Sometimes I think my girls have been handed a script from the great blog writing assistant in the sky. The things that come out of their mouths are just too good. The other day, Katherine spotted the book Here Come the Girl Scouts on my desk. I was planning on using it during an upcoming […]
Read moreI spent a good part of my morning thinking about and talking about the inequity that exists in our public schools. Whenever I have this conversation, I can’t help but think of my favorite Mem Fox quote. “If every parent understood the huge educational benefits and intense happiness brought about by reading aloud to their children, […]
Read moreTonight, I handed Caroline a book and said, “I think you’ll like this series.” She looked confused and said, “I thought you wanted me to stop reading series books.” I understand her confusion. The whole thing confuses me too. Right now Caroline is only reading series books and often only re-reading series books. I like […]
Read moreProfessionally, I am asked over and over again when a child will read. We have become such a competitive society that even non-competitive people seem to put due dates on everything. Including when our children will read. Will she read soon? Isn’t it late? She should be reading by now, right? I often tell the […]
Read moreA few weeks ago, I wrote about many great literacy activities to be found on the iPad. I closed the post saying that I was sure my favorite apps would quickly change and indeed they have. When a good friend asked recently what book apps I would recommend, I became overwhelmed by the choices and it’s […]
Read moreWhen we were at the Met last weekend, the conversation inevitably turned to the classic book of our childhood’s, From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The fifth grade at our school goes to the Met twice a year with our art teacher. As we discussed The Mixed Up Files, she told […]
Read moreDad with Caroline (2003) Dad with Katherine (2006) It was five years ago today that Dad died. Given a six month prognosis, he lived for years, to walk me down the aisle and to hold his two grandbabies. And then he was gone. I’ve been thinking a lot about Dad as we approach this anniversary. Recently, […]
Read moreI really do love book lists. So I decided that this year, I will be better about keeping one of my own. I tend to avoid resolutions because I feel bad when I break them. Therefore, this is an idea, not a resolution. So, if a February book list doesn’t end up anywhere […]
Read moreHave books, will travel… On the way to school yesterday morning, Katherine, her friend Owen and I were stuck in a terrible traffic jam. The kids were doing fine until I said something silly along the lines of, “We have been in this car so long, I feel like we are on a trip!” That […]
Read moreLast year, my friend Nicky and I did not make any friends as we crowded around one particular auction item at our elementary school’s silent auction. The girl’s art teacher had offered a day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with her as a personal tour guide to the top six bidders. As soon as […]
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