our easy, homemade art book: keep artwork organized!
This blog post was originally published on April 11, 2010, but we’re republishing it because it’s a great addition to our #livefocused …
read-aloud learning
best books as gifts for kids and family
I am so embarrassed about this, but I’ve talked about doing a post like this for years.
I think I’ve even promised one the week after each …
a must-read for raising confident kids: ‘God Made Light’
As parents, one of the things that we want most for our kids is that they grow to be happy, healthy, and confident adults.
And …
what to do when your kid just doesn’t ‘get it’
I admit that I am the absolute worst with emails. The worst.
But I’m trying to be better.
I’ve got thousands of …
understanding italics in fiction: text features and meaning
I’ve always tried to make a big deal about certain text features when we see them in fiction that we’re …
nighttime reading with elementary schoolers: make it a date
We’re back in business.
School’s in session, and we’re all slowly but surely trying our best to adjust to our new fall …
what to say when kids make reading mistakes
originally published on 8/5/10 but sharing again because we all need these refreshers. . .
So what should you say when a child makes mistake …
nonfiction reading in the summer: our must-have picks
I’ve said this before: June and July are crazy for us with our busy swim and dive schedules.
So honestly, any downtime my kids can get, …
getting kids to love reading with a literacy club: LITClub
This post about getting reluctant readers to love reading is written by Ali Dent of Courage on the Edge of Tomorrow.
Thank you, Ali, for this …
the ONLY thing parents need to know during read-alouds
What should parents know about read-alouds?
What must every read-aloud have?
Should parents memorize a list of strategies, techniques, or questions? …
money poems, money songs: fun ways to teach kids about money
originally published on 5.14.10
Maddy’s been learning about money in school. Pennies, nickels, dimes–and she’s been …
early literacy game for kids: read a word, build a snowman
originally published December 20, 2009
We have had a ton of snow dropped on us in the last two days; clearly, my kiddos have snow on the brain.
So I …
10 must-read multicultural children’s books
Today is Multicultural Children’s Book Day, and we are celebrating diversity in children’s literature!
Woo-hoo! You …
summarizing: at-home practice of a super-important reading skill
The other day, Maddy came home with not necessarily a homework assignment but a challenge from her fourth grade teacher: find the story …
books as gifts: holiday ideas for kids
For any occasion, books are my go-to gift.
From baby showers to birthdays, graduations from preschool or highschool, for well-wishing …
holiday baking with kids eBook: 15 kid-friendly, family-favorite recipes and treats
It’s no secret that I am a crazy huge fan of getting kids in the kitchen.
Early and often, let’s tie those aprons onto our …
important early literacy terms that every parent needs to know
Originally posted on ABC & 123, 4/05/10 & on teachmama.com on 5/10/10. Sharing again because. . . well, it’s totally worth your …
tips and tricks for teaching emergent readers (with free printable early reader books!)
The following guest post is written by the incredibly talented (and busy!) Anna of The Measured Mom. Anna is a former classroom teacher, currently a …
5 great reasons to read words OUT of context
The following guest post is written by Becky Spence of This Reading Mama. Becky is a busy homeschooling mama of four littles, and she constantly …
street signs for early literacy and math skill building
I’ve shared time and again the importance of using what is around you–environmental print–for early literacy and math …