Writers use juicy words and phrases to describe sensory images that SHOW not TELL. We can also show our kids how good writers use all their senses in their writing to describe in sensory details so that readers feel like they are IN the story. Use mentor texts in your writing workshop to teach growing writers how to write description using vivid verbs, precise adjectives, rich figurative language, … [Read more...]
14 Bookmarks That Kids Can Make Themselves (for Gifts or Fun)
I love when kids give handmade gifts for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and to friends. Because crafting is not my cup of tea, today my blogger friends are letting me share with you their clever and crafty DIY bookmarks that kids can make themselves. Make these as gifts or simply for a fun literacy-related craft project. And teachers, these could be a bonus art center activity, don't you … [Read more...]
Beautiful, Emotional Middle Grade Books That Probably Will Make You Cry
In a strange coincidence, these five early 2019 middle-grade novels share a common thread -- they'll probably be the most beautiful, tender, and emotional stories you'll read all year. Or even for many years. Not only that, all five of these books include a main character with special needs -- intellectual differences as well as physical. Which is incredible and adds a rich depth to each book. … [Read more...]
HUGE BOOK GIVEAWAY — Secret Agents Jack & Max Stalwart #4
Disclosure: I'm partnering with Running Press to giveaway 10 Secret Agents Jack and Max Stalwart books by Elizabeth Singer Hunt to 10 Imagination Soup readers!! Get this... kids who are secret agents + world geography + history + nonstop action = a beginning chapter book series that will hook your kids on reading & teach them something along the way! Secret Agents Jack & Max Stalwart … [Read more...]
Short Nonfiction Books for Reluctant, Struggling, & Wiggly Readers
Struggling readers, reluctant readers, and wiggly readers all benefit from exposure to short nonfiction books. Primarily because in these books, they can jump around in their reading sequence. That means that kids can read whatever strikes their fancy in any order that they wish. For those wiggly readers, they can take breaks in nonfiction without losing comprehension momentum. Because … [Read more...]
What Else Can Kids Read? 7 Reading Ideas Beyond Chapter Books
Think beyond chapter books when asking your kids to read. Chapter books are just one of the many reading options. Here are seven more reading ideas to entice your kids into more and more reading. 7 Reading Ideas Beyond Chapter Books 1. Magazines I've stopped all my magazine subscriptions just in time for my kids to ramp up. They get and love: American Girl, Discovery Girls, Focus on the … [Read more...]
Ideas to Help Your Wiggly Reader Who Can’t Sit Still
Do you have a child who needs to move? I do, too. My oldest daughter. Which means that sitting still while reading is almost impossible. Because sitting is part of reading. Usually. But maybe not sitting still. Hear me out here. If our kids need to move and that movement helps their focus and concentration, then can we incorporate sitting and moving? YES! My daughter has ADHD and … [Read more...]
15 Fun Children’s Books About Shapes
These board books and picture books will help your preschool child learn about shapes including circles, squares, triangles, and other geometric figures. Plus, these math children's books are tons of fun to read. Sometimes are even hilarious or heartwarming. Understanding shapes is a foundational math skill as well as an important visual identification skill. As children begin to learn, you … [Read more...]
The Scientific Method in Picture & Chapter Books
Get your kids excited about the scientific method with engaging picture books and chapter books like these. This science inquiry process is beneficial because it teaches kids to think: to make observations, ask questions, form hypotheses, experiment, analyze, fail, try again, and draw conclusions. Children's books like these make this process fun & exciting using memorable characters and … [Read more...]
Picture Books to Teach Sequencing & Beginning, Middle, and End
It's important to teach sequencing to kids. Use picture books as mentor texts to teach sequence including beginning, middle, and end. Sequencing is part of the Common Core Reading Standards. Understanding a story's sequence helps kids when they need to retell the events in the story. It also helps kids predict what happens next because they understand the structure of a story or plot. I … [Read more...]
If You Like Percy Jackson, Here’s What to Read Next
Percy Jackson is a funny, engaging hero on a classic hero's journey. Kids can't put this book series down. It's mythological, magical, and totally addictive. But if you're done with the series, don't despair, there are so many fantastic books you can read next. *As far as the new imprint from Rick Riordan with mythological titles, unfortunately, the three I've read so far were just so-so to me … [Read more...]
8 New Emotionally Resonant Friendship Picture Books
I love picture books that tell children stories of navigating friendship but especially books that help kids learn how to be better friends. To that end, you'll want to read A Friend for Henry and When Charley Met Emma -- they both should be required reading for empathy building. And Sweety is like my life story -- it's such a great story about being different and accepting yourself! Emotionally … [Read more...]