Tag Archives: reading aloud

Outstanding Christmas Books

Posted on December 17, 2016 by Jennie

Christmas is about the heart and creating strong, lasting memories.  Good books do just that, especially if the story engages children and adults alike. The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston (1988) is an Appalachian tale of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 25 Comments

Part II: Older Children’s Books and Their Stories

Posted on December 4, 2016 by Jennie

My very first day of teaching was filled with nerves.  There I was, sitting in front of fifteen children, ready to read-aloud a book that was new to me- Swimmy by Leo Lionni.  Thus began my love of children’s books … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Children’s Books: Old Can Be Better

Posted on November 27, 2016 by Jennie

Now that the best new children’s books this year are receiving awards and recognition, I’m excited and scanning the titles for my new favorites.  Besides recognizing the best new books of the year, it’s gift giving time. Nothing beats reading-aloud … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 73 Comments

Emotional Reading Comes First

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Jennie

Reading-aloud is emotional in my classroom.  Thank goodness!  I belt it out, read with a voice, and stop to talk. I cry and laugh, and so do the children.  How best can children learn all that is really important?  With … Continue reading →

Posted in Kindness, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Writing Picture Stories

Posted on November 16, 2016 by Jennie

I have hundreds of photos of children from over the years, yet only one photo is on my desk.  This scene was a party that children wanted because we read books and wrote stories.  They’re all in high school now, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, reading aloud, Uncategorized, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Picture Books, Humor & Vocabulary

Posted on October 26, 2016 by Jennie

Author Ryan T. Higgins is hysterical. I mean unexpected, fall-down-laughing hysterical. His two children’s books are favorites in my classroom.  The storyline is a grumpy old bear who likes eggs, and what happens is imaginative and funny.  I read Mother … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

My First Book Review

Posted on September 24, 2016 by Jennie

I am excited to share with you my book review of Raymie Nightingale my Kate DiCamillo for Read Aloud West Virginia.  Their mission is to promote literacy and motivate children to WANT to read.  This publication is distributed to over 4,000 people.

Posted in Early Education, reading aloud, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 26 Comments

The Best Book, Every Year

Posted on September 17, 2016 by Jennie

“Jennie, is chapter reading over?”  That was Parker’s worrisome question today. He just wasn’t ready to let it go.  “Can we read more?”  Isn’t that question the Brass Ring?  The one that validates not only chapter reading, but one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , | 43 Comments

The Pen is Mighty

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Jennie

Writing is a powerful thing.  And, so is reading.  To my surprise and delight, this is what I received in the mail recently: Yes, it is a postcard from author Kate DiCamillo.  It is even signed, “Your Friend”.  I sent … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 33 Comments

The Greatest Question

Posted on July 29, 2016 by Jennie

“Jennie, tell me all the chapter books.” That was Jackson’s request, profound and unexpected.  This is his whole wide world of reading aloud.  And, this is the greatest question. Jackson and I were on the playground this morning.  He was hot … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Teaching young children, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 35 Comments