Monica Wellington writes and illustrates the most charming picture books and board books for children. Have you seen any? Kids love the bright, cheerful illustrations and the appealing storylines. Parents and teachers appreciate the learning opportunities within each book. Monica Wellington's Cheerful, Kid-Appealing Picture Books Pay close attention in Wellington's new picture book, Truck … [Read more...]
Parent and Teacher Resources for National Fire Prevention Week
This is a post sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association and SparkySchoolhouse.org. Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month and Fire Prevention Week is October 8 - 14? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is my recommended go-to source for Fire Prevention Week 2017 resources. Parents and teachers of preschool through 5th grade kids, you'll want to check out these … [Read more...]
What’s New in Halloween Books
Halloween is just around the corner. That means it's time to read books about the holiday. Of course, we all have our favorite stories but you'll also want to check out these NEW titles for 2017! Don't miss this printable Halloween treasure hunt. Find 80 book character costumes ideas here. (See my huge list of Halloween books here!) What's New in Halloween Books Halloween ABC by … [Read more...]
Award-Winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game Now a Board Book!
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel game wins awards because it's a genius preschool game kids love to play. Now this educational game has inspired a new lift-the-flap board book with the same title, The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel. Both the game and the book strengthen counting and color recognition for preschoolers. Award-Winning Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game In the Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel … [Read more...]
What’s So Important About STEM: A Chat with Hank Green
You probably know Hank Green of The Vlog Brothers and a ton of other cool nerdy sites (NerdFighteria being one). We spoke last week about what parents need to know about STEM, STEM careers, and fostering a love of inquiry. Green is currently partnering with Emerson whose whole goal is to try to figure out how to create the next generation of who they can hire. They're looking for engineers and … [Read more...]
Noteworthy Fall 2017 Picture Books
Talk about a noteworthy list of fall 2017 picture books for children! Teachers and parents, you'll want to look through these new titles carefully. Many will be useful in the classroom while others are perfect for reading at home. As always, I've picked the best of the bunch to share with you today. Noteworthy Fall 2017 Picture Books Betty's Burgled Bakery An Alliteration Adventure by … [Read more...]
Back to School Backpack Zipper Charms (To Stay Organized)
Sometimes we all need a little help to stay organized during the busy mornings before school. Before your kids go back to school, make these helpful Backpack Shrinky Dink Zipper Charms to provide a visual reminder of daily must-haves at school. This fun idea is just one of many in The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day: Awesome Games and Crafts to Master Your Moods, Boost Focus, Hack … [Read more...]
Making Learning Fun Through Play
You already love to play with your 3- to 5-year-olds. Now, turn those play times into rich learning experiences. It’s easier than you think and lots of fun. In fact, your child won’t even know how much they’re learning! For each of the preschool learning topics, colors, numbers, shapes, science, and engineering, you’ll find suggestions you can do today with little or no prep. As Fred Rogers … [Read more...]
Easily Make Your Own Literacy Book Bags
You've heard of busy bags, but do you also know about literacy book bags? These are bags with a picture book and playful toys, games, or other related hands-on activities to do. And you can easily make your own! Literacy book bags help children go deeper into the story. The bags encourage a child to retell (reenact) the story. This helps with sequencing as well as understanding story structure. … [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 … [Read more...]