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...]
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...]
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...]
Helpful Children’s Books About Manners
When we teach manners to young children, I think we have to be both explicit as well as demonstrative, meaning we also must give examples that show what we mean about manners. These children's picture books are both. Some books are close to being a bit preachy. But I think these books actually serve a purpose in setting specific, clear behavior expectations. In addition, I've included other … [Read more...]
I Love You Quotes (From Children’s Books)
This Valentine's Day share with your children and all your loved ones these I Love You quotes from favorite tenderhearted children's books. I Love You Quotes (From Children's Books) 1. Todd Parr's The I Love You Book Most of all, I love you just the way you are. - Todd Parr, The I Love You Book 2. Lisa McCourt's I Love You Stinky Face If you were a big, scary ape, I would make your … [Read more...]
Favorite President’s Day Books for Kids
I love recommending books that give kids a glimpse into a President's life or personality. Nonfiction books on the presidents are about what you'd expect --fine but nothing terribly compelling. However, if you're looking, reliable nonfiction publishers and series about the presidents include: DK National Geographic Who Was...? As far as picture books with both anecdotal stories and … [Read more...]
Nonfiction Picture Books About Animals (Winter 2019)
What will you find on the new shelf at the library? Here are the nonfiction book titles about animals that are worth checking out or buying. Nonfiction Picture Books About Animals (Winter 2019) Dingo by Claire Saxby, illustrated by Tannya Harricks NOCTURNAL / AUSTRALIAN ANIMAL Evocative illustrations with visibly painted brush strokes grabbed my interest right away. But I liked the text, … [Read more...]
Yoga for Kids: Practice, Books, Videos, and Games
Yoga benefits kids as well as adults. Get your children interested in yoga with picture books, games, and videos. They'll develop your children's interest in starting their own yoga practice. Doing yoga with kids is a wonderful way to get in quality time. It: builds strength improves flexibility develops breath control and awareness relaxes and calms develops coordination … [Read more...]
New STEM Books for Grades K – 3
I've been holding onto a stack of new STEM books and can't wait to share them with you today. These will be books you can use in the classroom to introduce concepts like simple machines, matter, and more. New STEM Books for Grades K - 3 How to Seesaws Go Up and Down? A Book About Simple Machines by Jennifer Shand, illustrated by Srimalie Bassani SCIENCE - SIMPLE MACHINES The … [Read more...]
2019 Newbery and Caldecott Awards
Today the Newbery and Caldecott Awards for 2019 were awarded by The Association for Library Service to Children today with the Newbery going to Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina and the Caldecott going to Hello Lighthouse written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. My expectations for the Newbery winning book is that it should be amazing, life-changing, and so well-written you can't put … [Read more...]