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15-min. ideas Activities

Dial-a-story

I’m recording some books on CD for our school. It (and another mom in the schoolyard) reminded me that the Metro Toronto Public Library has a wonderful service. It’s Dial-a-Story, and all you have to do is phone a number — and let your child listen. Every day there is […]

Reading theory Research

The three main factors

Your attitude shapes your kids’ attitudes. Researchers recorded years’ worth of everyday interactions across a wide range of families. They discovered three main factors that predict whether a child will be a successful reader. 1) Parents’ attitudes about readingEven in communities without bookstores or libraries, if the parents showed children […]

Activities Crafts

How to get mail

Getting mail is fun. Remember when you were little, and some mail came addressed to you? It was fantastic! And of course, when kids get mail… they read it. Here are some ways to help your child get some mail: *You get mail when you send mail. Help your child […]

Reading theory Research

Another reason to read to your child

Books have their own language. You’d never say, in conversation, “once upon a time,” or “her flaxen locks.” And yet, when we read those phrases in books, not only do they seem perfectly normal, but they’re part of a fantastic language that contributes to a whole and magical childhood. Here […]

Activities Gift ideas Toys

Writing in light

So, here’s a pretty cool product. Crayola’s Glow Station is essentially a flexible white board made of a phosphorescent material. It comes with a pen-flashlight so kids can “write” (or draw) using light. At first, I thought it was a one-trick pony. My son used it the first time for […]

Book Reviews

Great new books – the Bird is back!

Boo Hoo Birdby Jeremy Tankard Well, he’s not grumpy any more but really, he should be, since in this sequel to Grumpy Bird, our little blue friend gets bonked in the head. And, just as in the last book, it’s Bird’s friends who make him feel better.Beautifully illustrated and lovingly […]