A little background on 'Shared Reading'

Okay, it's been awhile since I blogged about anything. I think my brain needed a break after writing my Thesis. While I am in love with my paper and loved the process, it was hard work. Since finishing my Masters Degree I have been antsy to get back into writing and missing my classwork (yes, it's true!). So, I am hoping to get back to blogging as my creative and intellectual outlet.

I hope to get back in the swing of things again by writing a group of posts on 'Shared Reading': what it is, why it is important, etc.
So here goes-
What exactly is shared reading?? Let me begin by telling you what I define as shared reading (so you can understand my context). When I discuss shared reading in this post I am referring to shared parent-child reading. Some may call it 'lap reading'. Either way, it is a time when a parent or caregiver can sit down with a child and engage in reading a book together.

Shared reading also has it's place in the classroom. During shared reading at school your child may read a big-book along with the class, may choral read (everyone reads all together), echo read (one reader echos the other), whisper read (one reader reads out loud while the other whispers), or fill-in-the-gap read (the reader stops and has other readers fill in words). It could also mean taking turns reading text. All of these techniques are meant to model and resemble 'lap reading'. 

If teachers are modeling this type of reading, making it possible (in some form) in the classroom and extending it throughout the elementary years than there must be something to shared reading, right?!?

Well...there is!

Shared reading is great for many reasons. Here are a few:

• The act of shared reading helps to create a healthy attachment and security with the caregiver or parent
• During shared reading adults model reading skills to children (skills such as: fluency (how 'fluid' you sound when you read), intonation, re-reading, tracking print from left to right)
• Shared reading helps children learn that reading is something that you can do with other people
• Shared reading is an enjoyable experience, helping children to have a positive feeling towards reading
• Children hear lots of language during shared reading which will in turn help them learn the language and then read it later
• Shared reading is something you can do with children of all ages (they don't necessarily have to sit in your lap!) With older children try reading a chapter book, magazine, or poetry together.
• Shared reading can help struggling readers become more confident in themselves as readers

This is just an introduction to the topic, which I hope to expand upon in future posts.
Now I've given you plenty of reasons to read at home with your little (or not-so-little) ones!!!

Next to come...
Ideal books for shared reading
Techniques for shared reading
Personal stories of shared reading experiences
...and more!!!

What to do when you are at home with a Toddler???

I found a couple of great blogs  I would like to share.
The first is called Toddler at Play! Here you will find some great ideas for fun learning experiences you can engage in with your toddler. All with minimal materials and minimal cost.

I also found a great website, Teaching Treasures where you can purchase hand-made literacy bags. Literacy bags usually contain a book, stuffed animal (or character), and activities that go along with the story. You can make them yourself, but at this site they have done the work for you! These bags are a great way to engage in stories with your little ones, and spend some quality time with books. 

I know I have felt a little disengaged lately...due in part to the fact that I am finishing up my Masters Degree, and writing my Thesis. I needed a little inspiration!

Enjoy! 

How can you make a difference?

How can you make a difference?

Rosemary Peterson is a bus driver in Florida. She challenges the students on her bus to read books, write reports, and then turn them in for prizes. 

Not only is she motivating them to read, but I am sure they are also learning a valuable lesson in how to use their time wisely. Can you imagine how enjoyable a ride to school would be with a bus full of readers?! (I know that's not what my bus rides were like!)

Be sure to watch the video [from nbc's Nightly News with Brian Williams (who is awesome, might I add!)] You've got to hear the story straight from the source.

         

The question is this: "Ms.Kookyi" is making a difference. What can YOU do?

Earth Day Read-Alouds

This Thursday, April 22nd is Earth Day. How about some great children's books to help you celebrate our beautiful Earth! Not only can you read these books on Earth Day, but they can help you to build awareness with your children all year round!

We Planted a Tree

This book is written with engaging, almost musical text which makes it great for read-alouds. The illustrations are cartoon-like which makes them fun and different for kids to explore. While reading this book you will go on a trip around the world while learning about why trees are so important!

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

This book is written on 100% recycled paper (naturally!) and gives kids ideas of practical things they can do to help the world (saving energy by turning appliances off, using both sides of the paper when writing, etc.). This book helps to jump start conversations with your kids and gets them thinking about what they use. 

Compost Stew

As if the title isn't creative enough?!  This book is written with rhyming text which is fun for children to listen to, and the best part- they'll learn a little about composting while listening! If you or your children are interested in composting this book is a fun way to get started on the project together.

My Garden

The author, Kevin Henkes (Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Chrysanthemum) writes great children's books! Here is a book about the garden a little girl imagines...one with jelly bean bushes and chocolate rabbits. Read this book and while you are gardening together, you can also imagine together!

Wiggling Worms at Work

The 'Let's Read and Find Out Science' books are great non-fiction resources. This book is all about Earthworms and their job of keeping our soil healthy. Earthworms are hard workers! The illustrations are great, although I would pair this book with one that contains actual photographs. 

Such as...Earthworms

This is another great non-fiction book, however this one includes actual photographs of Earthworms! Boys will especially LOVE this book! Watch out, because soon you will have your little one digging for worms-and proudly bringing them to you for a closer look!

Happy Reading, and Happy Earth Day!

**Check out these Websites for more information about Earth Day: http://www.epa.gov/earthday/
                                                                                                     http://pbskids.org/games/earthday.html

The power of reading...

A friend of mine sent me a link to this article that was published in the New York Times. It truly explains the power of reading, and how reading with your children can build lasting memories.

Click on the link below to read the article...
A Father-Daughter Bond, Page by Page by Michael Winerip (March 18, 2010)


Hopefully this is inspiring!!

Spring is near!!

We can finally spend some time outside!! We have already been to the zoo, the park, and taken a few walks. Can you tell G and I have a major case of cabin fever?!?

I am very excited to check out a new book by my favorite author/illustrator- Jan Brett.

The Easter Egg is a story about a bunny named Hoppi (naturally!) and his quest to create the best Easter Egg. If he can win he will be lucky enough to help the Easter Bunny deliver all the eggs.This proves harder than he thought and Hoppi becomes discouraged as he compares his ideas to others. Just then he begins to learn a lesson about believing in yourself.
 As usual her illustrations are beautiful, with details that will wow you. (And I just want to squeeze that adorable bunny!)
Go check out The Easter Egg, and while you're at it pick up another of Jan Brett's books!!

Read Across America

Read Across America is a project of the NEA (National Education Association). The purpose of this project is to promote reading and motivation in children across the country. Every year one day is set aside as a special day to celebrate reading in Read Across America Day.
This year's Read Across America Day is Tuesday, March 2nd. This date coincides with the the birthday of acclaimed children's book author, Dr. Seuss!! Because of his devotion to write stories that would engage and excite young readers the annual Read Across America Day honors Dr. Seuss (a.k.a.: Theodor Seuss Geisel)

On March 2nd pledge to celebrate reading with your child in a special way. Maybe you will read a variety of Dr. Seuss books together in honor of the day, visit a local bookstore to get some new titles, or create your own 'Cat in the Hat' striped hat!
Here are some links with a few ideas for how you and your family can celebrate:

The Dr. Seuss Official Site: http://www.seussville.com/
 Reading Rockets: http://www.readingrockets.org/


Bartholemew and the Oobleck: After reading reading the book, find a lesson here to make your own oobleck! (Thanks to Kinderteacher- this site is great!!)


I could go on and on about why I love Dr. Seuss books! They are great for young readers for so many reasons. First, being able to hear and identify rhyme is an important pre-reading skill. Secondly, they are fun! Dr. Seuss truly plays with words and shows off the wonder of language. Here are just SOME of my favorite Seuss books for little readers!!

 One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish

    Green eggs and ham

   The foot book

    The Cat in the Hat

    Hop on Pop






However you decide to celebrate, make sure to spend some extra time reading with your child on March 2nd!!!
Happy Reading!

Painting with Pudding

This post doesn't have so much to do with reading, but I had an idea I just had to share. I would like to say that teachers are by nature, very 'creative' when it comes to re-purposing items. We have to be! It isn't a class we take in college- but, I guess maybe it should be...
Yesterday we were painting with pudding, and I had a great idea: silicone (cooking/baking) brushes make MUCH better paint brushes!! They have big handles so they are easy to manipulate for little hands, and they are soooo much easier to wash!

At first G wasn't too sure about touching the pudding...but once I put the brush out there she was MUCH more willing.
(Or just more willing to eat it!)
                                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                              
    
    
                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                

..but then she really started to have fun!

...and really started to make a mess!




Painting with pudding is great for Toddlers. Once I put the 'pudding paint' on the paper she put her finger in it, and the finger went straight to the mouth. I realize that this means later I will have to teach her that paint is not typically to be eaten, but hopefully by then I will be able to reason with her (which is one thing I cannot do right now!)


So, try finger painting with pudding! And, use silicone brushes! They will make your life easier!

Jan Brett

In my previous post I mentioned my favorite children's book author/illustrator Jan Brett. One of the reasons I love her so much is that she has an amazing website FULL of resources. She has even posted videos of how she illustrates and creates her books. My students loved to watch these videos! Not only is she very talented, she just seems like a genuinely nice person!

So, check out Jan Brett's website!

Books for your little love bug!

 Well, it seems as though we are going to be snowed in again today! We have been busy making Valentines for family members which has left Miss G with bright pink fingers. So much for washable ink!
I wanted to share a couple of my favorite Valentine's Day books. There are tons-but for the sake of having somewhere to start and not becoming totally engrossed with blogging when I should be momming, I am going to share just a few!

The Valentine Bears
(Ages 4-8) This book is a classic! So classic in fact that it was one of my husband's favorites when he was younger. This book is a great read-aloud. (And, the illustrator- Jan Brett- is one of my favorite children's book author/illustrators of all time!)



How Do I Love You?
(Ages 4-8) This book has rhyming text, which G seems to prefer. This was the book I bought her for her first Valentine's day last year. This book is a great read-aloud and I really enjoy the illustrations.This book is simple enough for young children to be able to memorize and 'read' on their own.



I Love You Through and Through
(Ages 4-8) This book is very similar to How Do I Love You?, but the main character is a little boy. This book is written with rhyming text as well, which makes it a great read-aloud and predictable for little listeners.





Fancy Nancy Heart to Heart
(Ages 4-8) I absolutely love anything Fancy Nancy! Usually I am not a fan of books that also have stickers or other extraneous (that's another word for 'extra') things- but Fancy Nancy is too fabulous to pass up! This is one in a series of books about an adorable, authentic little girl. They are all great read-alouds with 'fancy' words and bright illustrations.




Valentine's Day Is...
(Ages 4-8) Gail Gibbons writes mostly non-fiction books on a variety of topics. This one in particular goes into the history of Valentine's Day. It is a bit wordy for a read-aloud with young children, but is engaging for school-aged kids. When I need a non-fiction book that is written in story form  Gail Gibbons is my go-to author.




Where is Baby's Valentine?
(Baby-Preschool) Karen Katz writes great books for infants and toddlers. Most of her books are interactive- this one is a lift the flap book. The illustrations are interesting for little ones, but not over-stimulating. If you have a toddler, build a library of Karen Katz books!


How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
(Ages 4-8) Miss G absolutely loves the 'How do Dinosaurs...' books! They are written with rhyming text and Mark Teague's illustrations are simple and engaging- even for little ones. These books also usually teach a lesson on good manners, too. Bonus!!




**Have you noticed that most of these books are recommended ages 4-8? That is pretty much the standard for all paperback picture books. Most paperbacks are appropriate for read-alouds, just check the amount of text on each page. If there is too much, it won't hold your young child's interest. (Looking at the font size is a good, quick indicator!)

So, it is virtually impossible for me to stop there- but I am going to have to. I could go on and on!! I hope you enjoy these ideas for your little valentine. Consider buying a book (preferably from a small independent bookstore) for your child this year to show how much you love them!!!

Books that make you go hmmm...

Hello everyone!  I hope that you will help me to make this blog a true community by participating and commenting!

Last week a group of moms got together to discuss some relevant topics, enjoy some time out, and I can't forget... some much-needed caffeine!

During our meeting time I noticed that a few of the moms mentioned books they were reading (that related to parenting) that they have really enjoyed. I thought this would be perfect information to share with each other. If you are visual (like me) it helps to have a list of books that you can refer to rather than try to remember titles. Besides, we all have enough to remember!

So, post your favorite titles here...and add a description if you would like!