Category Archives: children’s books

The Guest Reader – Age 6

Aaryan has been asking me for days to come into the classroom and be a guest reader.  “Jennie, I have the book in my backpack.  It’s the fish book.  They’re red and blue.  When can I come in and read?” … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, joy, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Student alumni, young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 34 Comments

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – 50th Anniversary

Fifty years.  That’s a very long time.  For a book to still be alive, vibrant, and read all over the world – fifty years later – is astounding.  The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, history, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

A Story of Reading Aloud

Author Kate DiCamillo tells a childhood story of her teacher reading aloud, when she was in second grade.  It is powerful.  She remembers every detail… including the class bully. “It’s 1972, and I’m 8 years old and in second grade … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Veterans Day for Preschoolers

Veterans Day in my classroom is about far more than honoring our veterans.  For preschoolers it is an introduction to the American flag and our country.  It is history, geography, and patriotic songs.  What started out as a day to … Continue reading

Posted in American flag, children's books, geography, Giving thanks, military, picture books, Singing, young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 49 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 5 – The Conclusion

In Part 4, I shared my storytelling at school.  In the bathroom I use rhyming words and tell make-believe stories.  I incorporate children’s names into the story.  I add complex vocabulary words.  At lunchtime, I tell Jennie Stories, true stories of … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Death and dying, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, Kindness, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 42 Comments

E.B. White’s Grandniece – In My Classroom

It happened like this: And as you know, those are the beginning words to a really good story.  So, hold on to your hat. Last spring I learned that E.B. White’s grandniece was giving a presentation at my local library.  … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

Meeting A Favorite Author, Kate DiCamillo

If I taught third grade, I’d be reading aloud to children Because of Winn-Dixie.  If I taught fourth grade, I’d be reading aloud The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.  If I taught fifth grade I’d be reading aloud Flora and Ulysses.  The … Continue reading

Posted in Author interview, Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

“Ravioli” and Goodnight Moon

One of our favorite times of the day at school is chapter reading.  It is intimate.  We feel snuggled together.  Much like being in sleeping bags while camping, with nothing but words to hear, we look forward to that time. … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

Language, Literacy, and Storytelling – Part 1

As a teacher, I want to grow readers.  I want to help children develop a sense of understanding.  I want children to become curious, and eager to discover.  I learned early on that in order to do this, it all … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, geography, Imagination, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

The Reading Snapshots Keep Growing

Children’s reading is growing!  Last week my preschool children began to read independently.  It was wonderful.  The photo of children on the rug with their books spoke to the power of reading aloud good books, and children modeling what they … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 46 Comments