Category Archives: children’s books

When You Read Aloud…

 This is what happens when teachers read aloud: It begins with a child, grows into groups of children, and then the children ‘take over’, reading on their own. Reading one-on-one Reading in groups The more I read aloud, the more … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Leo Lionni, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 98 Comments

Gems at the Eric Carle Museum

Eric Carle Every visit to the Eric Carle Museum is a wonder, because I always discover something new.  I know what the current exhibits are and I plan my visit…but something ‘else’ happens along the way.  This visit was about … Continue reading

Posted in art, Book Review, children's books, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, Nature, picture books, Teaching young children, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 54 Comments

“This Land is Your Land”

In light of Veterans Day and how our country needs to come together, I am reposting an old post on patriotism and singing, specifically Woody Guthrie’s song “This Land is Your Land.”  Thank you to Don Ostertag who said I … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, Book Review, children's books, history, Inspiration, patriotism, picture books, Singing, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Play + Nature and “The Giving Tree”

When play occurs outdoors in natural elements, it draws children in.  It whispers, “Come and play, I have everything to give you.” The leaves were bursting with color. Ladybugs were everywhere. Sticks and rocks are great for building. The playground … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Nature, Play, preschool, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 63 Comments

I Was There!

I was at the library the same day he was. It was his birthday, six years old at last, which means he can get his very own library card. He did! Look at his enormous smile. I was his preschool … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Inspiration, literacy, reading, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 74 Comments

My Summer Book Reading

My summer book reading was absolutely wonderful. Not only were the books terrific, the collection was broad, from picture books to chapter reading, to books for much older children (and adults.) Can I pick a favorite?  Absolutely not. Sea Dog, … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Books to Read on 9/11

On this day, 9/11, we must remember the tragedy.  We must never forget the bravery of firefighters and police officers, and so many people who stopped their lives to do the right thing.  There are stories to help us remember. … Continue reading

Posted in America, American flag, books, children's books, history, patriotism, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 38 Comments

Amanda!

Reading a book is perfect. Reading by the pool is more perfect. Reading Amanda books is most perfect. I just finished the book! I don’t get to read as much as I want to.  Summer is my window, and I … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, geography, Learning About the World, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 104 Comments

Book Bears, Library Reading, and a Pleading Letter

My public library Book Bears group and Read Aloud group have finished for the school year.  Book Bears read a book each month, and we discuss the book the following month.  The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes and Stella … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , , , , | 45 Comments

Chapter Reading Throughout the School Year

Here is my annual end of school year letter to parents: Chapter Reading June 9, 2023 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past.  The anticipation … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 58 Comments