Category Archives: literacy

Things Happen in Threes

Things often happen in threes.  They certainly did at school! #1 We had day after day of bitter cold weather.  That meant the children could not go outside.  By day three we had to be creative, so we had a … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, joy, literacy, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, robots, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 51 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

Summer Reading

As I was starting a blog post on the books I have read this summer, a parent sent me this photo: Two former students, one reading to the other – while at the pool! This photo is far more important … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Inspiration, literacy, preschool, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, teaching, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 52 Comments

Letter From a Parent

A letter from a parent is always special.  When the parent is my pen-pal and former student’s mom, it’s very special.  When she bought a book I had recommended on this blog, that was the frosting on the cake.  I … Continue reading

Posted in books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, literacy | Tagged , , , | 56 Comments

Reading Again – At Last!

He has been unable to read for two years. The words and pages ‘move’ with his eye problems. As a result, he stopped reading books. He gave it another try. Seeing him reading again is a joy. I think he … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, books, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, joy, literacy, reading | Tagged , , , | 49 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

How “Goodnight Moon” Evolves Each School Year

Language is #1 for children, and literacy is the road to developing their language.  I read picture books to children all the time, and chapter read at rest time.  Books are always available to children.  They become ‘good friends’ and … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, Jim Trelease, literacy, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 69 Comments

Amanda Books at the Public Library!

Thursday is my Read-Aloud day at the Groton Public Library.  When I arrived, the head children’s librarian was beside herself. “Jennie!  Jennie!  The Amanda books are here!” And then she showed me all the books.  Wow!  Nine books. Of course … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, geography, Giving thanks, literacy, reading | Tagged , , | 77 Comments