Mid Month Must Read

It has been too long since I've written a blog post.  Here you will see the main reason I keep so busy.  My daughter, Emma Rebekah, is the joy of my life.   

She is now three months old.  It has been amazing to see how she has changed and developed during these first few months.  It's truly miraculous. 

 Thinking about moms and children led me to make  one of my favorite books 

Mama Cat Has Three Kittens by Denise Fleming my "Mid Month Must Read".

The story is ideal for young children because it has a simple plot and only a few words per page.  The pictures are fabulous and as children view the pictures and hear the story, they will learn new vocabulary. They will also find the pattern or the repetitive phrase on each page and will enjoy repeating it with you as you read the story aloud. 

I created  a simple story basket by ordering these adorable beanie baby cats on Amazon.  I was able to match the exact colors of the cats with those found in the book.  How fun!!  Your children or students will LOVE using the kittens to retell the story.  It's also a perfect story to act out with your children or students (without props).  

No matter how you use the book, it will soon be a favorite!

Mid Month MUST Read

Children naturally learn about the concepts of friendship and kindness during the month of February.  Valentine's Day gives the opportunity to talk to children about how to be a good friend and how it feels to receive a valentine and/or hug.  

Heartprints by P.K. Hallinan explores how children can leave "heartprints" by doing something kind to the people around them.  

Reading aloud a story and asking questions based on what is happening in the text allows an adult to have a rich dialogue with a child.  

Here is an excerpt from the book Heartprints...

Here are a few examples of questions you can ask as you read the book:

• How do you feel when someone smiles at you?
• How can you help a friend?  How can you help mommy or daddy today?
• When has a friend helped you?  When has mommy or daddy helped you?
• How do you feel when you get a gift?
• How could you share with your friend at school?  How could you share with your brother or sister at home?
• How do you know someone is sad?
• How could you make someone happy who is feeling sad?