Caroline has begun reading on the Kindle. Since I am beginning to think there may actually be such a thing as “too many books” in the house, I am thrilled. I am also using this as an opportunity to steer Caroline away from all her re-reading and continual reading of series-only books. Sure enough though […]
Read moreI have been working hard to take my own medicine this summer. Caroline continues to re-read and re-read and re-read. I would say for every ten books she reads, she’ll throw in one new one. I always talk about the importance of ‘just reading.’ Of letting children decide what to read for pleasure. Of taking […]
Read moreWhile I am all about authentic reading when it comes to improving reading skills, sometimes there’s a place for a game in the mix. Two of my favorite reading games that don’t look like reading games are Blink and Spot It! Both of these games are fast and fun and require a crazy amount of […]
Read moreCaroline turned nine yesterday. It was last year at this time that she physically changed from a playful little girl into the gorgeous big girl she is now. It wasn’t until this summer though that she began to seem big, mature almost. She sits and reads for long, quiet periods of time. She has grown […]
Read moreIt drives me nuts when a book claims to be an ‘easy reader’ and it is truly anything but easy. Based on the rating systems that most publishers use, I am nuts most of the time. I really am bothered by the fact that a new reader can pick up a book marked Level 1 […]
Read moreThe other night, I loved a book because it made me feel like a better mom. Caroline and Katherine had been fighting for days. The two go in phases of loving and hating each other in equal measure. As an only child, I am terribly confused by the whole sibling rivalry thing. I struggle to […]
Read moreI love Read Together books at all times of the year but especially in the summer. As parents fight to avoid the summer slide, sneaking books into the daily routine becomes even more important. I believe though that there is nothing worse than worksheets, workbooks and flashcards during these warm months. Kids should be given […]
Read moreThe other day, I walked in to Katherine’s messy room barely concealing my disgust. Another round of tidying and moving and purging. Katherine is a collector of things big and small. Any drawer, box or bag that you open in her room has a collection of seemingly unrelated things. If you ask her about it […]
Read moreOprah has re-launched her book club with on the best books I’ve read in a long time. Now even though I often found Oprah’s books terribly depressing, I was really excited when I heard the news. I love the buzz that her books get, the recognition, the common language around them. And quickly, Wild by […]
Read moreFor months, I feel like I have been reading about the middle grade novel, See You at Harry’s by Jo Knowles. First the book was featured as part of a book discussion held by Jen Vincent and Colby Sharp at Teach Mentor Text. Then I learned more about the lovely Jo Knowles through my participation in […]
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