{Summer Reading} Read-Alouds

sun summer reading

Ah, summer reading. Warmer days have begun and now is a good time to choose a few summer read alouds. There are few things more pleasant than cracking open a book on a lovely, sunny day. My kids and I have picked out a stack of books to read aloud when we are lounging outdoors… Keep Reading →

More Great Book Lists from The Children’s Bookshelf

kids book lists on bullying, Native Americas, poetry, birthday and penguins

I found some wonderful resources last week through The Children’s Bookshelf, including a few new book lists to add to my ever-growing collection of titles to check out from the library. If you missed the linky last week because of Screen-Free Week, I’m sure you had a relaxing time away from the computer and no… Keep Reading →

5 Shape Activities Perfect for Preschoolers

shape activities for preschoolers

Easy Shape Activities for Preschoolers Over the last few years I’ve shared a number of learning activities the kids and I have done at home. The boys always had fun with shape activities which create a strong foundation for math and geometry later on.  I don’t do many round-up posts because you can find all… Keep Reading →

Postage Stamp Craft: Handmade Bookmarks

Easy Kid Craft: postage stamp bookmarks

Look! The kids and I got crafty! I combined my love of bookmarks and my affection for foreign postage stamps and together we made these awesome (if I do say so myself) handmade postage stamp bookmarks! These would also make a lovely Mother’s Day present (if it’s not too weird to help make your own… Keep Reading →

Writing Journals for Children

journal page

This list of Journals for Children is a bit different than my typical book lists for kids. I was inspired one day in a library gift store and the first book you see below caught my eye. I have written several times about how I and my kids keep diaries. My older son has a… Keep Reading →

FInd Activities for Book Week

bookshelf

Last week on The Children’s Bookshelf, I was delighted to note several newcomers to our party. Thank you all for visiting. I know spring is in the air, and rightly so many of you are spending your valuable time outdoors. I hope you are getting lots of reading time in, too. I’d like to highlight… Keep Reading →

Life With No TV: Why We Gave Up Television

television in closet

Several years ago I wrote an essay for a now-defunct online parenting magazine describing why we decided on a TV-free life and how life without television was a boon for our family and my personal sanity.  Screen-Free Week starts in a few days, so I’m republishing my essay today. The word “television” now seems so… Keep Reading →

Easy Poetry Activity for Kids: Spine Poems

spine poetry

One of my favorite poetry activities that kids can easily do at home is spine poetry! It’s a fun way to get kids to “write” poems even if they are initially resistant to the idea. My 8 year old does have fun composing haiku but I haven’t been able to find a way to get… Keep Reading →

Five Book Lists for Children

book lists for children by topic

In the past few months I’ve been creating book lists for children for my fellow bloggers. In lieu of my usual weekly kids’ book list, today I’m giving you five book lists for children! The selections cover a variety of topics, genres and age ranges, such as board books, poetry, history and even interactive books…. Keep Reading →

A Book Blog That Celebrates Diversity

bookshelf

I am excited to share a terrific new book blog celebrating diversity in children’s literature: Ink & Pen. This is one of the main reasons I started The Children’s Bookshelf – to give parents a way to find great resources in the world of children’s books, and I’m so happy Ink & Pen linked up… Keep Reading →