April
This is a good time to start since we are ALL home. Here are a few resources to get you started….possibly find these things in your own home or purchase by clicking on the links below. Thank you!
Books to read regardless of your kid’s ages:
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
A great read aloud that all will enjoy. The author takes us on a journey that you won’t forget! Discuss love as you read. As a teacher, I think about the concept of theme or THE MESSAGE as I teach my students. Love is a theme in this text and you may see and discuss other themes as well. Enjoy!
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
How would you like to spend 27 years stuck in a mall and then end up at a zoo? Wow! Enjoy this Newbery award winning title. Lots of neat stuff to read online about this as well.
Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan
One of my teaching favorites. Students love this text too. Think about potential themes (messages) as you read this one too. Kids young and old enjoy this title about a famous athlete and his struggles.
What to do with a problem by Kobi Yamada
Teaching persistence and patience is VERY important during this day and age. Read aloud and enjoy. I need these reminders too!
Press Here by Herve Tullet
This is a great interactive read aloud that children (and adults) of ALL ages will adore reading aloud! My 4 and 6 year old beg to read this multiple times. My 6 year old can now share with her little brother as we all almost have it memorized! It will be a happy moment in your day!
Chapter books for reluctant readers:
Hank Zipzer and the Here’s Hank series by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
This series is hilarious! These books are easy to read, enjoy, and laugh out loud to with your family or just an upper elementary child.
Wonder by RJ Palacio
A wonderful story that will tug at your heart even if you’ve already seen the movie we encourage you to read!
The Who Was Series
Who Was Harriet Tubman by Yona Zeldis McDonough
If you have not started to enjoy this series- please do so now! Your family will get hooked on this easy to read and SUPER interesting books!!
Who was Martin Luther King by Bonnie Bader
Who Was JK Rowling by Pam Pollack
Chapter books about dogs:
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
My 4th and 5th grade students loved to listen to this read aloud!
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
A classic, tearjerker- I still remember my teacher reading this aloud to me.
Games/Activities to play–
Parents- our focus and mission is to help get the right books into the right hands, however, at this point in our daily lives we all need help finding activities that keep our kids engaged in creative play. We are here to help as fellow mamas and educators. Please see below for some ways to challenge your children of all ages to think differently and critically and enjoy some together time. We hope this helps so that you can use TV and screen time when you really need it. More ideas coming!
Uno
What a classic card game! Introduce it to your family- 4 years old and up! Teach them the basics of card playing- shuffling, dealing, and hey a little family time for everyone!!?
Pick up Sticks
A great family game to work on concentration, focus and fine motor skills.
Guess Who
A great game to teach your kids but also great for family time. Asking questions and eliminating options. Great logic practice!
Tic Tac Toe
If you haven’t played in a while- you should! Play anywhere and teach your kids the strategy. They will probably beat you soon!
Old Maid
What a great game that even your small kids can play alone. Maybe you can even cook supper while they play? Ok- that may be far fetched!
The kids can learn the concept of making matches and NOT wanting the Old Maid. Enjoy this old classic! When I first started playing again as an adult- I had to relearn the rules- deal the whole deck, make your matches and stack them up, and avoid the old maid!
Go Fish
Again- another classic that little kids and big kids alike can enjoy! Make matches- a concept we can all teach and understand.
Charades for kids
A great option for the whole family. Family fun night choice!
Jenja –
A great game to leave out and work through concentration and patience. Great life skills!
