What Will Your Children Remember?
This time of year the leaves are turning colors, the air is cooling, and we all pause to think about what we are thankful for. I thought about that for a while…not just what I am thankful for but what will my kids and grandkids be thankful for? What will be the things your children […]
What’s the most important reason to read aloud?
A couple of years ago, I read a book by Sarah Mackenzie entitled “The Read Aloud Handbook-Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids” and I wanted to share something with y’all. Mackenzie points out that a lot of time and effort are spent explaining the value of reading, the science of reading, even the […]
Busy! Bedtime! Books!
It’s back to school time! Getting up early, rushing for the bus, new schedules, busy days, getting to bed late…We all know what it’s like when we feel hurried or tired, when the days are swift and beyond our control. It’s the same for children. It is easy to recognize that school-aged children need a […]
Reading Aloud
We talk a lot about reading aloud! We all know how important it is. So we try. Let’s examine a few possible story times that we’ve all had at one time! Story Time #1: It’s quiet. You are sitting calmly with all your children beside you. You’re slowly reading a bedtime story-complete with fantastic voices […]
Is Reading a Book Just Reading a Book?
Books! We’ve shared a few messages now about books-reading aloud with your child, building a home library, using conversation to develop language…. All of those benefits seem to only affect early literacy skills. Right? Don’t judge a book by its cover:) All of those simple, loving interactions are also creating strong bonds between you and your child. […]
The “Big Six” Literacy Skills
We talk a lot about the importance of early literacy, daily book reading, and book sharing routines. But this month, I thought we could ADD to all the “book stuff.” Y’all know how I love books! But I have to admit a little secret…books aren’t the only way to help your child develop early literacy […]
What are your New Year’s resolutions?
January. There’s something special about this month. Everyone is excited about the new year and the new possibilities Many of us decide to face the new year head-on with resolutions about “being better.” The ole “organize my closet with color codes,” “eat a balanced diet,” and “give our children every chance for great futures.” Whew! All […]
What’s the Perfect Gift?
The most wonderful, wintery, wish-filled time of the year!! How many of us are juggling busy schedules, get-togethers, and the ultimate ugly sweaters?! But today, let’s talk about gift-giving. Hmmm…the perfect gift! So elusive! Whether it is made by hand, bought from a store, or acts of service. Whether it is the “latest and greatest” or […]
Ways to Be Thankful
This Thanksgiving season, I was thinking about all the ways my kids and I used to make memories. We would cut out colored leaves, “iron” wax paper placemats, and make cards with what we were thankful for. I thought about that for awhile… Now those dusty memories are coming alive again as I watch my […]
Leaves, Leaves, Leaves!
October. October is for noticing the little things in our lives that make them better. October doesn’t get the fanfare September does with the Back to School bashes. It’s not as revered as November with its traditions. And December is filled with celebrations. October is the perfect time to see the little things. With October […]