One of the things that seems to be happening in many of the public schools, at least in my neck of the woods, is that there is such a focus on test scores, reading levels, and facts that we are spending less time encouraging our children to think and create. Childhood is a time where... Continue Reading →
One of the most wonderful things you can do for a child is to teach them a love of books and writing. For some, one comes easier than the other. Sometimes it is a matter of age - you can tell a story before you can actually read or write the words. Sometimes it is... Continue Reading →
There are some books that just scream out for certain children. When I walked my younger daughter into kindergarten today, her teacher had the latest Peter H. Reynolds book up on the counter. I love Peter H. Reynolds. He is the genius behind ish, The Dot, and Sky Color (among others). His latest book is... Continue Reading →
Yesterday was Benjamin Franklin's birthday and my daughter's kindergarten class has been focusing on inventors and inventions because of it. When we think of inventors, we often think of older white men with crazy hair. But there were a lot of amazing inventions created by children and young adults, male and female, black and white.... Continue Reading →
Today is Roald Dahl day. The comedic genius would have turned 100 today! We have had a long fascination with Dahl so I thought it was appropriate to share J's summer reading project today since it focused on one of his books. Roald Dahl wasn't a big part of my childhood, but J has really... Continue Reading →
Children love learning about colors and they are often some of the first words that they can read on their own. There is something completely fascinating in what you can do with three primary colors if only you are allowed to try. There are actually many wonderful books that open up a world of possibility... Continue Reading →
As the mom of two girls, finding things to encourage them to persevere regardless of the challenges they face is incredibly important. When children are in school they learn all about the famous inventors Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Benjamin Franklin and so on. Very few students today can name female inventors, but they do... Continue Reading →
Adults often shy away from reading fiction aimed at children. Perhaps they think it is too juvenile for them. Perhaps they think the writing isn't as deep as books written for adults. I can tell you, in the last number of months I have read enough fabulous middle-grade fiction to know that anyone who misses... Continue Reading →
When we first opened the pages of Willow, the strains of Harry Chapin Carpenter's "Flowers Are Red" floated through my head. Given that this was a favorite song from my youth, I was immediately captivated by this book. Multiple readings with my 4 year old only made the book that much better. Willow is the... Continue Reading →