Category Archives: picture books

Memorial Day With Children

There’s nothing like greeting a soldier in dress uniform.  For young children, they are in awe.  That presence naturally commands respect.  I hosted our school’s Memorial Day Remembrance on Friday, with Army Sergeant First Class John as our guest speaker.  As John looked at … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, military, patriotism, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Look What Happened!

Independent reading.  SSR.  Call it what you like.  It is crossing over from learning to read words, to learning to read.  Parents and teachers alike take a deep breath and clasp their hands together when this happens.  There are no words … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

The Best of Jim Trelease

I love a good story, especially one that involves reading aloud and the stunning difference it makes with children.  Here is a favorite story of mine, from the million-copy best selling book, The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: “During his … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

More Than An Outstanding Book!

When a writer can deliver a message in few words, while leaving a lasting impression on both children and adults (including me), I buy the book.  The Lion And The Bird, by Marianne Dubuc is that book. The book has far … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Kindness, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

Jim Trelease Quote, Reading and Writing, and a Journey of Teaching

A great quote can pack as much power as a good book.  When both come together in one package, then you have it all.  That’s Jim Trelease.  That’s The Read-Aloud Handbook. “People would stand in line for days and pay … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” -Dr. Seuss- Today Dr. Seuss would have been one-hundred-and-thirteen years old. His books continue to be popular with children. … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 37 Comments

When a Fairy Tale is Not Enough

If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.  If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales. -Albert Einstein- Fairy Tales are the root of storytelling.  They are also the most popular … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 44 Comments

An Art Museum For Book Lovers

People think of an art museum as… art, single standing pieces on their own right. Imagine masterful, award winning art combined with the best literature, in one museum. Exciting? You bet!  A hidden gem in Amherst, Massachusetts. What is your … Continue reading

Posted in art, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 86 Comments

“Katy and The Big Snow”– Geography, a Compass, and Measuring

Katy and the Big Snow, by Virginia Lee Burton is a classic children’s book that continues to be beloved today.  After two major snow storms this week, it was the perfect read.  The book never gets old, children always find … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, geography, Imagination, Math, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Language, Literacy, Imagination, and Reading-Aloud

People often ask why I chapter read.  After all, many of the children in my classroom are are three-years-old.  When we chapter read, the children don’t have an image from a picture book.  They have to make the pictures in … Continue reading

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 49 Comments