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...]
Helpful Parenting Book of Bite-Sized Wisdom
What Great Parents Do: 75 Simple Strategies for Raising Kids Who Thrive by Erica Reischer, PhD resonates strongly with me because it's in line with both my belief in the importance of our own self-growth and my openness to continue learning how to be my best parent self. It's a helpful parenting book of bite-sized wisdom, easily digestible for parents of any age child. (Personally, I think I'm … [Read more...]
Guys Read Short Stories Invite Boys Into (a Different Kind of) Reading
Jon Scieszka wants boys to become "self-motivated, lifelong readers." Which is why he founded Guys Read. Guys Read is both a literacy program and books of short stories specifically for elementary and middle school boys to encourage reading. And there's a LOT to love about reading short stories -- they're, well, short, and the stories, written by a variety of authors, are all very … [Read more...]
Children’s Books About The Holocaust
The only way kids can understand World War II (WWII) and the Holocaust is to read stories, both fiction and nonfiction stories, that immerse them in the experiences of people who lived through it. It's been said before but here is the truth. In order not to repeat the past, we must understand it. We must know. We must remember. Children's Picture Books About The Holocaust Benno and the Night … [Read more...]
My Favorite Graphic Novel of 2017 So Far
My Favorite Graphic Novel of 2017 So Far Is 5 Worlds You're going to LOVE 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior by Mark Siegel, Alexis Siegel, Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun. Gorgeous artwork sets the tone for an epic otherworldly story in this first mesmerizing book in the series. The Five World's are overheating and under attack. Three kids must find their inner strength and save … [Read more...]
The Memory Palace: Collaborative Storytelling Game
The Memory Palace is a collaborative storytelling game from Peaceable Kingdom for ages 5+ that builds memory and imagination. It encourages communication, creativity, storytelling, and memory. The Memory Palace: Collaborative Storytelling Game First players set out the picture cards in any position. Randomly put three of the monster tokens face down in three rooms. Then players take … [Read more...]
Easy Chapter Books for Summer Reading 2017 (ages 6 – 8)
What's new for beginning readers this summer 2017? Well, I'm so glad you asked . . . because there are so many good easy chapter book choices. As an aside, I've been really frustrated lately to still see so many new books WITHOUT DIVERSITY. Publishers, you can do better. :( Onward to the books! Easy Chapter Books for Summer Reading 2017 Charlie & Mouse by Laurel Snyder, illustrated … [Read more...]
Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
Preschoolers LOVE playing with toys, right? They'll love this fun hide and seek color recognition activity with toy dinosaurs. It's learning. It's fun. It's engaging. Head over to the Learning Resources' blog where I wrote up a fun dinosaur hunt activity for your preschoolers. There you can download two free printable scavenger hunts. … [Read more...]
Spark Creative Writing with Storybird
Storybird provides artwork and templates for children to write picture books, longform books, and poetry. It's a cool community site with lots of opportunities to spark creative writing. Teachers can use the site with students. Or parents and children can use it on their own at home. Spark Creative Writing with Storybird Click on CREATE to get started. The artwork is provided. Scroll … [Read more...]
4 Inspiring Nonfiction Books for Teen Readers
Real life stories, biographies and memoirs, are more inspiring than most other books, don't you think? Because you're reading about people who really did amazing things. Usually despite great odds. There's hope-giving power in these nonfiction true life stories. For teens, and for us not-teens, too. These four books are so excellent, I suspect you'll read them and then want to share them with … [Read more...]
Why You Should Encourage Kids to Start a Writing Journal (and How to Start)
Summer gives you the perfect opportunity to encourage your kids to start writing a journal. The benefits of journal writing include improved writing fluency, improved communication skills, and increased confidence. Among other things. Why You Should Encourage Kids to Start Writing a Journal Once kids can pick up a pencil or crayon, they can start writing a journal. It doesn't have to … [Read more...]