Did you know that in order to feel empathy and have intuition, we need to feel our emotions? And that while these books are really helpful, this stuff is mostly "caught not taught" meaning that as parents and caregivers, we need to be our children's role models for feeling our feelings. (And not judge the uncomfortable ones as bad.) You probably also already know that emotional intelligence is a … [Read more...]
New Middle Grade Books (Ages 8 – 12)
Ready to see what I've been reading? Here's what's new in middle-grade books from realistic to sci-fi to historical fiction. But before I get to the reviews, I did want to address what we talked about a few months back...whether or not I include book reviews of books that aren't positive. So many of you emailed me that it would be helpful for you to know about books that I didn't love. … [Read more...]
Citizen Science for Kids
written by Lisa Amstutz Are you looking for ways to get kids excited about science? Citizen science might be the answer! These fun and educational projects let people of all ages participate in hands-on research about the natural world. The data they collect is shared with professional scientists. This helps scientists study things like animal migrations and populations on a much broader scale … [Read more...]
Children’s Picture Books About Love
Do you talk about love with your kids? Do you say I love you and encourage them to say it back? Perhaps these sweet picture books will spark meaningful conversations about what love is--what it means to you, your children, the world, and in your faith tradition. Children's Picture Books About Love The I Love You Book by Todd Parr Read about unconditional love shown in Todd Parr's … [Read more...]
Yummy Chapter Books for Foodie Kids (Who Like to Cook and Bake)
Do you have a foodie kid who loves to cook or bake? Or maybe you have a child who isn't interested in foodie topics yet. No matter what, these fictional chapter books are sure to delight and inspire more time in the kitchen. Yummy Chapter Books for Foodie Kids (Who Love to Cook and Bake) Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider (ages 5 - 7) A picky eater's dad presents the options for … [Read more...]
Brand- New Brain Boosting Board Books
Want to stimulate your baby's and toddler's brain? Read to them! Any high-quality board book is brain boosting. These brand-new choices will give you plenty of options. I predict many will be new favorites. I'm adding many of these to my big list of the BEST board books for babies and toddlers. (Which make great gifts as you know!) Brand-New Brain Boosting Board Books Hello, Love! by Taro … [Read more...]
Game Changer! Gives Teachers Helpful Ideas to Get Books to ALL Kids
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from Scholastic. All opinions are my own. Game Changer! Book Access for All Kids by Donalyn Miller and Colby Sharp is a must-read book for elementary school teachers and librarians. It's eye-opening, practical, research-based, and packed with helpful ideas to get books in the hands of ALL students, particularly students who don't have consistent access … [Read more...]
Free Printable Valentine’s Day Treasure Hunt
Add reading and rhyming to your Valentine's Day activities with kids with this free, printable Valentine's Day treasure hunt! Free Printable Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt Click on the image to get download the printable clue cards. Each clue ends in a blank so that kids can think of the rhyming word and hunt for the next clue. The answers for the clues are printed at the bottom. These will … [Read more...]
Emotional Intelligence Activities for Kids
(updated: 1/5/19) I've been reading aloud Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves to my 13-year-old daughter. It was a school assignment. She didn't want to read it so we're reading it together. Interestingly enough, it's been really helpful. It's helping AJ label emotions and also providing strategies to improve her emotional self-awareness and emotional self-management. … [Read more...]
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 think. But, Pausch made me reconsider. And now I agree with his statement. I think about this a … [Read more...]
A Year of Reading Challenges for Kids
The goal in this reading challenge is for kids to read 12 books in 12 different categories in 12 months. I've purposely built-in flexibility to make this easier to achieve. Alternatively, your children can set their own 12 book goal if these categories don't appeal. Whatever gets them to read and read in a variety of texts, that is the goal. A Year of Reading Challenges for Kids Use this yearly … [Read more...]
Have You Seen These New Graphic Novels?
If your kids like graphic novels, you'll want to check out these new titles. There's a little bit of everything here -- fantasy, realistic, and sci-fi. Have You Seen These New Graphic Novels? Click by Kayla Miller (pub: 1/2019) REALISTIC Click is an excellent, relatable book about friendships and finding your place --my daughter felt could have been her own story. When the talent show is … [Read more...]