Category Archives: reading

“Katy and the Big Snow”…and So Much More

Katy and the Big Snow, by Virginia Lee Burton is a classic children’s book that continues to be beloved today.  After three nor’easter snow storms these past two week, it was the perfect read.  The book never gets old, children … Continue reading

Posted in Book Review, children's books, Early Education, geography, Learning About the World, picture stories, reading, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Meeting Jane Yolen at the Eric Carle Museum

Jane Yolen spoke to teachers, librarians and writers yesterday at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts.  She has just published her 365th book.  Really.  Sold out event.  I knew I had to be there because … Continue reading

Posted in Author interview, children's books, Early Education, Eric Carle, Inspiration, museums, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 59 Comments

My Mother’s Fairy Tales

My mother gave me her childhood book of fairy tales when my children were young.  This wasn’t a book she had ever shown me, or my brother and sisters.  I think it was my teaching and my newfound love of … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Imagination, reading, self esteem, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 89 Comments

From “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” to Dr. Seuss

This week began with National Fairy Tale Day and ended with Dr. Seuss’s birthday.  I was in my glory.  So were the children. We voted on our favorite fairy tale.  The Three Billy Goats Gruff won, hands-down.  This was a … Continue reading

Posted in books, children's books, Early Education, Expressing words and feelings, Inspiration, picture books, reading, reading aloud, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 69 Comments

It Comes Down To Reading

Children who were in my class many years ago are now making decisions on college acceptances.  They stay in touch, and I feel the worry and joy right along with them.  And guess what happens?  They are accepted into the … Continue reading

Posted in books, Early Education, Jim Trelease, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 76 Comments

Book Bears, and Reading Aloud

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

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”

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

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

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