Raising Young Readers
Learning to read is a skill and, like all skills, it requires hard work and heaps of practice in order to become proficient.In order for kids to want to put all that time and effort in, we need to provide them with oodles of positive early reading experiences. If reading is pleasurable, they are going to want to learn how to do it themselves
1. CREATE A PRINT-RICH ENVIRONMENT
If you want your children to read, surround yourself with things to read! Here are some ideas:
Reading aloud is the best thing you can do for your child’s future reading success. By reading aloud to your child, you are building his or her
3. VISIT THE LIBRARY OR BOOKSTORE ON A REGULAR BASIS
Nothing gets kids more excited to read than a special trip to the library or local bookstore! When you are surrounded by so many novel books it is hard to be inspired
4. ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO CHOOSE BOOKS
Sure, they may not choose the books that you would choose, but if you want your children to be passionate about reading you have to let them discover what they love. In our family, each child has a library tote back. Each week, they check out as many books as they can carry from the children’s section.
5. BUT SNEAK IN A FEW TITLES TO USE FOR STREWING
Children are always passionate about something. What is your child obsessed with at the moment? Guess what? There’s a book about that! Every week, while my children are busy filling their library totes, I select a few additional books based on their current passions. Then, when we get home, I leave them out in plain view. Without fail, they read the book.
6. WHEN THEY ASK YOU TO READ THATS NOT MY SLOTH FOR THE NINE GAZILLIONTH TIME, SAY YES
Sometimes one of my children will approach me with a book that I have read a gazillion times. Children learn through repetition so do not get discouraged if you feel that you are reading and rereading the same books every day.
7. MAKE YOUR READ ALOUDS MEMORABLE By creating memorable read-aloud moments, you are not only connecting to your children but you are also making reading a pleasurable experience for your child. When reading is fun, kids are going to want to do it! Here are some ideas to jumpstart your read alouds:
9. MAKE SPACE FOR SILENT READING TIME EVERY SINGLE DAY
The importance of reading aloud cannot be overstated. Still, silent reading is important too. In our family, we have an hour of quiet time every afternoon. This time is usually spent reading. Even my littlest guy, who is not yet reading, will spend that time paging through his favorite books.
10. BE A READING ROLE MODEL
Do you know what I do during that afternoon quiet time? I read my book. Make sure your children see you reading. Children learn by watching you, so give them something to imitate!
1. CREATE A PRINT-RICH ENVIRONMENT
If you want your children to read, surround yourself with things to read! Here are some ideas:
- Access to a variety of reading materials, from books to newspapers to magazines
- Book baskets in every room
- When watching television, enable closed captioning
- Label items in your home, such as toy bins and dresser drawers.
Reading aloud is the best thing you can do for your child’s future reading success. By reading aloud to your child, you are building his or her
- Vocabulary
- Background knowledge
- Reading fluency
- Pronunciation
- Listening skills
3. VISIT THE LIBRARY OR BOOKSTORE ON A REGULAR BASIS
Nothing gets kids more excited to read than a special trip to the library or local bookstore! When you are surrounded by so many novel books it is hard to be inspired
4. ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN TO CHOOSE BOOKS
Sure, they may not choose the books that you would choose, but if you want your children to be passionate about reading you have to let them discover what they love. In our family, each child has a library tote back. Each week, they check out as many books as they can carry from the children’s section.
5. BUT SNEAK IN A FEW TITLES TO USE FOR STREWING
Children are always passionate about something. What is your child obsessed with at the moment? Guess what? There’s a book about that! Every week, while my children are busy filling their library totes, I select a few additional books based on their current passions. Then, when we get home, I leave them out in plain view. Without fail, they read the book.
6. WHEN THEY ASK YOU TO READ THATS NOT MY SLOTH FOR THE NINE GAZILLIONTH TIME, SAY YES
Sometimes one of my children will approach me with a book that I have read a gazillion times. Children learn through repetition so do not get discouraged if you feel that you are reading and rereading the same books every day.
7. MAKE YOUR READ ALOUDS MEMORABLE By creating memorable read-aloud moments, you are not only connecting to your children but you are also making reading a pleasurable experience for your child. When reading is fun, kids are going to want to do it! Here are some ideas to jumpstart your read alouds:
- Grab some blankets and snuggle up together with a good book
- Have a picnic and bring your favorite story
- Create a family book club!
- Plan a related craft for after your read aloud
- Grab a flashlight and read in the dark!
9. MAKE SPACE FOR SILENT READING TIME EVERY SINGLE DAY
The importance of reading aloud cannot be overstated. Still, silent reading is important too. In our family, we have an hour of quiet time every afternoon. This time is usually spent reading. Even my littlest guy, who is not yet reading, will spend that time paging through his favorite books.
10. BE A READING ROLE MODEL
Do you know what I do during that afternoon quiet time? I read my book. Make sure your children see you reading. Children learn by watching you, so give them something to imitate!
What Are The Benefits Of Reading To My Toddler?
What Are the Benefits of Reading to My Toddler?
Kids who hear a lot of language do better in school. And being read to is one of the best ways to hear language.Reading to toddlers sets the foundation for later independent reading. Reading problems can be challenging to fix when discovered in elementary school. But many reading problems can be prevented if reading starts in the toddler and preschool years.
Before children can read by themselves, they need early literacy skills. These include:
Helping Your Child's Move to ToddlerhoodReading aloud is also an important way to help kids move from babyhood to toddlerhood. Between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers have celebrations and challenges. So it can help for them to hear stories about other kids and how they faced their fears about what's under the bed or learned how to use the potty.
Kids make big leaps in vocabulary during this time, and learn about letters, shapes, colors, weather, animals, seasons. This can be strengthened through books. Choose books with many pictures your child can point to and name.
But while excited to learn about the world and experience it, your toddler also needs a strong connection with you. Reading together regularly can strengthen that connection, helping your toddler feel safe and comfortable.
When and How to Read to ToddlersReading to toddlers often (if possible, at least once a day) is a great goal. Choosing regular times to read (especially before naps and bedtime) helps kids learn to sit with a book and relax. But you can read anytime your child seems in the mood.
If your toddler will let you, hold him or her in your lap when you read. This helps your toddler feel safe, happy, and relaxed. It also shows you're giving your full attention as you show your child new things, and encourages your child to participate.
Toddlers like to do things on their own. Encourage this by putting out three or four books and asking your child to pick one. Praise the selection, let your toddler help you turn pages, and ask for help as you find things on a page. Your child will love to finish sentences in books with familiar or repetitive phrasing or rhymes. When you come to a familiar or repetitive phrase or rhyme in a book, pause and let your child finish.
Here are some other reading tips:
Some busy toddlers like to stand up while you read to them. Others like to look at a page or two before moving on to something else. Keep the book out — kids might want to return to it later, which you should encourage.
It's OK if your child can't sit still for an entire book — toddlers' attention spans will get longer soon. You might want to keep reading even if your child moves around. Before bedtime, allow your child to touch and play with favorite toys while you read aloud. The sound of your voice will be a soothing reminder of the bedtime routine and that books are a part of it.
You may find that your child sits still while coloring or playing with a favorite toy while you read. Some kids might not look at you or the book, but that doesn't mean they're not interested or listening.
You want your child to have positive associations with reading. If you feel tense or your child resists, consider setting the book aside and returning to it later.
Reading to your child is only one way to build early literacy skills. You also can:
Choosing Books for ToddlersToddlers want to feel included and capable. So choose books they can follow along with, especially those with familiar or repetitive text so they can fill in words. Keep your toddler's interest by choosing books with small amounts of words on the page and books about topics that you know your child will like.
For younger toddlers (12–24 months):
Toddlers love to look at homemade books, scrapbooks, or photo albums full of people they know (try adding simple captions). Poetry and songbooks are good choices for this age group too. You may find that story time turns into sing-along time.
Easy Ways to Keep Books AvailableToddlers love to choose and look at books on their own. Keep books in a basket on the floor or on a low shelf where your child can reach them and look at them by themselves. Keep some books in the car and always have a few handy in your bag for long waits at the doctor or lines at the grocery store.
Visit the library or the bookstore and let your child pick books to read at home. Many libraries and bookstores have toddler story times that kids enjoy. And let your child see you reading for fun. It's a great way to be your toddler's reading role model
Kids who hear a lot of language do better in school. And being read to is one of the best ways to hear language.Reading to toddlers sets the foundation for later independent reading. Reading problems can be challenging to fix when discovered in elementary school. But many reading problems can be prevented if reading starts in the toddler and preschool years.
Before children can read by themselves, they need early literacy skills. These include:
- having a large vocabulary of words and knowing how to use them
- understanding that words are made up of smaller sounds (called phonemic awareness)
- understanding that marks on a page represent letters and words
- knowing the letters of the alphabet
Helping Your Child's Move to ToddlerhoodReading aloud is also an important way to help kids move from babyhood to toddlerhood. Between the ages of 1 and 3, toddlers have celebrations and challenges. So it can help for them to hear stories about other kids and how they faced their fears about what's under the bed or learned how to use the potty.
Kids make big leaps in vocabulary during this time, and learn about letters, shapes, colors, weather, animals, seasons. This can be strengthened through books. Choose books with many pictures your child can point to and name.
But while excited to learn about the world and experience it, your toddler also needs a strong connection with you. Reading together regularly can strengthen that connection, helping your toddler feel safe and comfortable.
When and How to Read to ToddlersReading to toddlers often (if possible, at least once a day) is a great goal. Choosing regular times to read (especially before naps and bedtime) helps kids learn to sit with a book and relax. But you can read anytime your child seems in the mood.
If your toddler will let you, hold him or her in your lap when you read. This helps your toddler feel safe, happy, and relaxed. It also shows you're giving your full attention as you show your child new things, and encourages your child to participate.
Toddlers like to do things on their own. Encourage this by putting out three or four books and asking your child to pick one. Praise the selection, let your toddler help you turn pages, and ask for help as you find things on a page. Your child will love to finish sentences in books with familiar or repetitive phrasing or rhymes. When you come to a familiar or repetitive phrase or rhyme in a book, pause and let your child finish.
Here are some other reading tips:
- Read whatever books your toddler asks for, even if it's the same book every night for weeks and weeks (and weeks and weeks).
- Read slowly so your toddler can understand the story.
- Read expressively, using different voices for different characters, and raising or lowering your voice as appropriate.
- Choose board books or cloth books that are durable. You can let your child use these books without having to worry about pages getting ripped.
- Use puppets, finger plays (like the "Itsy Bitsy Spider"), or props while you read.
- Encourage your toddler to clap or sing when you read rhythmic, sing-song books.
- Talk about the pictures. Point to items and name them. Then ask your child to name them with you and praise your child for their response.
- Ask open-ended questions: "Why do you think the lion is going into the woods? What do you think will happen next?" This helps your child to think about the story and to ask questions.
- Use your child's name as the name of a character in the book.
- Have fun! Show your child that reading is enjoyable.
Some busy toddlers like to stand up while you read to them. Others like to look at a page or two before moving on to something else. Keep the book out — kids might want to return to it later, which you should encourage.
It's OK if your child can't sit still for an entire book — toddlers' attention spans will get longer soon. You might want to keep reading even if your child moves around. Before bedtime, allow your child to touch and play with favorite toys while you read aloud. The sound of your voice will be a soothing reminder of the bedtime routine and that books are a part of it.
You may find that your child sits still while coloring or playing with a favorite toy while you read. Some kids might not look at you or the book, but that doesn't mean they're not interested or listening.
You want your child to have positive associations with reading. If you feel tense or your child resists, consider setting the book aside and returning to it later.
Reading to your child is only one way to build early literacy skills. You also can:
- Talk to your child throughout the day.
- Sing songs together, play rhyming games, and make up your own stories together.
- Provide paper and crayons so your child can practice writing.
Choosing Books for ToddlersToddlers want to feel included and capable. So choose books they can follow along with, especially those with familiar or repetitive text so they can fill in words. Keep your toddler's interest by choosing books with small amounts of words on the page and books about topics that you know your child will like.
For younger toddlers (12–24 months):
- You'll want sturdy board books with pictures (especially photos) of kids doing the things they do every day. Books about bedtime, baths, or mealtime are all good choices; so are books about saying hello or good-bye. Keep active hands busy with lift-the-flap pages and textures to feel.
- Kids this age are starting to turn paper pages, so it's a good time to move beyond board books. They're also beginning to understand the mechanics of reading. They like books that are repetitive and easy to memorize so that they can "read" along.
Toddlers love to look at homemade books, scrapbooks, or photo albums full of people they know (try adding simple captions). Poetry and songbooks are good choices for this age group too. You may find that story time turns into sing-along time.
Easy Ways to Keep Books AvailableToddlers love to choose and look at books on their own. Keep books in a basket on the floor or on a low shelf where your child can reach them and look at them by themselves. Keep some books in the car and always have a few handy in your bag for long waits at the doctor or lines at the grocery store.
Visit the library or the bookstore and let your child pick books to read at home. Many libraries and bookstores have toddler story times that kids enjoy. And let your child see you reading for fun. It's a great way to be your toddler's reading role model
10 Reasons Why Kids Need to Read Non-Disney Fairy Tales
Say “fairy tales” and your mind likely flashes to Disney and its animated versions of children’s classics. But old-school fairy tales — stories by authors such as Hans Christian Andersen, Oscar Wilde, Sophie, Comtesse de Ségur, or Andrew Lang — are filled with a richness and complexity that is often missing from their big-screen renderings. Here are ten reasons it’s worth reading the original stories with your young reader.
1. Life Lessons
Remember the line from The Princess Bride: “I do not think it means what you think it means”? Many of the moral lessons in the original stories are quite different from the Disney versions. Hans Christian Andersen didn’t write “The Little Mermaid” to teach us how to marry a prince, but to warn us that our actions have consequences. As Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller explained, “Deeper meaning resides in the fairy tales told me in my childhood than in any truth that is taught in life.”
2. Hope
Many fairy tales offer hope — hope of redemption, hope that good can conquer evil, hope that our enemies will be vanquished. G.K. Chesterton said it best, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.”
3. Shared Mythology
When kids know a familiar canon of stories — such as “Goldilocks and The Three Bears” or “Rapunzel” — they have a shared foundation, a common mythology. From an educator’s perspective, this is invaluable.
What’s more, this background knowledge helps us to have a richer, more fulfilling literary experience. For example, last year my kids and I read several books about fairy tale lands (The Land of Stories, Ever After High, and Storybound). To fully enjoy each of these books, we needed knowledge of the original fairy tale stories that they reference.
4. What's Possible
Fairy tales expand our idea of what’s possible in this world. The stories add fairies, magicians, giants, and trolls to our ordinary world, pushing our imaginations to soar with notions of “What if ___ were real or would happen?” And even though we know these stories aren’t really true, we still like to believe they are.
5. Cultural Appreciation
There’s nothing like reading Arabian Nights stories, Norse mythology, or African folk tales to give children an introduction to a particular culture. Especially with stories that are similar to each other, such as “Lon Po Po” and “Red Riding Hood,” which each bear the uniqueness of the narrator’s culture and traditions.
6. Short Stories
Fairy tales don’t require hours of reading. Their length is an attractive feature for children in general and reluctant readers in particular. Open an anthology and pick one or two stories without reading cover to cover.
7. Scary in a Safe Context
Fairy tales allow kids to learn how to deal with scary situations. As readers, we put ourselves into the stories. But since they’re stories, we don’t have to experience the scary firsthand. Instead, we see how the characters face their fears and we learn from their experiences.
8. Hard Truths
Like life, many fairy tales don’t have happy endings. Bad things do happen. Read the stories with your kids and talk about them. C. S. Lewis believed that “sometimes fairy stories say best what needs to be said.” After reading, ask your kids, “Is the story telling you a truth about the world?”
9. Gateway to Fantasy
Fairy tales introduce children to the genre of fantasy. In fact, fairy tales are beloved by many fantasy authors, like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Fairy tales whet kids’ appetites for magic and pave the road for more reading about fantasy worlds.
10. Princesses Don't Have a Dress Code
It’s important to remember that Disney isn’t the authority on fairy tales. Read the great fairy tale authors to see for yourself. Discover princesses who aren’t dressed in the requisite pink, blue, or yellow. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find that you like troll princesses better than Cinderella
1. Life Lessons
Remember the line from The Princess Bride: “I do not think it means what you think it means”? Many of the moral lessons in the original stories are quite different from the Disney versions. Hans Christian Andersen didn’t write “The Little Mermaid” to teach us how to marry a prince, but to warn us that our actions have consequences. As Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller explained, “Deeper meaning resides in the fairy tales told me in my childhood than in any truth that is taught in life.”
2. Hope
Many fairy tales offer hope — hope of redemption, hope that good can conquer evil, hope that our enemies will be vanquished. G.K. Chesterton said it best, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.”
3. Shared Mythology
When kids know a familiar canon of stories — such as “Goldilocks and The Three Bears” or “Rapunzel” — they have a shared foundation, a common mythology. From an educator’s perspective, this is invaluable.
What’s more, this background knowledge helps us to have a richer, more fulfilling literary experience. For example, last year my kids and I read several books about fairy tale lands (The Land of Stories, Ever After High, and Storybound). To fully enjoy each of these books, we needed knowledge of the original fairy tale stories that they reference.
4. What's Possible
Fairy tales expand our idea of what’s possible in this world. The stories add fairies, magicians, giants, and trolls to our ordinary world, pushing our imaginations to soar with notions of “What if ___ were real or would happen?” And even though we know these stories aren’t really true, we still like to believe they are.
5. Cultural Appreciation
There’s nothing like reading Arabian Nights stories, Norse mythology, or African folk tales to give children an introduction to a particular culture. Especially with stories that are similar to each other, such as “Lon Po Po” and “Red Riding Hood,” which each bear the uniqueness of the narrator’s culture and traditions.
6. Short Stories
Fairy tales don’t require hours of reading. Their length is an attractive feature for children in general and reluctant readers in particular. Open an anthology and pick one or two stories without reading cover to cover.
7. Scary in a Safe Context
Fairy tales allow kids to learn how to deal with scary situations. As readers, we put ourselves into the stories. But since they’re stories, we don’t have to experience the scary firsthand. Instead, we see how the characters face their fears and we learn from their experiences.
8. Hard Truths
Like life, many fairy tales don’t have happy endings. Bad things do happen. Read the stories with your kids and talk about them. C. S. Lewis believed that “sometimes fairy stories say best what needs to be said.” After reading, ask your kids, “Is the story telling you a truth about the world?”
9. Gateway to Fantasy
Fairy tales introduce children to the genre of fantasy. In fact, fairy tales are beloved by many fantasy authors, like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Fairy tales whet kids’ appetites for magic and pave the road for more reading about fantasy worlds.
10. Princesses Don't Have a Dress Code
It’s important to remember that Disney isn’t the authority on fairy tales. Read the great fairy tale authors to see for yourself. Discover princesses who aren’t dressed in the requisite pink, blue, or yellow. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even find that you like troll princesses better than Cinderella
How to make a magic rainbow sensory writing tray
Rainbow sensory writing tray printable
A sensory writing tray is a wonderful piece of kit!
It’s good for very young children who are just learning about making marks all the way through to older children who are working on spelling.
The great advantage of using a writing tray is that it brings a multi sensory element to writing. Using a multi-sensory approach to learning means you can suit any child’s learning style: whether they are particularly in tune with moving, feeling, seeing, smelling, doing…Plus it also makes the learning fun, which always makes you remember things more.
A sensory writing tray is a wonderful piece of kit!
It’s good for very young children who are just learning about making marks all the way through to older children who are working on spelling.
The great advantage of using a writing tray is that it brings a multi sensory element to writing. Using a multi-sensory approach to learning means you can suit any child’s learning style: whether they are particularly in tune with moving, feeling, seeing, smelling, doing…Plus it also makes the learning fun, which always makes you remember things more.
How to make a magic rainbow sensory writing tray:: Find a container to be your tray. It needs to be shallow, so your children can easily write in it without having any trouble leaning their hand inside, and big enough to write a word. A kitchen tray, a baking tray with shallow sides, the lid off a storage box or a cardboard box with the sides cut down are all good options.Use my printable rainbow insert (see below) and lay it down in the bottom of your tray. You can use several or cut them to size, to fit your tray.
Fill your container, on top of the rainbow insert, with your choice of material: sand, salt, sugar all work. You only need a shallow layer of your material – if you make it too thick it’s hard to see the marks and letters you make.
:: Then you can use your finger, a pencil, or a twig to make marks and write in your tray. As you write you’ll reveal the hidden rainbow underneath!
:: Then you can use your finger, a pencil, or a twig to make marks and write in your tray. As you write you’ll reveal the hidden rainbow underneath!
How to Use Your Writing Tray:: Younger children can use the tray to make marks, patterns, or single letters.
:: They can learn to write their own name.
:: Older children can use the tray as a multi-sensory and fun alternative to pencil and paper to practise spelling.
:: You can use a finger, pencil or a magic wand as your ‘pen’.
:: They can learn to write their own name.
:: Older children can use the tray as a multi-sensory and fun alternative to pencil and paper to practise spelling.
:: You can use a finger, pencil or a magic wand as your ‘pen’.
8 Fun Ways to Teach Spelling
Student engagement is essential for any learning experience. In order to keep your students active and attentive during spelling lessons, it’s important to mix-up your teaching methods.
Discover how to make learning spelling fun with these eight spelling exercises designed to make learning (and teaching) a blast.
1. Create rhymes and raps using spellingPart of teaching students new spelling words is to engage them beyond the classroom. Using rhymes and raps to help students better understand the words that they’re trying to learn is a fun way to achieve this. Fun rhymes that incorporate spelling can stick in the mind like catchy tunes that you hear on the radio.
Students make associations between words that rhyme, and the addition of rhythms and raps means students are more likely to start humming them outside of class. This strategy also makes committing them to memory easier.
2. Create a spelling wall in the classroomAt the beginning of each week hang some butchers paper from one of the walls in the classroom and create a learning and spelling hub. Encourage students to write down words that they learn on the butchers paper. Students can also go up anytime and practice spelling different words for the week. You can also use additional materials like coloured crayons or markers, and even encourage students to draw pictures to associate with the words.
3. Make a fun crosswordCrosswords present an excellent opportunity to make learning spelling interesting, as they involve a more active type of learning than passive review techniques. Solving a crossword involves several useful skills including spelling, vocabulary and reasoning, and it helps kids to think about word definitions as well. Crosswords also have the advantage of engaging different learning styles.
You can give the crossword to individuals or break students up into small groups, encouraging them to work together and learn collaboratively. Filling in the blanks can also give students a sense of accomplishment, and completed crosswords can be hung on the classroom walls to recognise achievements.
4. Jumble word" style="max-width: 100%; display: block !important;">
Using plastic magnetic letter shapes, first spell out the word, then scramble the letters into the pile and have the student assemble the word again. As they advance, you can start with the word jumbled, and even have them assemble words from a letter pile.
5. Use arts and crafts to encourage spellingMany students learn better when they’re being creative. This is especially true for visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners. Instead of using plain old pens and pencils to write out words, break out the art supplies and allows students to use paints, markers, crayons and other colourful creative implements to spell out words. This type of learning can also be a fun group activity as well, with students taking turns to write and spell out words. Younger students also love to use playdough to build each letter in their focus spelling words.
6. Create a game of word bingoEveryone loves a game of bingo! You can adapt this popular game to create fun and interactive spelling lessons that the whole class will love. Here’s how:
7. Word headsRemember the game celebrity heads, when you put the names of a celebrity on each person’s head and you try to work out who you are by asking questions? The same game can be played using spelling words. Students have to figure out which word they are by asking a bunch of questions with yes/no answers like:
8. Build a word trainHave students spell out words on small cards and assemble them together based on certain rules. A couple you can try:
Discover how to make learning spelling fun with these eight spelling exercises designed to make learning (and teaching) a blast.
1. Create rhymes and raps using spellingPart of teaching students new spelling words is to engage them beyond the classroom. Using rhymes and raps to help students better understand the words that they’re trying to learn is a fun way to achieve this. Fun rhymes that incorporate spelling can stick in the mind like catchy tunes that you hear on the radio.
Students make associations between words that rhyme, and the addition of rhythms and raps means students are more likely to start humming them outside of class. This strategy also makes committing them to memory easier.
2. Create a spelling wall in the classroomAt the beginning of each week hang some butchers paper from one of the walls in the classroom and create a learning and spelling hub. Encourage students to write down words that they learn on the butchers paper. Students can also go up anytime and practice spelling different words for the week. You can also use additional materials like coloured crayons or markers, and even encourage students to draw pictures to associate with the words.
3. Make a fun crosswordCrosswords present an excellent opportunity to make learning spelling interesting, as they involve a more active type of learning than passive review techniques. Solving a crossword involves several useful skills including spelling, vocabulary and reasoning, and it helps kids to think about word definitions as well. Crosswords also have the advantage of engaging different learning styles.
You can give the crossword to individuals or break students up into small groups, encouraging them to work together and learn collaboratively. Filling in the blanks can also give students a sense of accomplishment, and completed crosswords can be hung on the classroom walls to recognise achievements.
4. Jumble word" style="max-width: 100%; display: block !important;">
Using plastic magnetic letter shapes, first spell out the word, then scramble the letters into the pile and have the student assemble the word again. As they advance, you can start with the word jumbled, and even have them assemble words from a letter pile.
5. Use arts and crafts to encourage spellingMany students learn better when they’re being creative. This is especially true for visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners. Instead of using plain old pens and pencils to write out words, break out the art supplies and allows students to use paints, markers, crayons and other colourful creative implements to spell out words. This type of learning can also be a fun group activity as well, with students taking turns to write and spell out words. Younger students also love to use playdough to build each letter in their focus spelling words.
6. Create a game of word bingoEveryone loves a game of bingo! You can adapt this popular game to create fun and interactive spelling lessons that the whole class will love. Here’s how:
- Write the weekly list of spelling words on the board.
- Provide each student with a blank spelling bingo card.
- Have each student write a different word from the list in each square on the bingo card. Then rub the list of words off the board.
- Call out a word from the list and ask students to raise their hands if they have that word on their card.
- The fastest student to raise their hand has to spell the word on the board. If they spell it correctly they get to cross the word off their card.
- The first student to cross off 5 words wins.
7. Word headsRemember the game celebrity heads, when you put the names of a celebrity on each person’s head and you try to work out who you are by asking questions? The same game can be played using spelling words. Students have to figure out which word they are by asking a bunch of questions with yes/no answers like:
- Am I a verb?
- Do I start with a vowel?
- Am I an animal?
8. Build a word trainHave students spell out words on small cards and assemble them together based on certain rules. A couple you can try:
- Form a sentence: Each follow on word must help build a sentence
- Matching letters: The first letter of the next word must match the last letter of the previous word
Free Coloring Pages & Games.
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Ten literacy tips for parents and caregivers.
Parents and caregivers can have a big impact on their children’s education. By providing learning opportunities and support at home you can help encourage learning from an early age, right through to high school.
Here are some fantastic literacy tips and inspiring ways parents and caregivers can be more involved in children’s learning.
1. Make books important
Turn off the TV and devices and read for half an hour. Talk about what you are reading and/or read with your child, depending on the age group. Sitting in the same room and reading independently can send strong messages about enjoying books.
2. Visit the library
Help your children borrow books and borrow yourself. Talk about your choices (authors, topics, book types) on the way home.
3. Make books available
have a range of books available in your home to read anytime. Check out Usborne Books & More and get some really fun & engaging titles in your home today!
4. Write together
Compose greetings together for birthdays and other special occasions, whether a card, letter, email or a puppet play.
5. Set up some correspondence
Arrange for a family member or friend living away from you to correspond with your child via mail or email. Even young children who may need help reading the letters/emails will enjoy receiving and sending correspondence. Friends and family will love receiving a return letter or email from your child!
6.Discuss The News
Talk to your children about family events, trips, and local and national news events that are appropriate for their age. A strong vocabulary is important for oral language, reading and writing.
7. Help your child with homework
You don’t need to be an expert on each task. You can support your child to think through how they should plan their time and complete the task. Just being there, expressing an interest and saying you want to help can make your child feel supported.
8. Get support if you need it
if you struggle with reading or writing, or have a language background other than English, use the support that is offered through the school, local library or community centre, or contact the Reading Writing Hotline. Talk to friends and neighbours who may be happy to read to your child, share books or talk about what they are reading.
9. Be selective about TV programs
Try to have a family night and watch something suitable together and talk about the show afterwards. The program might create an interest for future reading or research into a topic.
10. Do things together
There can be lots of talking, reading and writing involved when planning and participating in family events. These include bike rides, cooking, shopping trips, researching for a day out, working in the garden, visiting friends or family, or planning an outing to a cinema, museum or public event. Get your children involved in the process
Here are some fantastic literacy tips and inspiring ways parents and caregivers can be more involved in children’s learning.
1. Make books important
Turn off the TV and devices and read for half an hour. Talk about what you are reading and/or read with your child, depending on the age group. Sitting in the same room and reading independently can send strong messages about enjoying books.
2. Visit the library
Help your children borrow books and borrow yourself. Talk about your choices (authors, topics, book types) on the way home.
3. Make books available
have a range of books available in your home to read anytime. Check out Usborne Books & More and get some really fun & engaging titles in your home today!
4. Write together
Compose greetings together for birthdays and other special occasions, whether a card, letter, email or a puppet play.
5. Set up some correspondence
Arrange for a family member or friend living away from you to correspond with your child via mail or email. Even young children who may need help reading the letters/emails will enjoy receiving and sending correspondence. Friends and family will love receiving a return letter or email from your child!
6.Discuss The News
Talk to your children about family events, trips, and local and national news events that are appropriate for their age. A strong vocabulary is important for oral language, reading and writing.
7. Help your child with homework
You don’t need to be an expert on each task. You can support your child to think through how they should plan their time and complete the task. Just being there, expressing an interest and saying you want to help can make your child feel supported.
8. Get support if you need it
if you struggle with reading or writing, or have a language background other than English, use the support that is offered through the school, local library or community centre, or contact the Reading Writing Hotline. Talk to friends and neighbours who may be happy to read to your child, share books or talk about what they are reading.
9. Be selective about TV programs
Try to have a family night and watch something suitable together and talk about the show afterwards. The program might create an interest for future reading or research into a topic.
10. Do things together
There can be lots of talking, reading and writing involved when planning and participating in family events. These include bike rides, cooking, shopping trips, researching for a day out, working in the garden, visiting friends or family, or planning an outing to a cinema, museum or public event. Get your children involved in the process
Be Nibbles! Be Hungry For Books!
5 Ways To $ave With Usborne Books & More.
Helping Your Child Learn To Read.
Helping Your Child Learn to Read
How can I help my child learn to read?Reading books aloud is one of the best ways you can help your child learn to read. This can be fun for you, too. The more excitement you show when you read a book, the more your child will enjoy it. The most important thing to remember is to let your child set her own pace and have fun at whatever she is doing. Do the following when reading to your child:
If your child asks for help with a word, give it right away so that he does not lose the meaning of the story. Do not force your child to sound out the word. On the other hand, if your child wants to sound out a word, do not stop him.
If your child substitutes one word for another while reading, see if it makes sense. If your child uses the word "dog" instead of "pup," for example, the meaning is the same. Do not stop the reading to correct him. If your child uses a word that makes no sense (such as "road" for "read"), ask him to read the sentence again because you are not sure you understand what has just been read. Recognize your child's energy limits. Stop each session at or before the earliest signs of fatigue or frustration.
Most of all, make sure you give your child lots of praise! You are your child's first, and most important, teacher. The praise and support you give your child as he learns to read will help him enjoy reading and learning even more.
Learning to read in school Most children learn to read by 6 or 7 years of age. Some children learn at 4 or 5 years of age. Even if a child has a head start, she may not stay ahead once school starts. The other students most likely will catch up during the second or third grade. Pushing your child to read before she is ready can get in the way of your child's interest in learning. Children who really enjoy learning are more likely to do well in school. This love of learning cannot be forced.
As your child begins elementary school, she will begin her formal reading education. There are many ways to teach children to read. One way emphasizes word recognition and teaches children to understand a whole word's meaning by how it is used. Learning which sounds the letters represent—phonics—is another way children learn to read. Phonics is used to help "decode" or sound out words. Focusing on the connections between the spoken and written word is another technique. Most teachers use a combination of methods to teach children how to read.
Reading is an important skill for children to learn. Most children learn to read without any major problems. Pushing a child to learn before she is ready can make learning to read frustrating. But reading together and playing games with books make reading fun. Parents need to be involved in their child's learning. Encouraging a child's love of learning will go a long way to ensuring success in school.
Reading tips The following are a few tips to keep in mind as your child learns to read:
How can I help my child learn to read?Reading books aloud is one of the best ways you can help your child learn to read. This can be fun for you, too. The more excitement you show when you read a book, the more your child will enjoy it. The most important thing to remember is to let your child set her own pace and have fun at whatever she is doing. Do the following when reading to your child:
- Run your finger under the words as you read to show your child that the print carries the story.
- Use funny voices and animal noises. Do not be afraid to ham it up! This will help your child get excited about the story.
- Stop to look at the pictures; ask your child to name things she sees in the pictures. Talk about how the pictures relate to the story.
- Invite your child to join in whenever there is a repeated phrase in the text.
- Show your child how events in the book are similar to events in your child's life.
- If your child asks a question, stop and answer it. The book may help your child express her thoughts and solve her own problems.
- Keep reading to your child even after she learns to read. A child can listen and understand more difficult stories than she can read on her own.
If your child asks for help with a word, give it right away so that he does not lose the meaning of the story. Do not force your child to sound out the word. On the other hand, if your child wants to sound out a word, do not stop him.
If your child substitutes one word for another while reading, see if it makes sense. If your child uses the word "dog" instead of "pup," for example, the meaning is the same. Do not stop the reading to correct him. If your child uses a word that makes no sense (such as "road" for "read"), ask him to read the sentence again because you are not sure you understand what has just been read. Recognize your child's energy limits. Stop each session at or before the earliest signs of fatigue or frustration.
Most of all, make sure you give your child lots of praise! You are your child's first, and most important, teacher. The praise and support you give your child as he learns to read will help him enjoy reading and learning even more.
Learning to read in school Most children learn to read by 6 or 7 years of age. Some children learn at 4 or 5 years of age. Even if a child has a head start, she may not stay ahead once school starts. The other students most likely will catch up during the second or third grade. Pushing your child to read before she is ready can get in the way of your child's interest in learning. Children who really enjoy learning are more likely to do well in school. This love of learning cannot be forced.
As your child begins elementary school, she will begin her formal reading education. There are many ways to teach children to read. One way emphasizes word recognition and teaches children to understand a whole word's meaning by how it is used. Learning which sounds the letters represent—phonics—is another way children learn to read. Phonics is used to help "decode" or sound out words. Focusing on the connections between the spoken and written word is another technique. Most teachers use a combination of methods to teach children how to read.
Reading is an important skill for children to learn. Most children learn to read without any major problems. Pushing a child to learn before she is ready can make learning to read frustrating. But reading together and playing games with books make reading fun. Parents need to be involved in their child's learning. Encouraging a child's love of learning will go a long way to ensuring success in school.
Reading tips The following are a few tips to keep in mind as your child learns to read:
- Set aside time every day to read together. Many children like to have stories read to them at bedtime. This is a great way to wind down after a busy day and get ready for sleep.
- Leave books in your child's room for her to enjoy on her own. Make sure her room is reading-friendly with a comfortable bed or chair, bookshelf, and reading lamp.
- Read books that your child enjoys. After a while, your child may learn the words to her favorite book. When this happens, let your child complete the sentences or take turns reciting the words.
- Do not drill your child on letters, numbers, colors, shapes, or words. Instead, make a game out of it and find ways to encourage your child's curiosity and interests.
Welcome! I am so glad that you are visiting our website. Whether it is your first time here or your hundredth, you're sure to find something you'll love.
Literacy is so important and Usborne Books & More offers so many ways to make quality books available to children and their families. As our Mission Statement reflects, "The future of our world depends on the education of our children. We deliver educational excellence one book at a time. We provide economic opportunity while fostering strong family values. We touch the lives of children for a lifetime."
I'm a mom to three beautiful daughters. Reading is everything to me. Ending illiteracy and raising young readers is important. Reading is fundamental, and I would love to help you with your reading needs!
Please spend some time taking a look at what Usborne Books & More has to offer you …
… if you find some books you like, please place an order.
… if you found many, consider hosting a home party or an e-show to get them for free or ½ price.
… if you found that this just may be the business you've always dreamed of, you can Join Today!
There are so many ways to Open a World of Possibilities with Usborne Books & More – how can I help you today?
Literacy is so important and Usborne Books & More offers so many ways to make quality books available to children and their families. As our Mission Statement reflects, "The future of our world depends on the education of our children. We deliver educational excellence one book at a time. We provide economic opportunity while fostering strong family values. We touch the lives of children for a lifetime."
I'm a mom to three beautiful daughters. Reading is everything to me. Ending illiteracy and raising young readers is important. Reading is fundamental, and I would love to help you with your reading needs!
Please spend some time taking a look at what Usborne Books & More has to offer you …
… if you find some books you like, please place an order.
… if you found many, consider hosting a home party or an e-show to get them for free or ½ price.
… if you found that this just may be the business you've always dreamed of, you can Join Today!
There are so many ways to Open a World of Possibilities with Usborne Books & More – how can I help you today?
5 Secrets We Can Borrow From Publicists to Get Kids Excited About Reading
Did you also love Reading Rainbow as a kid? It was a great way to get kids excited about reading. For me, that show captured the wonder and magic I felt every time I opened a book. No matter what kind of book they promoted, I wanted to read it.
Reading Rainbow understood that reading is often in need of good publicity. Some students are reluctant readers or need convincing to try a new type of book. Other students abandon books after a few pages.
I’ve found it helps to take some cues from public relations firms to improve reading’s reputation with my students. Use these tips to add surprise and delight to the reading experience in your classroom and improve reading’s image today.
1. Create a “personal library” that’s special.When I moved to a new classroom several years ago, I put my personal collection of children’s books in a cabinet and labeled it, “Ms. Howard’s personal library. Please ask to borrow a book.” It wasn’t a big sign, but it was enough for students to ask to see what books I had hidden behind the closed cabinet door.
The requests to borrow from my library increased throughout the year, with each student taking a few minutes to talk to me about the book they chose or to ask for a recommendation. The personal interaction only added to the excitement of accessing a new, secret set of books.
TEACHER TIP: To ensure that all books are returned to you in good shape, take a picture of each student with the book they borrowed. These photos will serve as entertaining reminders of who borrowed what.
2. Save books for later.Capture some of that excitement from the beginning of the year when the entire classroom library was new and fresh by holding back a few stacks of books to put out after winter break. This is also a good time to think about introducing new kinds of reading materials: graphic novels, illustrated encyclopedias, or even high-interest magazines.
TEACHER TIP: Make sure to give students a brief introduction to the new books in your classroom library by reading the backs of a few titles or sharing what makes each one special.
3. Adopt a classroom author or stage an event.One of the coolest experiences I’ve had as a classroom teacher was when my fourth grade class was obsessed with Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel, Smile, and Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet series.
Both authors were scheduled to speak as part of a live web interview, sharing their writing (and drawing) process with students across the country. I made a big announcement, sharing the details of the upcoming event, and promoted each of the books to my class.
It wasn’t long before my students had organized a list, outlining in what order they were going to read our classroom copies of Smile and Amulet 1-4. They devoured the books to get ready for the webcast, but even after the interview was over they still passed them around to read a second or even a third time.
TEACHER TIP: You don’t have to wait for a live event to promote an author or genre in your classroom. Schedule a character costume contest or arrange to show a pre-recorded author interview and build-up enthusiasm leading up to big day.
4. Change up your read-aloud.Read aloud is a special time in the classroom, and not just because it has the power to calm and quiet even the most unsettled students. Make read aloud even more special by taking the experience one step further: pass out a small treat for students to nibble on while you read, allow them to lay on the floor as they listen, or play part of the audiobook read by the author.
One year, my students asked if they could to pull down all the curtains and turn out the lights while I read by the light of a small globe that doubled as a lamp. It was so cozy, we continued the practice all winter.
TEACHER TIP: You don’t have to spend money or provide food to turn read aloud into a memorable occasion. Changes like moving your class to a grassy spot on campus or taking care to do all the silly voices won’t cost you a thing.
5. Start a “Flashlight Friday.”Give your sustained silent reading time a boost with flashlights.
Turn off the classroom lights, lower the shades and have students grab a comfy spot on the rug or bean bag chair. Reading by flashlight is not only an exciting treat, but it literally focuses students’ attention on the book in front of them.
TEACHER TIP: It doesn’t have to be Friday to use flashlights, but I find that alliteration makes everything more fun. Also, while blanket forts are optional, they magnify magic exponentially
Reading Rainbow understood that reading is often in need of good publicity. Some students are reluctant readers or need convincing to try a new type of book. Other students abandon books after a few pages.
I’ve found it helps to take some cues from public relations firms to improve reading’s reputation with my students. Use these tips to add surprise and delight to the reading experience in your classroom and improve reading’s image today.
1. Create a “personal library” that’s special.When I moved to a new classroom several years ago, I put my personal collection of children’s books in a cabinet and labeled it, “Ms. Howard’s personal library. Please ask to borrow a book.” It wasn’t a big sign, but it was enough for students to ask to see what books I had hidden behind the closed cabinet door.
The requests to borrow from my library increased throughout the year, with each student taking a few minutes to talk to me about the book they chose or to ask for a recommendation. The personal interaction only added to the excitement of accessing a new, secret set of books.
TEACHER TIP: To ensure that all books are returned to you in good shape, take a picture of each student with the book they borrowed. These photos will serve as entertaining reminders of who borrowed what.
2. Save books for later.Capture some of that excitement from the beginning of the year when the entire classroom library was new and fresh by holding back a few stacks of books to put out after winter break. This is also a good time to think about introducing new kinds of reading materials: graphic novels, illustrated encyclopedias, or even high-interest magazines.
TEACHER TIP: Make sure to give students a brief introduction to the new books in your classroom library by reading the backs of a few titles or sharing what makes each one special.
3. Adopt a classroom author or stage an event.One of the coolest experiences I’ve had as a classroom teacher was when my fourth grade class was obsessed with Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel, Smile, and Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet series.
Both authors were scheduled to speak as part of a live web interview, sharing their writing (and drawing) process with students across the country. I made a big announcement, sharing the details of the upcoming event, and promoted each of the books to my class.
It wasn’t long before my students had organized a list, outlining in what order they were going to read our classroom copies of Smile and Amulet 1-4. They devoured the books to get ready for the webcast, but even after the interview was over they still passed them around to read a second or even a third time.
TEACHER TIP: You don’t have to wait for a live event to promote an author or genre in your classroom. Schedule a character costume contest or arrange to show a pre-recorded author interview and build-up enthusiasm leading up to big day.
4. Change up your read-aloud.Read aloud is a special time in the classroom, and not just because it has the power to calm and quiet even the most unsettled students. Make read aloud even more special by taking the experience one step further: pass out a small treat for students to nibble on while you read, allow them to lay on the floor as they listen, or play part of the audiobook read by the author.
One year, my students asked if they could to pull down all the curtains and turn out the lights while I read by the light of a small globe that doubled as a lamp. It was so cozy, we continued the practice all winter.
TEACHER TIP: You don’t have to spend money or provide food to turn read aloud into a memorable occasion. Changes like moving your class to a grassy spot on campus or taking care to do all the silly voices won’t cost you a thing.
5. Start a “Flashlight Friday.”Give your sustained silent reading time a boost with flashlights.
Turn off the classroom lights, lower the shades and have students grab a comfy spot on the rug or bean bag chair. Reading by flashlight is not only an exciting treat, but it literally focuses students’ attention on the book in front of them.
TEACHER TIP: It doesn’t have to be Friday to use flashlights, but I find that alliteration makes everything more fun. Also, while blanket forts are optional, they magnify magic exponentially
How books can help children understand their feelings
Dr Sasha Lillie Lyons, clinical psychologist and expert consultant for Usborne's What are Feelings? book, explains how the universality of emotions portrayed in books can show a child that whatever they’re feeling, they’re not alone.
Child psychologist Dr Sasha Lillie Lyons reading What are Feelings? to her children
We know that books are a great way for children to learn about the world around them, to inspire their imaginations, and hopefully to create a life-long love of reading. I was a passionate bookworm as a child (still am) and now as a parent I’m delighted that my children love reading, too.
But books can also be a fantastic tool for helping children to understand more about themselves, including their feelings. Learning to describe, express and manage their emotions – even from a young age – is an essential part of children’s social and emotional development.
Young children may not always understand exactly what they’re feeling and why. Their emotions can be confusing and feel overwhelming at times. Through reading about the characters in a book like What are Feelings?, children can develop the ability to describe what they’re feeling, learn that it‘s okay to feel big feelings, and that it’s okay to talk about them. They also start to explore different ways they might cope with more difficult emotions.
Illustration from What are feelings?
Feelings can be difficult to talk about, particularly more painful ones like sadness, fear and anger. For children (and adults!) who find it hard to share their feelings, reading about the emotions of book characters can be a more comfortable way to approach the subject. It’s often easier to explore more difficult feelings when children are feeling calm, settled and safe – snuggling together during bedtime stories is an ideal place for this!
Feelings are something universal that we all experience, whatever our culture, background, ethnicity or religion. Children can learn this through reading a wide variety of books, which may show different characters in very different situations experiencing similar feelings – such as the animal friends in What are Feelings? A sad rhino who needs a hug or a scared raccoon wanting their teddy will be instantly relatable to young children. The universality of emotions portrayed in books shows a child that whatever they’re feeling, they’re not alone, and this can be enormously comforting.
Illustration from What are Feelings?
Picture books are a great way to show even very young children what feelings look like. A worried expression on Crocodile or a grumpy face on Monkey can help children learn to recognise emotions in others and provide a great way for parents to start conversations about feelings: “Wow, he looks really angry in that picture, doesn’t he? What do you think made him feel angry?... What makes you feel angry?... That’s interesting, I know sometimes I feel a bit angry when..." (It can be helpful for parents to get a bit of practice in talking about their own feelings!)
Books are also a great way for parents to connect with older children around feelings. It’s easy to ask an older child more factual questions about a book they’re reading: “What’s the book about?” or “What happens next?” Try asking follow-up questions about the characters’ emotional lives: “That sounds like a really tough situation for X - what do you think she was feeling?... How did she show that she was feeling sad?... What do you think would have helped her to feel better?... How would you have felt if that happened?”
Once they start to understand more about their feelings, it’s helpful for children to learn different ways of coping with difficult feelings, too. We know that drawing and writing can be great tools for this – children might like to try The Usborne Book of Drawing, Doodling and Colouring or My First Story Writing Book. Others may prefer to spend time in nature and in the garden or keep busy with their hands. Children and parents could come up with a list of “feel good” books together that help to lift the spirits and build resilience through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Dr Sasha Lillie Lyons is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working in NHS CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). She was the expert consultant for Usborne’s book What are Feelings? and is currently working with Usborne on a young children’s book on death.
Dr Sasha Lillie Lyons, clinical psychologist and expert consultant for Usborne's What are Feelings? book, explains how the universality of emotions portrayed in books can show a child that whatever they’re feeling, they’re not alone.
Child psychologist Dr Sasha Lillie Lyons reading What are Feelings? to her children
We know that books are a great way for children to learn about the world around them, to inspire their imaginations, and hopefully to create a life-long love of reading. I was a passionate bookworm as a child (still am) and now as a parent I’m delighted that my children love reading, too.
But books can also be a fantastic tool for helping children to understand more about themselves, including their feelings. Learning to describe, express and manage their emotions – even from a young age – is an essential part of children’s social and emotional development.
Young children may not always understand exactly what they’re feeling and why. Their emotions can be confusing and feel overwhelming at times. Through reading about the characters in a book like What are Feelings?, children can develop the ability to describe what they’re feeling, learn that it‘s okay to feel big feelings, and that it’s okay to talk about them. They also start to explore different ways they might cope with more difficult emotions.
Illustration from What are feelings?
Feelings can be difficult to talk about, particularly more painful ones like sadness, fear and anger. For children (and adults!) who find it hard to share their feelings, reading about the emotions of book characters can be a more comfortable way to approach the subject. It’s often easier to explore more difficult feelings when children are feeling calm, settled and safe – snuggling together during bedtime stories is an ideal place for this!
Feelings are something universal that we all experience, whatever our culture, background, ethnicity or religion. Children can learn this through reading a wide variety of books, which may show different characters in very different situations experiencing similar feelings – such as the animal friends in What are Feelings? A sad rhino who needs a hug or a scared raccoon wanting their teddy will be instantly relatable to young children. The universality of emotions portrayed in books shows a child that whatever they’re feeling, they’re not alone, and this can be enormously comforting.
Illustration from What are Feelings?
Picture books are a great way to show even very young children what feelings look like. A worried expression on Crocodile or a grumpy face on Monkey can help children learn to recognise emotions in others and provide a great way for parents to start conversations about feelings: “Wow, he looks really angry in that picture, doesn’t he? What do you think made him feel angry?... What makes you feel angry?... That’s interesting, I know sometimes I feel a bit angry when..." (It can be helpful for parents to get a bit of practice in talking about their own feelings!)
Books are also a great way for parents to connect with older children around feelings. It’s easy to ask an older child more factual questions about a book they’re reading: “What’s the book about?” or “What happens next?” Try asking follow-up questions about the characters’ emotional lives: “That sounds like a really tough situation for X - what do you think she was feeling?... How did she show that she was feeling sad?... What do you think would have helped her to feel better?... How would you have felt if that happened?”
Once they start to understand more about their feelings, it’s helpful for children to learn different ways of coping with difficult feelings, too. We know that drawing and writing can be great tools for this – children might like to try The Usborne Book of Drawing, Doodling and Colouring or My First Story Writing Book. Others may prefer to spend time in nature and in the garden or keep busy with their hands. Children and parents could come up with a list of “feel good” books together that help to lift the spirits and build resilience through life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Dr Sasha Lillie Lyons is a clinical psychologist with over 10 years’ experience working in NHS CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). She was the expert consultant for Usborne’s book What are Feelings? and is currently working with Usborne on a young children’s book on death.
Harmonys First Birthday faceBOOK party event.
JOIN US FOR HARMONYS EXCLUSIVE BIRTHDAY BASH. I AM SENDING OUT INDIVIDUAL INVITES TO THIS EVENT AND WILL ADD THE EVENT WHEN THE TIME GETS CLOSER.
5 Ways That Books Feed Your Mind & Soul.
Craft a very hungry caterpillar out of construction paper with your kiddos , let your imagination take over and have fun!
Book Storage Ideas.
Every child has a crib they grow out of. If you won’t be keeping yours for baby number two, take it apart and use on of the slatted sides for displaying your child’s favorite books. Hanging vertically, they’ll be able to see every cover and choose a favorite themselves at naptime
Picture ledges are running rampant nowadays… and they also make the perfect solution to book storage! Fill a wall with them or put a few in a corner book nook and suddenly, all those bright covers become a piece of art in your child’s room
It’s critical that books are easily accessible for kids or they’ll turn to other kinds of entertainment. A couple low shelves like these makes books easy to reach for everyone, from big kids to crawling toddlers.
Does your child have an interesting bedroom nook that you can’t quite figure out? Fill it with shelves and suddenly, an odd space becomes a playtime nook with spots for toys and books and stuffed animals.
You’ve probably seen these wooden crates at your local craft store. They’re so versatile, it’s hard not to have one or two on hand for when the need to DIY hits. Use one of them, cut it in half and screw it to the wall for a book crate in your child’s room. It will fit in any small space.
These book pockets are genius. If you have the sewing skills, then you’re half way to having these pockets in your child’s room. Use whatever fabric matches best and cleanup time just became a breeze.
There’s probably a million ways to use IKEA’s Raskog cart. Book storage is only one, but it’s an especially good one if your child’s room has absolutely no space for their books. You can keep this pretty cart in your living room and then roll away out of sight when guests come over.
How adorable is this house bookshelf? Don’t be surprised if your child end up taking all the books off and using the shelf for a dollhouse. It’s quite possible.
I Love You To Pieces Art Idea.
I Love You to Pieces Art Idea for your little ones..
Tearing paper is an amazing fine motor activity for kids. Tearing paper requires strength and endurance of the small muscles in the hand. These intrinsic muscles are important in so many fine motor skills, including handwriting and coloring, managing buttons and zippers, manipulating pegs, and more.
#iloveyoutopieces #tearingpaper #usbornebookandmore #readtoyourchild #literacy4ever #greatbooksforkids #workfromhome #literacytips #happiness #motivation #goals # positivethinking #smallbiz #keepgoing #buildyourtribe #empowerwomen #makeithappen #cinchedthis #directsales #wahmlife #mombiz #focus #goodvibes #yougotthis #inspire #inspiration #wisdom #dowhatyoulove #slaytheday
How To Make Pointer Bookworms.
Chenille Stems - The Fuzzy ones work the best. If you use these, you will need only one stem per bookworm craft. The pink and green bookworm picture use 15mm Bright Multi Chenille Stems.
If you use the regular 6mm chenille stems, you will have to use about four of them for each bookworm (orange bookworm).
Mini Jumbo Craft Sticks
Paint Marker Pens - The colors are amazing and there is no messy clean up, Acrylic Paint, crayon, or markers.
7mm Wiggle Eyes - (If you want the eyes to stay on use a low temp. glue gun. Do this part for the child.)
How to Make the Bookworm Pointers:
1. Paint the crafts sticks with acrylic paint or liquid chalk markers. (Liquid chalk markers are water soluble so if you use these make sure the pointers don't get wet.)
2. Wind a Chenille stem or stems around the center of the craft stick leaving an open space at the top and bottom of the craft stick. Glue the ends of the stems to the craft stick so the stems don't unwind.
3. Glue wiggle eyes to one end of the craft stick.
4. Use the bookworms as pointers to help your child learn to read.
If you use the regular 6mm chenille stems, you will have to use about four of them for each bookworm (orange bookworm).
Mini Jumbo Craft Sticks
Paint Marker Pens - The colors are amazing and there is no messy clean up, Acrylic Paint, crayon, or markers.
7mm Wiggle Eyes - (If you want the eyes to stay on use a low temp. glue gun. Do this part for the child.)
How to Make the Bookworm Pointers:
1. Paint the crafts sticks with acrylic paint or liquid chalk markers. (Liquid chalk markers are water soluble so if you use these make sure the pointers don't get wet.)
2. Wind a Chenille stem or stems around the center of the craft stick leaving an open space at the top and bottom of the craft stick. Glue the ends of the stems to the craft stick so the stems don't unwind.
3. Glue wiggle eyes to one end of the craft stick.
4. Use the bookworms as pointers to help your child learn to read.
Enter the words on sightwords.com, a free website where you can create your own Snakes & Ladders game.
Usborne and Kane Miller books have won many distinguished awards over the years - from Publisher of the Year (Usborne) to the coveted Kirkus Starred Review (Kane Miller). Usborne Books & More is proud to offer many of these award-winning titles!
Usborne Books & More Programs
About Usborne Books & More
Usborne Books & More is an independent, family owned business, which creates wonderful books for children of all ages. We offer direct retail sales, grant-matching, fundraisers, home parties, online events, and more.
I’m happy to provide recommendations or shopping lists. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you have.
Usborne Books & More is an independent, family owned business, which creates wonderful books for children of all ages. We offer direct retail sales, grant-matching, fundraisers, home parties, online events, and more.
I’m happy to provide recommendations or shopping lists. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you have.
Usborne Books & More offers nearly 2,000 titles, all available in my online shop! The books are exciting, engaging, and educational
Did you know you can sell Usborne and Kane Miller books from from home? Become a consultant and make money by starting your own book business when you join Usborne Books & More!
It’s quick, easy and offers great rewards. An average host receives around $300 in FREE and discounted books!
Sell Usborne Books And Kane Miller BooksDid you know you can sell books from from home? When you become an Independent Consultant you will be able to offer books via various outlets, including:
- Direct Online Sales, via your own portal on our website
- Home Parties
- Online Parties
- Book Fairs
- Other special programs, including fundraisers and grant matching
Host An Usborne Books & More PartyWhether hosting online or in person, an Usborne Books & More party provides a fun and lively format, you’ll explore what makes these innovative, stunning books the best children’s books on the market today. Learn practical ways to encourage the love of reading and build an extensive home library, all while sharing time with your friends and family!
It’s quick, easy and offers great rewards. An average host receives around $300 in FREE and discounted Usborne books and Kane Millers books! Learn about our hostess rewards.
We offer home parties or the easy option of an online party.
It’s quick, easy and offers great rewards. An average host receives around $300 in FREE and discounted Usborne books and Kane Millers books! Learn about our hostess rewards.
We offer home parties or the easy option of an online party.
Usborne Books & More – Cards For A Cause FundraiserUsborne Books & More prides itself on delivering a unique platform of value and a high return to the organization. The Cards For A Cause Program offers five boxed sets of 30 beautifully embellished cards with matching envelopes.
Typically, the fundraiser is ran for a two week period. The organizer will collect orders and payment, then the card boxes will be ordered by your consultant. You should expect to receive the cards about two weeks later and the organizer will distribute.
Typically, the fundraiser is ran for a two week period. The organizer will collect orders and payment, then the card boxes will be ordered by your consultant. You should expect to receive the cards about two weeks later and the organizer will distribute.
Usborne Books & More Grant MatchingLiteracy for a Lifetime ™ is a grant matching program where we partner with corporations, foundations, and individuals. Donations or grants are granted to the association or school. The company or school will choose the books they would like to purchase from the Usborne Books & More collection.
The balance of the books will equal 150% of the amount given. 100% will be bought with the donation or grant money and the other 50% will be contributed by Usborne Books & More.
The balance of the books will equal 150% of the amount given. 100% will be bought with the donation or grant money and the other 50% will be contributed by Usborne Books & More.
- Donations can qualify as tax deductible.
- Donations must be a minimum of $250.
- The organization or school can choose from the full catalog of Usborne and Kane Miller books.
- The grant matching program can be used as often as possible with no limit on the amount that can be donated or matched.