Just two things I'd like to mention:
1) I added a "how to" page that I hope to contribute to once a month or so. I meet a lot of parents (at the park, Babies R Us, birthday parties) who always ask me for "recommendations" of things they can do with their child. So I thought it might be nice to have a specific place for "my recommendations" without having to read through all of the blog posts of what baby bookworm and I do (although you should read those too, especially for the book recommendations).
The first "how to" is on creating a supportive literacy environment at home. Let me know if anyone has any how to topics that they'd be interested in seeing here. Topics to come include: How To Use and Not Use Flashcards Effectively, How to Use Dialogic Reading Strategies, and How to Get Started with Your Littlest Learner: Tips for Reading with Newborns
2) This may not be news to some of you but I stumbled upon this cool website yesterday. It's the Children's Literacy Initiative or CLI and it's mission is to help teachers help children in reading and writing. Their work is aimed at disadvantaged children in pre-k through grade 3 and they work primarily with teachers and students on the East Coast. I'm not really sure why I hadn't heard about this organization sooner, but I thought I would share in case you hadn't either. There are some good book recommendations on the website as well.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Library "Daze" - Time Spent at the Library is Time Well Spent
Since our toddler story times had concluded for the Spring, I feel like baby bookworm and I had been slacking on library time. It was such a loooong winter and the weather is so beautiful now that we've been spending lots of mornings at the park, lots of afternoons at the pool, and even some weekends at the beach. But today we rushed to the park this morning and then finally made an appearance at the "family" story time and then perused the stacks for some new books.
The story time theme was actually libraries. Geez...did the library somehow know we had been cheating on it with the nice weather! One of the stories read was one that baby bookworm and I have checked out a few times - A Maisy book (which is part of a series of books written by Lucy Cousins about a mouse named Maisy) appropriately named Maisy Goes to the Library.
Another book that was featured, Lola at the Library by Anna Mcquinn, I liked so much we even checked it out so we could enjoy it over and over at home for the next few weeks. It's a story about a girl named Lola and her mother and their weekly library ritual that involves a walk to the library, story time & songs at the library, followed by checking out books. Then after their visit they stop for a snack on the way home. Of course this book reminded me of our very own library ritual.
So, in the end I guess I did feel a little bit guilty about missing this ritual for a few weeks - especially knowing that library time is so influential on exactly what I'm trying to promote here: learning, literacy, and a love of books! There's been lots of studies to confirm that access to books is crucial to the development of literacy, and moreover, most children get a substantial percentage of their reading material from libraries. Not every parent has the money (or space) to create the ideal reading environment at home. That's why libraries are such fabulous places, and time spent there (even on a gorgeous summer day) is time well spent. We are very lucky to have an exceptionally great library to visit.
I wish I could say that there was some rhyme or reason to the books we decided on this week, but there just isn't. I'm hoping that a few of them will fit nicely into some projects and lessons for the week....I'll figure out something!
Here's our random books:
by Andrew Clements and photographs by Raquel Jaramillo
copyright 2010
This is a cute book all about hands. It reads like a poem. The photographs are really great too and they are of kids so I think that attracts kids to this book even more. I can tell that baby bookworm has already learned a few new vocabulary words like mixer and ruler from this book in just a few read-throughs. Thus, I may do a "project" with baby bookworm that involves measuring things with a ruler so she gets some hands on experience with this new word (remember, books are great starting points but many kids learn by doing). You can also do a lot with the topic of hands.....for example, there is this project below that baby bookworm and I have done in the past (it would make a nice father's day gift too). There is the Hand song that the count from Sesame Street also sings which would fit in nicely with a "Hands" theme. Be sure to check out the author's website (he's a New York Times best selling author), and KIDS.Simonand Schuster.com for more activities.
2) Tickle Tickle Itch Twitch
by Julie Olson
This is a book about a groundhog (or is he a beaver? I honestly can't tell) that has an itch on his back and his adventures in trying to get his itch scratched. This is a cute trailer for the book that I found on youtube. This book is fairly new.
3) Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
words and pictures by Mo Willems
Yes, yet another Mo Willems book but like I said before you really can't go wrong with Mo Willems. Or the lovable Pigeon and his outbursts! I like this book because the pictures are so simple (as is the case with a lot of Mo Willems books, with the exception of the Knuffle Bunny series) but yet there is SO much expression and personality in this little pigeon. I read the lines in the book with real emphasis, and baby bookworm thinks it's hysterical. In this pigeon book the bus driver tells the reader not to let the pigeon drive the bus, but the pigeon doesn't take this very well. Baby bookworm and I did a whole lesson on letter P (one of her first sounds) when she was about 13 months with the help of this beloved pigeon. Now thanks to this pigeon, she's got the "p" sound and the letter P down pat.
4) Up, Down, and Around
by Katherine Ayres and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
This is a book about vegetables.....that grow up (like corn), that grow down (like carrots), or around and around (like tomatoes). It's a great book to introduce these words as well as a good book to introduce foods that are good for you to eat! Baby bookworm has fun identifying all of the vegetables on the last page when the characters are having lunch.
And of course, we haven't forgotten about our phonics lesson. This week we got the "f" sound box. Baby bookworm LOVES these books - it makes introducing letters and their sounds really easy. We have also started doing these Brain Quest Phonics cards that we bought from Barnes and Noble (we bought the cards for ages 2+). I kid you not, my child has started exclaiming "more phonics!" It comes with a little dry erase pen, which is the real reason that I think she likes to "play phonics". But, whatever it takes.... (post to come on how to use and not use "flashcards").
Hopefully our next library outing will come sooner rather than later! I had forgotten how much we both enjoy it.
The story time theme was actually libraries. Geez...did the library somehow know we had been cheating on it with the nice weather! One of the stories read was one that baby bookworm and I have checked out a few times - A Maisy book (which is part of a series of books written by Lucy Cousins about a mouse named Maisy) appropriately named Maisy Goes to the Library.
I wish I could say that there was some rhyme or reason to the books we decided on this week, but there just isn't. I'm hoping that a few of them will fit nicely into some projects and lessons for the week....I'll figure out something!
Here's our random books:
by Andrew Clements and photographs by Raquel Jaramillo
copyright 2010
This is a cute book all about hands. It reads like a poem. The photographs are really great too and they are of kids so I think that attracts kids to this book even more. I can tell that baby bookworm has already learned a few new vocabulary words like mixer and ruler from this book in just a few read-throughs. Thus, I may do a "project" with baby bookworm that involves measuring things with a ruler so she gets some hands on experience with this new word (remember, books are great starting points but many kids learn by doing). You can also do a lot with the topic of hands.....for example, there is this project below that baby bookworm and I have done in the past (it would make a nice father's day gift too). There is the Hand song that the count from Sesame Street also sings which would fit in nicely with a "Hands" theme. Be sure to check out the author's website (he's a New York Times best selling author), and KIDS.Simonand Schuster.com for more activities.
2) Tickle Tickle Itch Twitch
by Julie Olson
This is a book about a groundhog (or is he a beaver? I honestly can't tell) that has an itch on his back and his adventures in trying to get his itch scratched. This is a cute trailer for the book that I found on youtube. This book is fairly new.
3) Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
words and pictures by Mo Willems
Yes, yet another Mo Willems book but like I said before you really can't go wrong with Mo Willems. Or the lovable Pigeon and his outbursts! I like this book because the pictures are so simple (as is the case with a lot of Mo Willems books, with the exception of the Knuffle Bunny series) but yet there is SO much expression and personality in this little pigeon. I read the lines in the book with real emphasis, and baby bookworm thinks it's hysterical. In this pigeon book the bus driver tells the reader not to let the pigeon drive the bus, but the pigeon doesn't take this very well. Baby bookworm and I did a whole lesson on letter P (one of her first sounds) when she was about 13 months with the help of this beloved pigeon. Now thanks to this pigeon, she's got the "p" sound and the letter P down pat.
4) Up, Down, and Around
by Katherine Ayres and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
This is a book about vegetables.....that grow up (like corn), that grow down (like carrots), or around and around (like tomatoes). It's a great book to introduce these words as well as a good book to introduce foods that are good for you to eat! Baby bookworm has fun identifying all of the vegetables on the last page when the characters are having lunch.
Hopefully our next library outing will come sooner rather than later! I had forgotten how much we both enjoy it.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Inner Awesomeness: Books that Promote Self-Esteem and Tolerance
This post is all about promoting your child's "inner awesomeness". With the help of books, of course. I had multiple inspirations for finding books that celebrated individuality, uniqueness, and well, inner awesomeness.
First, my friend has been telling me about this Free to Be...You and Me book that she swears I should remember from elementary school (although I don't). After checking out the website http://www.freetobefoundion.org/ - it seems totally cool and does bring back 70s and 80s nostalgia, yet still does not spark my memory of the book, DVDs, or songs. Nevertheless, the message is clear! And a good one at that.
Second, let's face it, Lady Gaga is everywhere....showing off her inner monster and pleading for people to express theirs. She's a modern icon who dares to be different (really really really different) and I admittedly find her expressiveness very inspiring, despite the fact that I don't always "get it".
Third, I feel like every time I turn around I see this heart wrenching commercial about how being gay "gets better". OK, I get teary eyed just thinking about it. The "It Gets Better Project" sends the amazing message of respecting people for who they are. Now if only we could educate our children about hatred and intolerance at a young age, we wouldn't even have to have such projects.
Fourth, I'm a big fan of Glee, and I love the fact that it sticks up for nerds, and every other minority under the sun (and in a very comedic way I might add). In fact, I just watched a commercial for spread the word to end the word - a plea to not use the R-word in everyday conversation.
Fifth, every once in awhile when the weather is rainy I take baby bookworm to the pet store up the street to visit the animals. On our latest outing we encountered a boy who was severely autistic. He couldn't speak and exhibited the characteristic hand flapping of many autistic children. Baby bookworm immediately sensed that this boy was different. She acted afraid, clung to my leg (which is very uncharacteristic of her personality), and pointed at him as if to say, "what's wrong with him?". Of course she didn't know any better (she is only 17 months), but this outing got me thinking......maybe it IS time to have the "everyone is different and yet special in their own way" talk.
And last but not least my baby bookworm does this thing....this thing where I say "You are soooooo...." and she finishes by exclaiming "cute". Some may perceive that as teaching arrogance or conceitedness, but I say "Nah". When you consider how commercials and movie stars and singers are pleading people of this nation to love themselves for who they are, accept those who are different, and not to spread hatred, I say "you ARE cute baby bookworm, and say it all you darn well please!" Putting all of these aforementioned points together, you might actually think there's some kind of hatred epidemic going on in this country. Hatred for oneself and hatred for others.
So here's the books that I have used and will use to teach baby bookworm about her own "inner awesomeness" and "specialness" and yes, cuteness. Because it's perfectly OK to think you are cute or smart or even the best at something....which leads me to my first book.
I Like Myself
by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow
The title says it all. It's a fun, rhyming book with an adorable curly haired African-American girl as the main character. The text promotes self-esteem in children. Baby bookworm and I have only read this book once in Barnes and Noble (another rainy day outing), but I immediately fell in love with this little girl. It's a fabulous book, with a very good message, and it's an easy read-though with a toddler because the illustrations are so whimsical. For those of you with older kids in elementary school, check out this site for some wonderful activities to go along with this book! http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/bookfairs/currconnection/like_myself.htm
My Book about ME
By Me, Myself with the help of Dr. Seuss
This is a book all about your child, written by your child. You could use it for younger children as well if they had an adult handy to help them fill it out. On each page is some fun fact to fill in. For example, there are questions about height, weight, eyeglasses, freckles, where he or she lives, and interesting facts. I can't wait until baby bookworm can fill out her book - we got hers as a present (and a good one at that). The woman who bought this book for baby bookworm told me that her kids (who are now in middle school) actually filled it out twice! When we visited with them, both of her girls were very, very proud to show off their completed books to me..... I think they had definitely learned the lesson that they are unique and special.
My Nose, Your Nose
by Melanie Walsh
A perfect book again for toddlers on the topic on individuality. The story has a repetitive format and tells of how friends Daisy, Agnes, Arthur, and Kit are all different on the outside (for example, one child has green eyes and another brown), yet they all are the same on the inside. Baby bookworm and I have checked this book out a few times from the library. She definitely likes it, and it was even featured recently in one of her toddler story times.
Here's a few other books that fit nicely into this theme. We haven't read them yet, but we definitely will in the future.
I'm Gonna Like Me by Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrated by Laura Cornell
Free to Be...You and Me by Marlo Thomas
I Like Me by Nancy Carlson
Girls Hold Up This World by Jada Pinkett Smith and illustrated by Donyell Kennedy-McCullough
Hooray for You! A Celebration of You-ness! by Marianne Richmond
First, my friend has been telling me about this Free to Be...You and Me book that she swears I should remember from elementary school (although I don't). After checking out the website http://www.freetobefoundion.org/ - it seems totally cool and does bring back 70s and 80s nostalgia, yet still does not spark my memory of the book, DVDs, or songs. Nevertheless, the message is clear! And a good one at that.
Second, let's face it, Lady Gaga is everywhere....showing off her inner monster and pleading for people to express theirs. She's a modern icon who dares to be different (really really really different) and I admittedly find her expressiveness very inspiring, despite the fact that I don't always "get it".
Third, I feel like every time I turn around I see this heart wrenching commercial about how being gay "gets better". OK, I get teary eyed just thinking about it. The "It Gets Better Project" sends the amazing message of respecting people for who they are. Now if only we could educate our children about hatred and intolerance at a young age, we wouldn't even have to have such projects.
Fourth, I'm a big fan of Glee, and I love the fact that it sticks up for nerds, and every other minority under the sun (and in a very comedic way I might add). In fact, I just watched a commercial for spread the word to end the word - a plea to not use the R-word in everyday conversation.
Fifth, every once in awhile when the weather is rainy I take baby bookworm to the pet store up the street to visit the animals. On our latest outing we encountered a boy who was severely autistic. He couldn't speak and exhibited the characteristic hand flapping of many autistic children. Baby bookworm immediately sensed that this boy was different. She acted afraid, clung to my leg (which is very uncharacteristic of her personality), and pointed at him as if to say, "what's wrong with him?". Of course she didn't know any better (she is only 17 months), but this outing got me thinking......maybe it IS time to have the "everyone is different and yet special in their own way" talk.
And last but not least my baby bookworm does this thing....this thing where I say "You are soooooo...." and she finishes by exclaiming "cute". Some may perceive that as teaching arrogance or conceitedness, but I say "Nah". When you consider how commercials and movie stars and singers are pleading people of this nation to love themselves for who they are, accept those who are different, and not to spread hatred, I say "you ARE cute baby bookworm, and say it all you darn well please!" Putting all of these aforementioned points together, you might actually think there's some kind of hatred epidemic going on in this country. Hatred for oneself and hatred for others.
So here's the books that I have used and will use to teach baby bookworm about her own "inner awesomeness" and "specialness" and yes, cuteness. Because it's perfectly OK to think you are cute or smart or even the best at something....which leads me to my first book.
written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins (also author of the Maisy books)
This is a simple and comedic book that is perfect for toddlers. The main character is a dog who proclaims himself as “the best” at doing a bunch of different things (such as digging holes). He believes that he is much better at these things than his friends (a mole, ladybug, goose, and a donkey) but only later realizes that he is not, in fact, the best at these things (mole can actually dig holes much deeper than him!). His friends help him realize though that he is the best at being a good friend, and having beautiful fluffy ears. To which dog says “Oh, phew”…. “obviously having beautiful fluffy ears IS the most important thing. So I AM the best.” You just have to love it. A dog with an attitude! Again, is it OK to think you are the best at something? I think so. If we all think hard enough I’m sure we can find something about ourselves that we are pretty good at, and we should be proud of that. Baby bookworm thoroughly enjoys this book too.
I Like Myself
by Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow
The title says it all. It's a fun, rhyming book with an adorable curly haired African-American girl as the main character. The text promotes self-esteem in children. Baby bookworm and I have only read this book once in Barnes and Noble (another rainy day outing), but I immediately fell in love with this little girl. It's a fabulous book, with a very good message, and it's an easy read-though with a toddler because the illustrations are so whimsical. For those of you with older kids in elementary school, check out this site for some wonderful activities to go along with this book! http://teacher.scholastic.com/lessonplans/bookfairs/currconnection/like_myself.htm
By Me, Myself with the help of Dr. Seuss
This is a book all about your child, written by your child. You could use it for younger children as well if they had an adult handy to help them fill it out. On each page is some fun fact to fill in. For example, there are questions about height, weight, eyeglasses, freckles, where he or she lives, and interesting facts. I can't wait until baby bookworm can fill out her book - we got hers as a present (and a good one at that). The woman who bought this book for baby bookworm told me that her kids (who are now in middle school) actually filled it out twice! When we visited with them, both of her girls were very, very proud to show off their completed books to me..... I think they had definitely learned the lesson that they are unique and special.
My Nose, Your Nose
by Melanie Walsh
A perfect book again for toddlers on the topic on individuality. The story has a repetitive format and tells of how friends Daisy, Agnes, Arthur, and Kit are all different on the outside (for example, one child has green eyes and another brown), yet they all are the same on the inside. Baby bookworm and I have checked this book out a few times from the library. She definitely likes it, and it was even featured recently in one of her toddler story times.
Here's a few other books that fit nicely into this theme. We haven't read them yet, but we definitely will in the future.
I'm Gonna Like Me by Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrated by Laura Cornell
Free to Be...You and Me by Marlo Thomas
I Like Me by Nancy Carlson
Girls Hold Up This World by Jada Pinkett Smith and illustrated by Donyell Kennedy-McCullough
Hooray for You! A Celebration of You-ness! by Marianne Richmond
I hope your baby bookworm and you embrace your own inner awesomeness!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)