Because this blog is all really about our children, I'm adding this bit about a beautiful new book of knitted toys by Susan B. Anderson.
April 6, 2013
April 1, 2013
Mo Willems' Pigeon: Years in print = 10 Buses driven = 0
Mo Willems' beloved Pigeon turns 10 years old ! It's hard to believe the Pigeon has been trying to drive the bus this long, but it's true! And to celebrate Hyperion, the publisher of Willems' books, has put together
a free package of activities. It includes step-by-step directions on how to draw Pigeon, Pigeon finger puppets, and more. All together there are 21 pages of Pigeon party ideas! Great for a book store or class/school parties, or homeschool celebrations. Just click on the link below and download the free packet. Kids love the Pigeon.
Pigeon Celebration
Pigeon Celebration
March 14, 2013
Young Love & a Young Writer's Sad Ending
Before I get to the part that relates to the title of this blog, I must (tell you more about that part later) write about an important first. Now this can be any first in my life so what to blog about? How about special needs kids and how I came to be a teacher? Ok, that is a milestone in my life and thirty years later I am still working with kids so here it is.
It was a typical Friday night in the middle class New Jersey town I grew up in. After going to the movies with my best friend (and the rest of the small town) and after ice cream cones at the local Friendy's (also with the rest of the small town), we went to her house for a sleep over. As we were getting ready for bed, she reminded me that we had to get up early the next morning as she had volunteered to help out at the Special Olympics held on the field at our high school. I love sleeping in, but the event sounded interesting so I went along.
My job was to be a Hugger. This is a person who stands at the finishing line of a race and hugs the kids so they know when to stop running. What a great job! I loved every minute I spent with those special kids and decided to study special education in college so I could spend more time around them. This life-changing event still has meaning for me.
Now for the second part of the blog and an explanation of the title. Reading the news about a Young Adult book soon to be published, I came across this post:
Poison is the new novel by Bridget Zinn. This new & wonderful author, however, is not here to see her book get published. Bridget passed away at the age of 33 due to cancer. Her husband is on a mission to get her book into the hands of young readers and I'd like to help.
Go to Bridget's blog to read more about this funny and sweet book:
http://bridgetzinn.com/
Then come back here and post a comment. Perhaps you'd like to share something about the first book that made a difference in your life? Please spread the word about ........
It was a typical Friday night in the middle class New Jersey town I grew up in. After going to the movies with my best friend (and the rest of the small town) and after ice cream cones at the local Friendy's (also with the rest of the small town), we went to her house for a sleep over. As we were getting ready for bed, she reminded me that we had to get up early the next morning as she had volunteered to help out at the Special Olympics held on the field at our high school. I love sleeping in, but the event sounded interesting so I went along.
My job was to be a Hugger. This is a person who stands at the finishing line of a race and hugs the kids so they know when to stop running. What a great job! I loved every minute I spent with those special kids and decided to study special education in college so I could spend more time around them. This life-changing event still has meaning for me.
Now for the second part of the blog and an explanation of the title. Reading the news about a Young Adult book soon to be published, I came across this post:
Could you do something sweet for Poison?
Poison is the new novel by Bridget Zinn. This new & wonderful author, however, is not here to see her book get published. Bridget passed away at the age of 33 due to cancer. Her husband is on a mission to get her book into the hands of young readers and I'd like to help.
Go to Bridget's blog to read more about this funny and sweet book:
http://bridgetzinn.com/
Then come back here and post a comment. Perhaps you'd like to share something about the first book that made a difference in your life? Please spread the word about ........
Poison
Bridget's Web page has lots of ideas on how to share this new, exciting book! Everyone can help!
Thank you,
Gail
March 2, 2013
The Hungry Caterpillar- A Favorite Book
One Sunday morning a little caterpillar hatches from an egg and begins eating his way through the week. The Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is one of my favorite books, one of my daughter's favorite books, and our favorite picture book author. Besides the fact that this book, like many of Carle's teaches your child important concepts such as the days of the week and how junk food can give you a belly ache, the book is just plain fun! Eric Carle refers to the book as " A book of hope". It has been translated in over 40 languages and has endured for 40 years. Amazon,com even has a free video of Carle taking about the anniversary of his book as well as pages dedicated just to Carle's books http://www.amazon.com/Eric-Carle/e/B000APAFUA/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
This is the kind of book you want to own. There are many versions of it: big books teachers use in classrooms, board books for little hands that may tear pages, hardcovers that make a nice gift, and audible downloads for the kid on the go. The book also comes in Spanish, La oruga muy hambrienta, for my Spanish speaking readers, but also for children learning the language.
I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Eric Carle in person one sunny afternoon. The beloved author was signing books at a local bookstore, a real bookstore. One of those stores that is owned by real people, a local husband and wife team who were teachers. Their store was in a refurbished barn that was charming and fun to shop and browse about. I had to leave work early to ensure I arrived in time to meet Carle as well has have him sign the pile of his books my daughter owned.
It is always a good idea to build on the reading experiences you and your children share. You can watch your own caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies by ordering from Insectlore.com which sells kits for around $20.00. Or take a walk outside and look for caterpillars and butterflies. When you return to the house draw what you and your child observed. Better yet, recreate the process Carle uses by tearing different colors of tissue paper into little pieces. Then use the pieces to make your own butterflies. There is a very nice DVD of the author/illustrator in his studio called Eric Carle: Picture Writer. Available on Amazon, but way too pricey, almost $70, you would be better off looking for it on an auction site such as eBay. In it, Carle discusses his art and ideas, answers letters he has received over the years from his young fans, and (the best part!) reads aloud from his books!
Buy Books at Amazon
This is the kind of book you want to own. There are many versions of it: big books teachers use in classrooms, board books for little hands that may tear pages, hardcovers that make a nice gift, and audible downloads for the kid on the go. The book also comes in Spanish, La oruga muy hambrienta, for my Spanish speaking readers, but also for children learning the language.
I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Eric Carle in person one sunny afternoon. The beloved author was signing books at a local bookstore, a real bookstore. One of those stores that is owned by real people, a local husband and wife team who were teachers. Their store was in a refurbished barn that was charming and fun to shop and browse about. I had to leave work early to ensure I arrived in time to meet Carle as well has have him sign the pile of his books my daughter owned.
It is always a good idea to build on the reading experiences you and your children share. You can watch your own caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies by ordering from Insectlore.com which sells kits for around $20.00. Or take a walk outside and look for caterpillars and butterflies. When you return to the house draw what you and your child observed. Better yet, recreate the process Carle uses by tearing different colors of tissue paper into little pieces. Then use the pieces to make your own butterflies. There is a very nice DVD of the author/illustrator in his studio called Eric Carle: Picture Writer. Available on Amazon, but way too pricey, almost $70, you would be better off looking for it on an auction site such as eBay. In it, Carle discusses his art and ideas, answers letters he has received over the years from his young fans, and (the best part!) reads aloud from his books!
Buy Books at Amazon
February 28, 2013
Helping Struggling Readers
I've struggled for a while, ok a really, really long while, about what to put on this blog that will make a difference for kids. Should I gear my posts towards teachers, librarians, school administrators, politicians, or parents? Not only did making this decision delay another post, but
thinking about what I could say that would initiate meaningful change had me losing sleep.
I love being a teacher and parent. I love teaching kids to read. I love books. I love making a difference in the lives of kids. I am aware that is a lot of love, but what should I do with it?
I can teach a child to read, but that presupposes that children come to school with quite a bit
of learning already under their belt. Perhaps that is the place to begin the work. Sharing with parents
what must happen from birth through 5 years old so that their child can become part of the world of books. What do you think? Where should this blog go that would be most useful?
thinking about what I could say that would initiate meaningful change had me losing sleep.
I love being a teacher and parent. I love teaching kids to read. I love books. I love making a difference in the lives of kids. I am aware that is a lot of love, but what should I do with it?
I can teach a child to read, but that presupposes that children come to school with quite a bit
of learning already under their belt. Perhaps that is the place to begin the work. Sharing with parents
what must happen from birth through 5 years old so that their child can become part of the world of books. What do you think? Where should this blog go that would be most useful?
December 10, 2009
December 9, 2009
WHAT ARE YOU "SAYING" TO YOUR CHILD ?
There are many, many books that become a part of your life. I remember my Mother reading Peter Rabbit by Beatrice Potter to me as a very young child. Years later I would choose Potter's characters to decorate my daughter's nursery. Her books represent a warm and loving feeling to me and I wanted to share that with my new baby.
I also began collecting first edition children books for my daughter. The first book I purchased was (no surprise) Peter Rabbit! As my daughter grew, the books we shared with her grew as well. Her collection of first editions and books signed by the authors and illustrators grew so much so that we had to purchase three large book cases just for her bedroom. Almost twenty years later, my daughter reveres those books, but she also holds close to her heart the time we spent together reading, talking, and collecting books.
How do you make the world of books accessible to your child? Is the TV on all day long or do you turn it off and read together every night? Your actions speak loudly to your children so be careful what you are "saying". By making books and learning an everyday part of your family life you are "saying" many, many positive things.
I also began collecting first edition children books for my daughter. The first book I purchased was (no surprise) Peter Rabbit! As my daughter grew, the books we shared with her grew as well. Her collection of first editions and books signed by the authors and illustrators grew so much so that we had to purchase three large book cases just for her bedroom. Almost twenty years later, my daughter reveres those books, but she also holds close to her heart the time we spent together reading, talking, and collecting books.
How do you make the world of books accessible to your child? Is the TV on all day long or do you turn it off and read together every night? Your actions speak loudly to your children so be careful what you are "saying". By making books and learning an everyday part of your family life you are "saying" many, many positive things.
- You are saying.... books are fun!
- You are saying.... you are special to me because I spend time reading and talking with you every day!
- You are saying.... I care about you because I turn off the TV and give you my full attention, during my busy day, for at least fifteen minutes every night!
- You are saying.... we are going to read and talk about great books to build your vocabulary in order for you to read well, write well, and speak well!
- You are saying.... I will spend our money on books and word games because I want you to be successful in school and beyond!
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