Category Archives: children’s books

When Reading-Aloud Grows a Reader

Reading aloud to children is the most important thing I do in my classroom, every single day.  I tell parents this every year. The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 66 Comments

Summer at the Eric Carle Museum

My summer venture at the Eric Carle Museum was nothing short of wonderful.  I have much to tell you! The Very Hungry Caterpillar Mobile The museum is celebrating 20 years.  The main exhibit is Celebrating Collage.  Of course!  Eric Carle’s … Continue reading

Posted in art, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, The Arts, wonder | Tagged , , , | 86 Comments

R.I.P. Patricia MacLachlan

My Patricia MacLachlan books Patricia MacLachlan passed away on March 31st at the age of 84.  She has crossed the Rainbow Bridge to be with her dogs, especially those in her books.  It has taken me some time to write … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Expressing words and feelings, literacy, Particia MacLachlan, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 69 Comments

A Year of Chapter Reading, 2022

Here is my newsletter to parents about our year of chapter reading.  It’s the best part of the day in the classroom. Chapter Reading June 10, 2022 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day.  We bring … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 48 Comments

Meeting a Blogger: The Letter, The Book, and the Otter

Do you often think how wonderful it would be to meet a favorite blogger – in person – and spend the day with them?  I certainly do.  And it happened!  Well, in order to tell the wonderful story, I must … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 137 Comments

Book Bears and Making Wishes

Today was the last library Book Bears meeting for the year.  It was also the last Read-Aloud meeting for the year.  Here’s what happened, or I should say, It happened like this… Both books for the two groups were about wishes, … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, literacy, Love, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, self esteem, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 78 Comments

A Visit to The Eric Carle Museum

Just when I thought I might not discover something new, my recent visit to the Eric Carle Museum proved me very wrong.  Everything I experienced and saw was very new.  Lucky me! The main event was the museum’s annual Barbara … Continue reading

Posted in America, art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, geography, Inspiration, Learning About the World, museums, Nature, patriotism, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , | 75 Comments

Family

I call my classroom a family.  We are a family.  Children hear me say all the time, “Once an Aqua Roomer, always an Aqua Roomer.”  That means family is always there for you.  Children can take Gloria home long after … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Expressing words and feelings, Family, Inspiration, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, wonder | Tagged , , | 69 Comments

The Best of Chapter Reading

My Grandfather Our current chapter reading book at school is Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder.  The last chapter that we read, ‘Indians in the House’, sparked intense questions and conversations about Indians and people who are … Continue reading

Posted in America, books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Gloria, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 67 Comments

Goodnight Moon – In French, Too

We are having a grand time in school learning about France.  Since we’re now singing the Days of the Week in French, I thought it would be fun to read our beloved “Goodnight Moon” (recited every day before chapter reading) … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, reading aloud | Tagged , , | 73 Comments