Here’s another great idea from Lori Jamison’s workshop. A cheap, plastic plate can be used as a mini-whiteboard for kids. They’re durable, easy to store and inexpensive. And best of all, dry erase marker wipes right off! Kids can practise their writing on them, wipe off what they’ve done, and […]
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Lessons from a kindergarten teacher
This is a kindergarten teacher – and a teacher of teachers. Lori Jamison introduced a roomful of kindergarten teachers at the recent Reading for the Love of it conference to a handful of “mini-lessons” to get kids reading. Her first point was, “what do we want kindergarteners to know about […]
For the Love of Reading
I’m covering the Reading for the Love of it conference today. I’ve never been before, and I’m really excited about it. It’s a two-day “language arts” conference in Toronto aimed at educators. I consider myself one of those–after all, if this blog isn’t about educating, what is it about? (“Fun!” […]
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
“Surprise!” When my son went to bed last night, this is what he found on his pillow – a Coles bookstore bag, with a book-sized lump in it. You’re eight, you don’t feel like going to bed, you’re dragging your feet, prolonging the inevitable… and then you find a new […]
Profile: Girl, 7, likes art, spaghetti
Playing in the snow. Here’s a girl who’s 7, and likes art, ballet and spaghetti. She also loves books. Maybe you know someone similar, who would like the same books she does. PROFILEFemale, age 7, Canadian, loves reading DESCRIBE YOURSELFSmart, creative LIKESArt, Disney World, spaghetti, ballet, soccer, horses and playing […]
Reading as a part-time job
One mom found an interesting way to get her daughter reading. She paid her. I think that’s really interesting. Now, as this mom told us about what she’d done, she cringed a little—she knew full well that bribery is not the best way to hook a kid on reading. She […]
Family Literacy Day – Jan. 27
Today is Family Literacy Day. This is the day! It’s the day you and your kid: 1) Read together. 2) Talk about your favourite book. 3) Listen to a book on tape. 4) Write each other a letter, which you drop in the mail for each other. Surprise! 5) Vote […]
Profile: Girl, 8, likes nature, poetry, art
Pippi meets Wednesday. Here we have a likeable, creative, nature-loving and artistic eight-year-old girl. She’s a little bit Pippi Longstocking and a little bit Wednesday Adams. Sound like someone you know? If so, she might enjoy the same books this girl enjoys. PROFILEFemale, age 8 (almost 9), Canadian, enjoys reading […]
Profile: Male, 14, likes movies, skiing
Some great teen fantasy reads Do you know a teenaged boy who’s into movies, skiing and video games? Maybe he’ll like the same books as this young man. PROFILEMale, 14, enjoys reading DESCRIBE YOURSELFFunny, tall, smart, athletic LIKESVideo games, books, movies, skiing TOP FIVE FAVOURITE BOOKS1) Percy Jackson and the […]
Profile: Boy, 8, active, likes video games
Parents are always asking each other for book suggestions.It’s a good idea, because what one child likes will often appeal to other kids of the same age and interests. I’ve decided to profile some very different kids and ask them to share their top five books. When kids are forced […]
