Category Archives: reading aloud

The Kelly Clarkson Show – And Me

Everything people say is true.  Kelly Clarkson is genuine.  She’s as nice as the day is long.  She is all about others (not herself), and so much fun. I know.  I am on her show tomorrow- in person with Kelly. … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Giving thanks, Inspiration, literacy, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , | 142 Comments

Starting the School Year Reading Charlotte’s Web

Every year I start chapter reading with my preschool class on ‘day one’.  And, the first book I read is Charlotte’s Web.  We have barely had three weeks of school and children are totally hooked.  They adore Wilbur and laugh at … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, Learning About the World, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , | 72 Comments

The Start of a New Year at School – Part 1

When children come to school next week, they will be greeted at the front entrance by this hand painted dove.  I can’t imagine anything more welcoming for children than walking across this threshold to start their day at school. This … Continue reading

Posted in art, children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, School, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 109 Comments

The End, and Also The Beginning

Every moment outside when summer ends is a gift.  I hang on tight.  I listen to the crickets.  I often think of E.B. White when he wrote “Charlotte’s Web.”  He knew how precious those last days of summer are.  He … Continue reading

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, E.B. White, Early Education, literacy, Nature, Quotes, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 79 Comments

History Through a Classic Picture Book – The Little House

Last night as the sun was setting, the house next door was getting sleepy.  Just look at those window eyes closing and getting ready to say goodnight.  They reminded me of a favorite picture book, “The Little House” by Virginia … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, history, Inspiration, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 87 Comments

Wordless – at the Eric Carle Museum

The new exhibit at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is: Speechless: The Art of Wordless Picture Books Wordless books?  How can that be?  How can you read a wordless book to a child?  I’ll tell you just … Continue reading

Posted in art, Author interview, Book Review, children's books, David Wiesner, Early Education, Eric Carle, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading aloud, reading aloud, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 52 Comments

Reading Aloud

A picture is worth a thousand words. A good friend sent me this photo reading to her grandchild. It is never too early to read aloud to a child. A child is never too young to hear words while seeing … Continue reading

Posted in children's books, Early Education, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 79 Comments

Chapter Reading Newsletter to Families

My final newsletter to families at school, telling them how important reading aloud chapter books is to their children.  Hopefully this opens the door for them. Chapter Reading June 16, 2021 Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of … Continue reading

Posted in books, chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Imagination, Inspiration, reading aloud, reading aloud, School | Tagged , , , , , , , | 71 Comments

Gloria and the Indians

‘Gloria’ was very involved in a recent discussion on Indians.  It was a huge moment in teaching.  She understands being different. It happened like this… I have finished reading “Little House on the Prairie” to my preschoolers.  At the end … Continue reading

Posted in America, chapter reading, children's books, Diversity, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Gloria, history, reading aloud, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

Goodnight Moon

Before children learn to read, first they must hear the words.  It’s developmental, like learning to crawl before learning to walk.  The auditory piece, including singing, hits both the brain and the soul in learning.  In my preschool class, reading … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, picture books, preschool, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 67 Comments