Suggestions of how to incorporate foreign languages into your child’s daily life, especially if your child is studying Spanish or Mandarin Chinese.
Tag: 3rd to 4th Grade Chapter Book
Chapter books for 3rd and 4th grade kids.
Best Apps to Teach Kids to Keyboard
I learned how to type the old fashioned way a million years ago: a manual typewriter with the keys all blacked out, and typing exercises on a projected screen in a blackened room. A Q A Z A Q A Z. Yep, I typed that over and over again. Then on to S W S X S W S X and so forth until it was time to type exercises and take timed tests. Not exactly fun but definitely effective. These days no one is learning to keyboard this way. I have searched out the best computer programs, iPhone /iPad apps, and free web games to learn to keyboard (i.e. touch type).
Science of Owls and Bats Through Picture Books
Use picture books Stellaluna, Owl Babies and Owl Moon to explore the relationship between bats and owls. More science links on ecolocation, virtual owl pellet and more included.
Chile: Children’s Books, Nobel Laureate Poets, Art and More
As I researched Chile, I found another Nobel winning poet, Gabriela Mistral. Two Nobel poets from one small country?! The souls of Chileans are truly steeped in poetry, optimism and beauty. At least, that is what I conclude after looking at what they can do with horsehair, graffiti and mere words!
Cricket In Times Square: Book Club for Kids
I hosted my middle daughter’s book club this past week. She chose her all-time favorite book by which she judges all other books, Newbury Honor Book, The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden. Activity 1: Create a Cricket Habitat with Actual Crickets to Bring Home.
Best Non-Fiction Animal Picture Books That Teach Math
Ann Whitehead Nagda’s Non-Fiction Baby Animal Picture Books that teach math concepts. For grades 2-5.
Best Books for Reluctant Readers: Part 2, Authors M-Z
I love to find books that excite reluctant readers. The key is to find that magic intersection that marries your child’s just-right level with content that matches their interest and a layout that is visually appealing (small chunks of text broken by pictures, larger font size, etc.). Alas, this is a moving target. I have an actual person that I select these books for, my youngest son’s best friend’s older brother who is a 4th grader with my oldest. My mom friends have had success with these books for their reluctant boy readers and suggests you try them. If you want to purchase a book, click on the image of the book to buy at Amazon.com.