Category Archives: reading

Book Bears, and Reading Aloud

Posted on January 17, 2018 by Jennie

My library reading group is Book Bears.  We read a book each month, and I host the discussion.  These are mostly second graders, eager to read.  We have a full and lively house, until…  Let me back up.  Many things … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, children's books, Early Education, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children, wonder | Tagged , , , , , , , | 73 Comments

Darth Vader, Marines, and Reading Aloud

Posted on December 28, 2017 by Jennie

I watched a TED Talks with actor Adam Driver who plays Darth Vader’s son in the last two Star Wars movies.  He is one great actor!  The new Star Wars movie (saw it yesterday) is outstanding. What he does outside … Continue reading →

Posted in Diversity, Expressing words and feelings, Giving, Imagination, Inspiration, military, play performances, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, The Arts | Tagged , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Dog Lovers and Book Lovers: “The Poet’s Dog”

Posted on December 23, 2017 by Jennie

As the holidays and winter are upon us, I am once again drawn to the best book.  Fall in love with a dog, a poet, and children- magnificently written. “Dogs speak words.  But only poets and children hear.” Those are … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, children's books, Dogs, Particia MacLachlan, Poetry, reading | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments

Why Reading Aloud Made Cuban Cigars Great

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Jennie

While reading aloud is my passion and what I do- because it makes a marked difference in learning- I always write about reading aloud to children. Well, there’s more.  Adults.  The proof of reading aloud making a difference is in … Continue reading →

Posted in Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 82 Comments

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! E.B. White on How To Write

Posted on November 3, 2017 by Jennie

I love writing.  This summer I read the best book on how to write, the advice of E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web and other classics. Oh, I have read a host of posts and articles on writing, many from fellow … Continue reading →

Posted in books, children's books, E.B. White, reading, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 113 Comments

Why Write Letters and Picture Stories?

Posted on October 29, 2017 by Jennie

Learning begins with language, building words upon words.  The more words children hear, the more they learn, and the better they do in school.  All of this leads up to reading readiness.  So, if I can give children hundreds and … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture stories, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 70 Comments

Summer of the Monkeys

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Jennie

Every summer I get lost in books.  Sometimes there is one that sticks with me for a long time.  A very long time.  This summer I read Summer of the Monkeys by Wilson Rawls.  I can’t let go of the words, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Review, books, chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, reading | Tagged , , , , , , , | 56 Comments

No Words Needed

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Jennie

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.  Knowledge is limited.  Imagination encircles the world.” – Albert Einstein- And, a picture really is worth a thousand words~that light the fire of imagination.  What if there were books that could do just that? … Continue reading →

Posted in David Wiesner, Early Education, Einstein, Eric Carle, Imagination, picture books, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 78 Comments

Meeting Yet Another Author

Posted on August 8, 2017 by Jennie

Mount Holyoke College in Western Massachusetts hosts children’s book authors, and recently Patricia MacLachlan was a speaker.  Remember Sarah, Plain and Tall?  It was the first book that made me cry as an adult.  Mandatory reading for my children when … Continue reading →

Posted in Author interview, Early Education, Imagination, Inspiration, Patricia MacLachlan, picture books, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 45 Comments

Making “The Star-Spangled Banner” Come Alive

Posted on July 4, 2017 by Jennie

Every year I make our country’s National Anthem ‘come alive’ for my preschoolers.  This is a hard song to sing, especially for children.  They know the tune, and thanks to baseball on television and sporting events, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Learning About the World, military, patriotism, Peace, picture books, reading, Singing | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 41 Comments