word a day: creating word conscious, word happy kids Our very first day of the Smart Summer Challenge found us lazying around at home because Owen returned from swim and dive feeling really under the …Read moreword a day: creating word conscious, word happy kids
learning during read-alouds: 5 things never to say to emerging readers Sometimes it’s very easy for teachers and parents to feel impatient with emerging readers. It’s hard to listen to kids sound out every …Read morelearning during read-alouds: 5 things never to say to emerging readers
summertime learning eBook: free and filled with fun ideas! I am beyond excited to share the news of a project that’s been consuming my life for the last two weeks (hence, the few blog posts over here. . …Read moresummertime learning eBook: free and filled with fun ideas!
learning during read-alouds: activating schema According to Rachel and Mary Gabriel, the “schema theory tells us that prior knowledge is essential for comprehension of new knowledge and that …Read morelearning during read-alouds: activating schema
learning during read-alouds: making connections My kiddos are huge fans of popping pop beads, stringing beads, connecting nuts and bolts, and just sticking things together. Not only are these …Read morelearning during read-alouds: making connections
just 1 book: author Ann Malaspina (& signed book giveaway!) This guest post, by author Ann Malaspina is one of my absolute faves because I found a kindred spirit–another person who loves and was moved by …Read morejust 1 book: author Ann Malaspina (& signed book giveaway!)
learning during read-alouds: word consciousness We shouldn’t try to fill every second of our children’s lives with learning and lessons. Our kiddos really do need time for free play …Read morelearning during read-alouds: word consciousness
making connections with nonfiction texts (and our new turtle friend) Between the insane weather we’ve been experiencing over here (tornadoes! wind gusts! rain, rain, and more rain–and then the next …Read moremaking connections with nonfiction texts (and our new turtle friend)
just 1 book: illustrator ken min (& signed book giveaway!) I’m so excited about this just 1 book post by illustrator Ken Min! Ken is fabulously talented and has his first book, written by F. Zia and …Read morejust 1 book: illustrator ken min (& signed book giveaway!)
wordfeud, words with friends and word-building with kids My game-guy Owen has recently fallen hard for a game I’m currently all wrapped up in–Wordfeud. It’s the same deal (I think) as …Read morewordfeud, words with friends and word-building with kids
learning during read-alouds: visualizing Many of us have taken a moment now and again to encourage our children to find pictures in the sky on a cloudy day, right? No matter if it’s a …Read morelearning during read-alouds: visualizing
word building, name building (and crossing the line) I try really hard to mix things up for Owen and Cora during homework time; some days they just color. Some days they paint. But at least 2-3 times …Read moreword building, name building (and crossing the line)
pow! bam! wow! print referencing and onomatopoeia I’ve said time and time again that read-alouds are an absolutely perfect time for sneaking in some learning with our kiddos, I believe there the …Read morepow! bam! wow! print referencing and onomatopoeia
the gift of reading: finding the ‘gifts’ in any book So many times as busy, rushed parents, we zip through reading books with our kids without really taking a minute to stop and chat about the gifts that …Read morethe gift of reading: finding the ‘gifts’ in any book
celebrate Read Across America Day (with a free book from Readeo!) Happy Read Across America Day! Hopefully you’ll take some time out of the day to share a book (or two) with a loved one, but why not step out …Read morecelebrate Read Across America Day (with a free book from Readeo!)
nfuf: new ‘Cat in the Hat’ epidodes (and big Dr. Seuss giveaway!) Big thanks to all who expressed interest in this giveaway! At this time, the contest is closed. Jessica from NH was chosen by random.org as the …Read morenfuf: new ‘Cat in the Hat’ epidodes (and big Dr. Seuss giveaway!)
just 1 book: Carol Greenwald, WGBH Senior Executive Producer I’m sure you’ve seen Curious George, Arthur, or Martha Speaks on PBS Kids? I mean, who hasn’t?! Well, Carol Greenwald is the Senior …Read morejust 1 book: Carol Greenwald, WGBH Senior Executive Producer
new for us friday: Tangled Tag Book and Explorer Game (& giveaways!) Thank you to all who entered. This giveaway closed 2/25/11; the winners were chosen via random.org and were notified. Thank you!! We …Read morenew for us friday: Tangled Tag Book and Explorer Game (& giveaways!)
quick, sneaky questioning to improve reading comprehension It seems that Maddy’s leveled out a bit with her reading this year. She’s doing great with her …Read morequick, sneaky questioning to improve reading comprehension
just 1 book: author guest post–dawn little (and giveaway!) This ‘just 1 book‘ guest post is long overdue, and I’m so looking forward to sharing. Dawn Little is a fellow Marylander, a teacher …Read morejust 1 book: author guest post–dawn little (and giveaway!)