Fluent readers need a big vocabulary. The more words a child knows, the better reader and writer they are. (Anderson and Freebody, 1981; Graves, 1986; Stahl, 1998) (DOE, NAEP, 2011) It’s up to us as parents to help our children learn and develop a large vocabulary. The best way to learn new words is to […]
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Seven Secrets to Raising Eager Readers
Hi. I’m Josh. I write picture books like Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast. The 4th book in the series, Short & Sweet, releases next week! Because I’m an author, you might assume that I’ve always loved to read. You’d be wrong. I felt reading was a chore and grew up without an appreciation […]
Continue ReadingThe Ultimate Parent Guide: Starting a Book Clubs for Kids
Updated: 8/2020 Parents, if you’re looking for directions on starting a book club for kids, get ideas for set-up, discussions, food, and activities here. The purpose of starting a book club for kids is for kids to get social time with friends AND for kids to read lots of books. But book clubs accomplish even […]
Continue ReadingChildren’s Books for Speech Language Pathologists to Use with Students
Hi! My name is Tanya Musselman. I am a Speech Language Pathologist who has been working in the field for 20 years! I am currently working for a school system In Minnesota in the preschool setting with children ages three through six. Children’s Books for Speech Language Pathologists Books, Books, Books!!!! I cannot say enough […]
Continue ReadingPersonal Narrative Mentor Texts for Teaching Writing
In my Imagination Soup Writers Homeschool Writing Curriculum, growing writers will be starting out writing personal narratives using children’s books as examples. Personal narratives allow children to speak with experience and authority because they’re stories based on their real lives. In my curriculum, as I did when I taught writing workshops in the school system, […]
Continue ReadingMentor Texts for Teaching Small Moments Writing
If you’re looking for new picture books that capture small moments, here’s a list of current picture books to get you started. I about to launch the Imagination Soup Writers Homeschool Curriculum which will start with personal narratives and small moments. The goal with this homeschool curriculum is to teach kids writing craft moves using […]
Continue ReadingBack to School Shopping Is Still an Important Ritual
Even though I have one child 100% virtual and one 100% in person, they both get to pick out new school supplies and a new school outfit. Why? Because it’s a tradition that sets that excited, anticipatory feeling for going back to school. And, because my college freshman’s dorm room is her bedroom, I’m letting […]
Continue Reading11 New Picture Books, July 2020
I don’t have as many new picture books to tell you about, and some are from previous months. BUT, these books are great and worth your while to read. 11 New Picture Books, July 2020 Your Name Is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe IDENTITY A beautiful, beautiful story that helps a […]
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