“The best way to cultivate their tastes is to read to them, starting at birth and keeping on and on. ‘Let me hear you read it’ is a test. ‘Let me read it to you.’ is a gift. So…read to them, read to them, read to them. For if we are careless in the […]
Read moreI am always on the look out for a Read Together Book. A Read Together Book is one that a new reader can read almost independently. Snuggled up with a grown up (or big sister!), Katherine can read these type of books and feel so proud of herself as a reader when she is done. […]
Read moreSometimes all the information keeps pointing in the same direction. Last week, I wrote about the ridiculous discrepency between teacher salaries and those of professional baseball players. Then I spent tons and tons of time this weekend preparing for a day of professional development that I will be conducting later this week. When I figured out […]
Read moreToday I learned two things: 1. I would be paid $85 per day (before taxes) if I were to become a substitute teacher at the girl’s elementary school. 2. Albert Pujols will sign with the Los Angeles Angels for ten years and $254 million dollars. He will make over $150, 000 per game. Enough said.
Read moreI go to our local library nearly everyday. I browse the shelves or pick up books I reserve through our inter-library loan system. Sometimes I become self-conscious and worry that the librarians think I have too much free time on my hands. I will tell them how much Caroline is reading right now. How I […]
Read moreI couldn’t agree with these canines more. Interestingly, I remember liking homework as a child. This is interesting because I hate it as a parent. I find myself questioning the meaningfulness of tired children trudging through assignments that often seem to lack meaning. I also believe that homework should reflect a child’s knowledge of the […]
Read moreI love the blogosphere for so many reasons. One such reason is the monthly post titled, Roundup of Children’s Literacy and Reading News written by three incredibly talented women; Jen from Jen Robinson’s Book Page, Terry from the Family Bookshelf and Carol from Rasco for RIF. This month’s post can (and should!) be found here. While […]
Read moreThis weekend was filled with Christmas preparations. From the downtown tree lighting, to Christmas tree picking, to visits to Santa to house decorations… But it was also filled with questions about traditions, religions and symbols. While trying to process it all, Katherine formed a question that I think sums up how confusing the over-commercialized […]
Read moreI have been asked again and again if I tutor children in reading. I have in the past but had been taking a break from this work. Then, last week, I was asked again and I decided it was time. Apparently, there is a huge need and I have the skills so it just seemed […]
Read moreI have written recently about the realization that my girls have different likes and dislikes. I have always acknowledged the huge differences in their personalities but somehow I managed to assume they would be the same type of reader and learner. Fortunately, they are both strong enough to point out these differences. Just a […]
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