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 […]
Other News
Video-kid ideas needed
As you may know, when I’m not blogging or mothering I’m a freelance journalist. I’m currently writing a magazine article about how to get kids who love video games, to love reading as well. One of the ways to do this is to use technology, that has a literacy component, […]
Finger Puppet Book Bags
A little gem from the literacy conference. It’s a knitted book bag, with finger puppets that adhere with snaps to the bag. A knitted string lets the child hang it around her neck and take it anywhere. Each bag has a theme. For instance, the Ocean bag has a handpainted […]
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 […]
Seen in Blockbuster: books!
Get your kids reading by telling them about the movie or TV show. I don’t visit Blockbuster very often. So it was a revelation to to me that they had a book rack filled with the book versions of about a dozen popular movies. That is great. I’m a big […]
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 […]
