All children are obsessed with dinosaurs some time during their early childhood years. Whether it’s during their older toddler or preschool years or more into their 1st or 2nd years of elementary school, dinosaurs take up a lot of their time, energy and focus. I'm long past my early childhood years, but it didn't matter. I was thrilled to received a copy of Dear Dinosaur by Chae Strathie from B-E-S Publishing. This book introduced me to the characters. B-E-S Publishing had recently sent me … [Read more...]
Dear Dinosaur: T Rex on Tour, A Book Review
Dinosaur Week at preschool was always an anticipated time. Everyone's imaginations was captivated by dinosaurs! So I was very excited to read the copy of Dear Dinosaur: T. Rex on Tour by Chae Strathie I received from B-E-S Publishing. OVERVIEW The general story line: A young boy named Max visits his local museum of history with the intent of viewing the dinosaurs. Once there, though, he discovers the exhibit is closed as the dinosaurs are on tour. Following a suggestion that Max write T. Rex … [Read more...]
PEPS–A Family Affair
When I am invited to speak at a PEPS group I look forward to it for many reasons. I’m very happy to be able to share the importance of PLAY, and its many benefits, of course, with new parents. I love to give them PLAY-based learning activities they can do with their babies. And, I like to take every opportunity to emphasize the importance of immersing babies in language right from the start. But the BEST thing about speaking at a PEPS group? In a word: BABIES! I am over-the-moon thrilled to see … [Read more...]
Traveling and Away from Home–Working Parents Added Challenge
Working parents want and NEED to stay connected to the everyday happenings in their children's lives--and that's especially true when parents are traveling for business. Rather than bringing back trinkets or gifts from various countries--which kind of has the feel of trying to buy your child's love and/or assuage your guilt--parents can DO something with their children instead! Yes, there's a little bit of pre-planning involved, but instead of a business trip taking time away from your child … [Read more...]
Play’s Impact on Literacy
I make no apologies for my pro-play stance...I will always be a promoter and supporter of play; I believe in the power of PLAY! Play addresses all areas of development. One area of importance is play's impact on literacy. My reasons are experiential and anecdotal, however I believe studies will back up what this preschool teacher, parent, now grandparent has witnessed. Literacy--the definition can be nebulous. Is it just being able to read and write or does it include listening, speaking and … [Read more...]