How to Select a Read Aloud

A few weeks ago, I posted a video with tips for raising readers. One of my biggest tips was to read aloud to your children, and I shared a few resources to help you learn more! If you missed it, you can catch it here!

Today, I want to go a little more in-depth with some tips to help you choose a great read-aloud. 

Make sure you stop by my Usborne Books Website, on your quest to find great read-alouds!
And, once again, here are some links to my favorite resources on reading aloud: 
The Read Aloud Handbook by John Trelease Reading Magic by Mem Fox The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma

The Link Between Bedside Lamps and Reading Fluency

Recently, I’ve been reading The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. Regarded as a classic by millions of parents and educators, this book is proving to be an invaluable resource as I continue on my personal mission to make a difference in the literacy crisis we are facing as Americans. Today, I wanted to share one of the amazing tips that I learned, and explain why I believe we all need to institute this tip in our homes immediately! :)

Here’s the tip, as written by Trelease:

“If you wish to raise a reader, the first order of business is to go out and buy [a bed lamp]. Install it, and say to your child: ‘We think you’re old enough now to stay up later at night and read in bed like Mom and Dad. So we bought this little lamp and we’re going to leave it on an extra fifteen minutes [or longer depending on the age of the child] if you want to read in bed. On the other hand, if you don’t want to read- that’s okay, too. We’ll just turn off the lamp at the same old time.’ Most children will do anything in order to stay up later – even read.”

He goes on later to indicate that even the youngest children, who still struggle with reading independently can enjoy this free reading time, as they flip through picture books, examining the pictures and gazing over the words. Older children might choose “fluffy” or “light” books to read during this time, but that’s acceptable, too. The point of this activity is to develop a consistent habit of enjoying books. There will be time for reading challenging stories and classics later, once their passion for reading has been cultivated.

I love this idea for SO many reasons, but primarily because it entices children to read without forcing the issue. While children read and enjoy the instant “reward” of staying up later, they are also building their reading stamina, developing fluency, and learning to think of reading as an enjoyable and relaxing activity.

Furthermore, I like the break that it gives children from the constant influx of electronic media. Many studies have showed that the glare of a screen (be it a television, phone, or tablet) before bed can disrupt sleep patterns. Books provide an easy way for young minds to “detox” before sleep.

I hope that you will consider instituting a ritual of bedtime reading with your children. Whether you find a spare lamp and a favorite book, or make it a special occasion by going out to buy a new lamp and book with your child, make a choice to develop a habit of reading for enjoyment within your family. Start today!

Cupcake Papers & Owl Moon

I'm so excited to be linking up with Life Over C's for a fun post series on Learning with Your Craft Stash! Today, we are discussing cupcake liners, and I have a cute craft to go along with one of my favorite children's books, Owl Moon! Keep scrolling after the photos and directions for more coordinating learning activities!

Follow the picture above to fold your cupcake liner and form the owl's body. Then, trace around a bottle cap and cut out two white circles for eyes. (Get those fine motor skills working!) Add a snip of orange paper for a beak. If you wish, you can use a piece of chalk to decorate your background paper with "stars." 
You can sneak in some math skills with this craft, too! If you create multiple owls, practice skip counting their eyes by twos, and practice addition skills while adding "stars."

Make sure you check out some of these links for more ideas for your study of owls and Owl Moon:
- Preschool Owl Moon printables at Wildflower Ramblings
- Elementary Owl Moon printables at Wildflower Ramblings
- Owl Videos from WatchKnowLearn
- Owl Coloring Page from Dover Publications
- Owl Moon Lesson Plans from Scholastic
- Owl Patterning activity from Classroom Freebies
Don't forget to stop by Life Over C's to find more activities using cupcake liners and other art supplies in her Learning with Your Craft Stash linky!

Book Talk Tuesday: Pippi Longstocking

Today is Tuesday, and that means it's time to link-up with Mrs. Jump's Class for another fabulous Book Talk Tuesday! This week, I'm sharing one of my absolute favorite books for the elementary crowd... Pippi Longstocking. 
NOW... I know that this isn't a new book. In fact, it's probably a book that you've all read at least once in your life. I wanted to share it anyway, partly because it's a GREAT summer read that can spark all sorts of super, silly, summer-y fun! More than that, though, I appreciate all of the opportunities that Pippi provides to discuss manners, safety, the importance of friends and family, different cultures, the importance of not telling lies, creative storytelling... 
Oh, I could go on, and on, and on!
Anyway, here are a few of my favorite activities to go along with Pippi Longstocking - one for each chapter of the book! Here's to a summer full of fun! :)

Chapter 1 - Make a Pippi collage! Carefully read the description of Pippi included in this chapter, then create a picture of her using scraps of paper, fabric, and/or bits of pictures from magazines and newspapers.
Chapter 2 - Become a "Thing-Finder!" Gather some assorted household objects in a bag or basket. Take turns coming up with alternate uses for each object.
Chapter 3 - Play a good old-fashioned game of freeze tag, or try making pepparkakor. 
Chapter 4 - Use sidewalk chalk to draw life-size creatures on your sidewalk or driveway.
Chapter 5 - Climb a tree, or play hide-and-seek - preferably inside your house and not inside a tree like Pippi. ;)
Chapter 6 - Pack a basket and go on a picnic!
Chapter 7 - Go to the circus if there's one in town. Otherwise, watch YouTube videos of a circus, or create your own silly circus with friends and pets!
Chapter 8 - Attempt "playing the comb" with a plastic comb and some wax paper. Can you make music? Check out YouTube for some tutorials.
Chapter 9 - Plan some simple refreshments, dress up, and throw a "coffee party" or a tea party.
Chapter 10 - Grab some rope or cord, and learn to tie different knots. You never know when this skill might come in handy!
Chapter 11 - Make up silly ghost stories around a campfire - or in the comfort of your home with flashlights. 

Do you know of any other children's literature that sparks good old-fashioned summer fun? Leave a comment and let me know!
{P.S. If you liked these ideas, please consider checking out my literature guide for Pippi Longstocking, which is published by Knowledge Box Central. It is also available through Christian Book Distributors or Rainbow Resources. Thanks!}

Book Talk Tuesday: The Oak Inside the Acorn

The Oak Inside the Acorn is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite children's books. Published in 2011, it's one of Max Lucado's more recent books, and is the parable form of his book Cure for the Common Life. I love this book because it conveys a wonderful and timely message for today:

God made one version of you, so be the best you that you can be.
Isn't that a message we need to hear?
The story starts out with Little Acorn, who is afraid to let go of Mother Oak. It's hard for him to believe that he can ever be a big, strong oak tree. Then, one day, a bump sends him on an exciting journey.
Without revealing too much of the story, Little Acorn's journey is echoed by that of Little Girl. By the end of the story, there is no doubting the lesson: we were made to grow up and be the people that God made us to be!
When I taught at the local Christian school, I read this sweet story to my class at the end of the year. :) I've also read it to my co-op classes, and have read it to myself too many times to count, but I still become a tearful mess at the end of the story... each... and... every... time!
So, grab a box of tissues and read this sweet story for yourself. :) 

P.S. I'm linking this post up with Book Talk Tuesday at Mrs. Jump's Class. Hop on over to see some other great recommendations for children's books!