyondcode Your kids can do SO MUCH with Sphero’s new app-enabled robot that inspires not just coding but also learning STEAM topics in creative ways. SPRK+ from Sphero caught my kids attention from the get-go and held it as they began to explore the various learning possibilities with it. This is creative technology … [Read more...]
Hands-On Journal: My Book of Beautiful Oops! #BeautifulOops
My Book of Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg is a hands-on, write-in, decorate-in, scribble-in journal based on the iconic Beautiful Oops! (affiliate link) book. I'm working with Workman Publishing to share this sweepstakes of My Book of Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg! (Read the author's post on Imagination Soup about My Beautiful Oops and making your own "beautiful oops" here.) A … [Read more...]
17 Fantastic Chapter Book Series for 2nd Graders
Your 2nd graders will love these 17 fantastic chapter book series to keep them hooked on reading. As 2nd graders gain confidence and skills with reading; every book read helps improve fluency and comprehension. (Except in cases of learning differences.) So we want these second grade kiddos to be reading as much as possible. Which brings me to these chapter book series your kids will love . . … [Read more...]
The Most Comprehensive Reading App: Phonics Museum
The Phonics Museum reading app and reading curriculum for 3 to 7 year olds (preschoolers and kindergartners) is the MOST comprehensive and fun app I've ever seen. (And, I've played and reviewed tons of these apps.) It's a comprehensive, multi-sensory, classical education approach to reading instruction and practice for iOS platforms (iPhone and iPad) from Veritas Press. It's an interactive story … [Read more...]
Summer 2017 New Releases for Ages 8 – 12 Years Old
It's the middle of summer 2017. Are you ready to hear about the new book releases for 8 - 12 year olds? I've been reading a lot -- and picked my favorites to share with you. Summer 2017 New Releases for Ages 8 - 12 Years Old Two Truths and a Lie by Ammi-Joan Paquette and Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Lisa K. Weber NONFICTION This book is GENIUS! It's an impressive dare really … [Read more...]
6 New Giggle Worthy Picture Books (Summer 2017)
Giggle along at these silly stories -- here are six new picture books that will entertain and delight the young readers on your lap. 6 New Giggle Worthy Picture Books (Summer 2017) Be Quiet! by Ryan T. Higgins Rupert tells his two exuberant and talkative friends that the book is supposed to be wordless but the friends just can not stop "helping" with ideas for the book, infuriating Rupert and … [Read more...]
New Picture Books about Families (& New Baby)
Build empathy and understanding of family, your own and other people's, with picture books like these new releases -- including two about a new baby. New Picture Books about Families (Including a New Baby) We Are Family by Patricia Hegarty, illustrated by Ryan Wheatcroft FAMILY Lots of diversity is depicted in the multiple illustrations on each page that show different families and their … [Read more...]
Big List of Counting and Number Books for Kids
As kids read books from this big list of counting and number books, they'll begin to develop number sense and numeracy skills that are foundational in math. These books make counting and numbers playful and fun. That's why I like them for children. See for yourself! Big List of Counting and Number Books for Kids The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Timeless because it's one of the … [Read more...]
Delightful Interactive Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Get your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers minds and bodies engaged with these delightful interactive books! Delightful Interactive Books for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Give and Take by Lucie Felix This is a very heavy board book with simple text with action words. Readers remove and place sturdy cardboard shapes on the pages directing so. Give / Take. Find / Hide. Open / Close. I'm … [Read more...]
Family Fun with Utter Nonsense: The Hilarious Accent Game
You are going to LOVE this hilarious, family-friendly card game called Utter Nonsense Family Edition: The Hilarious Accent Game. I was sent a review copy and my kids couldn't wait to try it out. It didn't disappoint. We are now addicted to Utter Nonsense! and think you'll love it, too. The game, for ages 8 and up and up to 20 players, includes 50 accent cards and 450 phrase cards. … [Read more...]
The Best Narwhal Books for Kids
Do you have a child who LOVES narwhals? I do! Which means we read narwhal books, write narwhal stories, and collect narwhal plush toys. (Her last birthday party was narwhal themed!) Based on our research, here are the best narwhal books for kids. ENJOY! The Best Narwhal Books for Kids Narwhal Unicorn of the Sea (book #1) by Ben Clanton My daughter is the biggest fan of narwhals so we … [Read more...]
How to Make Your Own Book Trailer (for Kids)
Whether you're a kid at home trying to spice up a book report or a teacher at school trying to do the same thing, making a book trailer is a fun way to incorporate reading with technology and script writing in a response to reading. Learn the steps and programs for how to make your own. Like a movie trailer, book trailers give the audience enough juicy information to make them really, really … [Read more...]