Reading
Reading
Even though they don’t have a written narrative, wordless picture books can be an essential part of young children’s language development. These books have pictures but no text and are often classified around a theme or sequence that is familiar to children. In our toddler and primary classrooms, we have two or three of these books on a shelf at any given time and rotate them throughout the year. Because young children are still distinguishing between what is real and what is of the imagination, we also make sure that the books are plausible, rather than focused on fantasy or imaginary themes. Really, we just take care to choose books that highlight the wonderful world as it really is. As our students get older (even into the elementary years), we use wordless picture books to help with storytelling, sequencing, and making predictions. Taking a “picture walk” through the story helps children interpret visual clues and helps lay the foundation for becoming better readers. After children have had time to explore a wordless picture book, we may ask them to share their interpretation of what is happening in the story. Children love dictating the story for an older peer or adult to scribe, creating speech bubbles, or even writing their own narration to accompany each page. When “reading” a wordless picture book with your child or children, you can describe the illustrations, ask questions about what they see, and even encourage narration of a story to accompany the pictures.
In Montessori schools, children tend to really love math. It’s no wonder, with gorgeous materials created to appeal to their senses and developmental stages. While work with the materials is best left in the classroom, one fun way parents can support their children’s love of math is by reading to them about it. This month we have created a list of books that will appeal to children of all ages, whether they are learning to count or discovering the magic of Pi. Check out these titles and let us know what you think!
Hello dear families. We are sending out our love and support during this challenging time. We know you are stuck at home, but we hope you have found some beautiful moments or ways to make it work. In lieu of our regular book list this month, we created one that may be helpful in this unique situation. The list consists of two parts: books that may be helpful in content if you are so inclined to order them online and prefer physical books, and sources for ebooks for children.
We love books, and we know your children
do, too. That’s why each month we bring you a fresh list of ten titles that
center on different themes. This month we’re thinking about resilience.
Teaching our children to stick with it when a task seems challenging is a
lesson that takes years to impart. One way is to encourage them when they are
faced with real-life difficulties. Another is to share stories of people who
have overcome their own. If you’re interested, talk to your child about what
resilience means, then discuss how the people in these biographies pushed
through their own challenges to find success and happiness.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, what could be better than a book list that’s all about love? No matter your child’s age, we hope you will enjoy these sweet titles.
Over the years, study after study has proven the importance of emphasizing reading in the lives of young children. The benefits are numerous and varied, and you can learn about just a few of them here. You have no doubt heard the advice before, but here are four simple steps to raising your child as a reader.
This month we share some titles that highlight the beauty of the winter season. As always, we think borrowing books from the library or buying second hand are great options, but we provide links in case you want to read more about the books or would like to purchase one online.
Each and every one of us has marveled at the great vastness of space at one point or another. How could we not? Children tend to be especially enamored with the stars, planets, and other wonders beyond our own atmosphere.
This month we share ten books that will further inspire them. Some are purely informational, while others take on a storytelling format. Some share fascinating facts, and some are peeks into the lives of people who have made a difference in our understanding of space. We hope you and your children will enjoy them!
If you haven’t already noticed the slight chill in the morning air, the changing seasons are likely creeping into your thoughts. Winter is coming, as they say. This has us looking forward to cozy evenings curled up on the couch with our families. In recent years, the ideas of the Danish concept of hygge have become rather trendy, and for good reason. Hygge is about shutting out the coldness of the world and making time to connect with the people we love. It’s about cultivating a feeling a coziness and homeliness, and that’s something we can all get on board with! To learn more about hygge, click here and here to read two great articles. Reading is one of the main components of hygge, so it’s important to remember that any book will do the trick! We thought it might be fun, however, to curate a list of extra cozy books that you can enjoy while snuggled up next to your children. We hope you enjoy them!
As parents and educators, we want the best for our children. We want them to be happy, to feel the joy of learning, and to live rich lives. Many of us value creativity and innovation, and we admire the great thinkers throughout history. This often leads us to wonder how we might instill similar values in our own children. How do we cultivate independent thought? One way to start is by teaching them about people who have changed the world for the better. Read on for a list of books you might enjoy together. Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives, by Gene Barretta https://www.amazon.com/Timeless-Thomas-Edison-Changed-Lives/dp/1250114780/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535565156&sr=8-1&keywords=timeless+thomas+how+thomas+edison+changed+our+lives Thomas Edison was arguably one of the influential inventors of modern times. Often credited with inventing a refined, marketable version of the incandescent light bulb, he also worked to create batteries, movie cameras, and record players. This book is geared toward elementary children but could be enjoyed by both younger and older students as well. Darwin and Evolution for Kids, by Kristan Lawson https://www.amazon.com/Darwin-Evolution-Kids-Ideas-Activities/dp/1556525028/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535565465&sr=8-1&keywords=darwin+and+evolution+for+kids This multifaceted book covers biographical information related to Darwin beginning with his childhood, but also touches on a variety of content areas including botany, geography, history, and genetics. This book gives information while also detailing 21 fun explorative activities for kids. Leonardo da Vinci: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #10: Monday with a Mad Genius , by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce, illustrated by Sal Murdocca (fact tracker series) https://www.amazon.com/Leonardo-Vinci-Nonfiction-Companion-Mission/dp/0375846654/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1535565771&sr=8-1 The Magic Tree House series is wildly popular with older primary and elementary aged students. While the original series has elements of history blended with fantasy, the fact tracker series is completely nonfiction. For extra fun, pair this book with Monday with a Mad Genius ! Learn all about the fascinating man that was Leonardo da Vinci. William Shakespeare & the Globe, by Aliki https://www.amazon.com/William-Shakespeare-Trophy-Picture-Paperback/dp/0064437221/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535566927&sr=8-1&keywords=william+shakespeare+and+the+globe Beloved author and illustrator Aliki brings us a book to learn about one of the world’s most famous playwrights. Recommended for children in kindergarten through elementary, this book details the life of Shakespeare through the building of the modern Globe. This gorgeous book will entertain kids and the adults who read with them. Abe Lincoln: The Boy Who Loved Books, by Kay Winters, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter https://www.amazon.com/Abe-Lincoln-Boy-Loved-Books/dp/1416912681/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535567393&sr=8-1&keywords=abe+lincoln+the+boy+who+loved+books It’s not often that biographies take the time to revel in the childhood of a famous figure. This book does just that, giving kids a chance to relate to one of the greatest political figures in the history of our nation. Parents will love that Abe loved books! The books he read shaped him into the courageous man he became and led him to make decisions that would prove to change the course of history. Who Was Gandhi? by Dana Meachen Rau, illustrated by Jerry Hoare https://www.amazon.com/Who-Was-Gandhi-Dana-Meachen/dp/0448482355/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535567643&sr=8-1&keywords=who+was+gandhi+book Long after his death, Gandhi remains a symbol of peace around the world. Children will learn about his fight against discrimination and attempts to dismantle India’s caste system. This book is part of a large series of popular biographies for kids, so if your family likes Who Was Gandhi? know that there are plenty more to explore! Marie Curie (Little People, Big Dreams), by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Frau Isa https://www.amazon.com/Marie-Curie-Little-People-Dreams/dp/1847809626/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1535567851&sr=8-2&keywords=marie+curie+little+people+big+dreams Available in hardcover and board book versions, this book appeals to toddlers as much as it does to second graders. Charming illustrations accompany simple yet informative sentences, with the aim to inspire youngsters to break boundaries and follow their dreams. Nelson Mandela , by Kadir Nelson https://www.amazon.com/Nelson-Mandela-Kadir/dp/0061783749/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535568455&sr=8-1&keywords=nelson+mandela+kadir+nelson Kadir Nelson’s book has received the Coretta Scott King Honor award. It tells the story of an inspired boy who worked his whole life to create a more just and equitable world for all people. This is a tale that clearly illustrates the difference one person can make. We may have to work hard and endure sacrifices, but Mandela persevered and stood firm in his convictions, leaving the world a better place. What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras? by Julie Ellis, illustrated by Phyllis Hornung https://www.amazon.com/Whats-Angle-Pythagoras-Charlesbridge-Adventures/dp/1570911509/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535569036&sr=8-1&keywords=whats+your+angle+pythagoras Is your child enamored with math, geometry, and solving problems? This cute book might be just the one for them. Join young Pythagoras as he considers different ways to solve real problems, and how math can be applied to help the process along. The Remarkable Benjamin Franklin , by Cheryl Harness https://www.amazon.com/Remarkable-Benjamin-Franklin-Cheryl-Harness/dp/1426302975/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1535569296&sr=8-1&keywords=the+remarkable+benjamin+franklin Not many people can be expert candle makers, printers, and political activists simultaneously. Introduce your child to the marvelous Ben Franklin with this factual book that is perfect for kids in grades 2-5. What other famous independent thinkers should be on this list? Happy reading!