*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
As we sat down to a meal of corned beef, cabbage, mashed potatoes and soda bread on Wednesday, I thought of how food plays such a central part in not only identifying who we are but in teaching us about life. We aren’t Irish but still enjoy the holiday with good food, stories, music and shamrocks. In our house, we tend to go from holiday to holiday planning early for what we will cook, searching for new recipes, creating a menu and looking for storybooks to teach about, compliment or enhance the holiday experience.
We here at BTBL always encourage families to bond through cooking and books. Reading through and choosing recipes, going to the store to search for ingredients, and then cooking and baking together...these activities foster stronger bonds and create lasting memories. Look for storybooks that go along with upcoming holidays or books that celebrate both cooking and reading, such as The Storybook Cookbook by Carol MacGregor, Cooking with Mother Goose: Nursery Rhymes and the Recipes they Inspire by Lacey J. Mauritz, Fairytale Baking: Delicious Treats Inspired by Hansel & Gretel, Snow White and other Classic Stories by Christin Geweke, Fairy Tale Feasts: A Literary Cookbook for Young Readers and Eaters by Jane Yolen and Cook Me a Story or Cook Me a Rhyme by Brian Kozlowski.
Use holidays to learn something new about other people and their culture and then celebrate the time together with a book. Browse through our Baking, Cooking, Gardening & Food Related books list for additional title suggestions.
Happy reading and cooking together!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 3 and 1) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Hang tight, parents, we’re halfway there! The word halfway though is very subjective. Could be a good thing and you’re reaching an end point or a bad thing and you’ve left something behind, but either way, you can’t go back and yell, “do over!”
It was in the summer with all this virus mess that I realized that homeschooling was going to be the best option for both my daughter and myself, though not without some stress. Mine, not hers. I tell myself that it’s only kindergarten but know that one always needs a strong foundation to build upon and so these early years do matter, so back to stressing. Then I read a blog from a homeschooling mom who said that if she had to do it all over again, she would relax more, read a ton of books and slow down, basically stopping to smell the roses as the saying goes. Slow down and see the value in the small things not missing opportunities that might pass by. And that’s just what I’ve done. I’ve slowed down and look for the everyday teachable moments that might be turned into extended learning opportunities and the end result has been a happier child filled with curiosity and imagination, excited to learn.
I can’t redo the first half of her “school year,” but I’m not sure that I would want to because making the changes that I have has shown me just how unimaginative and limiting sitting in front of a computer screen and filling out worksheets can be and that learning doesn’t have to be just during the hours of 8:00 to 3:00. I haven’t given up all computer work and still offer worksheets and wipe clean boards but I’ve been reading books throughout the day and have found that learning can also take place when you least expect it. For example:
These are just a few of the things that I’ve been doing with my daughter that shows me how her curious mind fuels her thirst for knowledge and how excited she gets to find the answers, and as we say that we are lifelong learners, I too have been learning new things when we do our searches. Don’t ever be afraid to tell your children that you don’t know something. It shows them that learning is a life long process and that we all can learn something new, as well as how to go about finding an answer to their question.
“Never stop learning, because life never stops teaching.”
Happy learning!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 3 and 1) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children. 
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Thoreau’s quote gives us food for thought. We should all be grateful for what we have and teach our children to be thankful each and every day and not just one day a year. This is not to say that we shouldn’t encourage our children to reach higher and strive for a bit more, but we should remember that there is always something in our life to be thankful for and that the experiences we go through in our lives, ultimately make us who we are. So spend some time with loved ones around the table or walking among the leaves and think about all that you are thankful for.
It‘s rather fitting that November is National Sweet Potato Awareness month because that is often the vegetable of choice at Thanksgiving and National Stuffing Day is celebrated with Thanksgiving right around the corner. Try out some new recipes for the holiday but also share your old family favorites. Allow children to help out with the preparation of the family meal and when possible, bring the generations of your family together to build lasting memories. A story to consider might be Sweet Potato Pie by Kathleen D. Lindsey.
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November
National Peanut Butter Lovers, Pepper, Pomegranate, Raisin Bread & Sweet Potato Awareness Month
1st: National Calzone Day
We couldn’t find any storybooks featuring calzones specifically, so we suggest you choose a pizza story to read aloud instead.
1st: National Deep Fried Clam Day
3rd: National Sandwich Day
4th: National Candy Day
6th: National Nachos Day
Nacho’s Nachos: The Story Behind the World’s Favorite Snack by Sandra Nickel
14th: National Pickle Day
21st: National Stuffing Day
4th Thursday: Thanksgiving
Take a look back at our previous blogs, Save a Turkey! Gobble up a good book! and Give Thanks for Books This November!, to see our favorite books to read aloud for Thanksgiving.
26th: National Cake Day
28th: National French Toast Day
Josh Funk's captivating series, Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, can be read on a number of special days as each title features an entire cast of food characters.
Happy reading and baking!
-Kate @ BTBL Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 5) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 1) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
"Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air."
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Blueberry Mouse by Alice Low
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Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
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More Blueberries! by Susan Musgrave
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One Little Blueberry by Tammi Salzano
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National Culinary Arts Month
Start to Cook by Abigail Wheatley
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Children's World Cookbook by Fiona Watt
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Stir, Crack, Whisk, Bake by Maddie Frost
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The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs by America's Test Kitchen Kids
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The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs by America's Test Kitchen Kids
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National Hot Dog Month
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! by Mo Willems
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Hello, Hot Dog! by Lily Murray
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Stan the Hot Dog Man by Ethel and Leonard Kessler
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National Ice Cream Month
Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons
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Wemberly's Ice-Cream Star by Kevin Henkes
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Curious George and the Ice Cream Surprise by Margret & H. A. Rey
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Curious George Goes to an Ice Cream Shop by Margret & H. A. Rey
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Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
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Did you know you can make your very own ice cream at home in a bag?
National Watermelon Month
The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
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Mouse's First Summer by Lauren Thompson
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Watermelon Party by Jasmine Cabanaw
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One Watermelon Seed by Celia Lottridge
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National Picnic Month
The Teddy Bears' Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy
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One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J. Pinczes
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Need help planning a picnic? Take a look at The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket by Marnie Hanel, Andrea Slonecker, and Jen Stevenson. While intended for adults, this title is beautiful, witty and full of grand ideas for having the most splendid picnic imaginable.
7th: National Chocolate Day
Lily's Chocolate Heart by Kevin Henkes
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If You Give a Mouse a Brownie by Laura Numeroff
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Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory by Margret & H. A. Rey
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No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart and Allen Young
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Chocolate: The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton
While this title is intended for adults, it is filled with the kind of witty text and comical illustrations expected of the incomparable Sandra Boynton and is sure to bring delight to the chocolate enthusiasts of every age!
9th: National Sugar Cookie Day
Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? by George Shannon
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Mo Willems‘ Elephant & Piggie Love Reading!: The Cookie Fiasco by Dan Santat
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The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems
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The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson
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May I Please Have a Cookie? by Jennifer Morris
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11th: National Blueberry Muffin Day
If You Give a Moose a Muffin by Laura Numeroff
3rd Sunday: National Ice Cream Day
-See the list above under National Ice Cream Month.
15th: National Gummi Worm Day
-Celebrate by reading your favorite book and munching on some delicious bookworms (the gummi variety, of course).
Happy reading!
-Kate @ BTBL
-Kate @ BTBL
Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 2 and 8 months) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
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My mother always encouraged us to help in the kitchen and often asked us to help out with little tasks at dinnertime. I still remember the mess my siblings and I created cutting out and decorating Christmas cookies or heart cookies at Valentine’s Day and then the joy of getting to lick out the bowl. Those are memories that I cherish and skills that I have built upon and now include my own daughter in the kitchen. Unfortunately, it seems that many millennial parents don‘t actually prepare meals from scratch today and their busy schedules often keep them from cooking at all. That is why we at Back to Basics Literacy added Bookworm Bakers to help parents creatively combine books with everyday cooking.
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A story can either introduce a food or activity or it can reinforce one if read after the fact. Cooking or baking with your child can be a fun planned activity or it can and should be something that is just done when preparing family meals. They don’t have to be elaborate meals but always include your child(ren) so that they can spend quality time with you and they can see what considerations are needed and what it takes to actually prepare the family meal. We understand that our back to basics approach can mean slower meal prep and a few more messes but it will aid in the development of a whole and well-rounded child as well as teaching real life skills.
Use time in the kitchen with your child(ren) to:
Use time in the kitchen with your child(ren) to:
- Help plan menus and decide how to alter recipes to suit different tastes or needs.
- Identify different foods.
- If time permits point out colors, textures, sizes, smells etc. (for example the differing vegetables in a salad).
- When allowing children to help cut vegetables or other foods discuss halves, thirds and quarters etc. and then count how many total pieces.
- Don‘t be afraid to let your child handle a knife when helping in the kitchen (under close supervision, of course). For further reading on the benefits of letting kids use knives, take a look at this article from Wellness Mama.
- Don‘t be afraid to let your child handle a knife when helping in the kitchen (under close supervision, of course). For further reading on the benefits of letting kids use knives, take a look at this article from Wellness Mama.
- Discuss various kitchen tools and their uses.
- Allow children to help decide how to change up the menu or a recipe.
- Discuss where our food comes from and perhaps consider planting a garden or visit a fresh market or farmer’s market.
Remember that involving kids in the kitchen helps to develop:
- Fine Motor Skills – This is especially important in young children who are learning simple life skills such as working buttons and snaps on clothing, tying shoe laces and holding a pencil. Helping in the kitchen with chopping, peeling, whisking, measuring, washing and stirring helps to develop fine motor coordination.
- Communication – Not only is this a great time to bond with your child but also a time to converse about what you are making, what you need to do and how to best accomplish the task. This also helps to increase vocabulary. Make it fun by working to music and reading a short story in between steps.
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Reading & Writing – The two skills that are necessary to a full life. Recipes are wonderful not only to develop reading skills but also for following directions and sequencing. Create visual recipe cards for pre-readers and readers can help to choose recipes, create menus and write out shopping lists. For an example of visual recipes cards read A Mom with a Lesson Plan‘s blog post: Teaching Math and Reading with Cooking.
- Math & Science – Almost all cooking involves math through counting, adding, subtracting and measuring using whole numbers and fractions. Double or halve a recipe to further utilize math skills. Baking is pure science with each ingredient having its own function. Observe and discuss the physical and chemical changes that take place.
- Cultural Awareness – With the plethora of international foods, it‘s rather easy and fun to explore different cultures. You can use the celebration of a particular holiday such as St. Patrick‘s Day or Cinco de Mayo to prepare the food of that culture and then research the history behind the holiday and its country of origin. This way you can include geography and history in your cooking adventures and an appreciation of other cultures.
- Life Skills – Cooking is an essential life skill that allows for independence and builds self-confidence. Skills that you can help your child learn are planning, budgeting, flexibility and adapting to various situations. Let them help with menu planning, making a shopping list, participating in actual shopping and perhaps make some surprise changes along the way to teach them how to adjust when unexpected situations arise. Most of all, have fun and keep a sense of humor.
Happy baking and bonding!
-Kate @ BTBL
-Kate @ BTBL
Author
We are three generations that seek a way to get back to basics. It’s not that we eschew technology, but sometimes simpler is better, especially in raising our children. Mom was a reading teacher, Amanda is an early childhood educator and Kate a children’s literature specialist and former school librarian along with the latest additions, a daughter (now 4) for Kate, and two sons (now 1 and a newborn) for Amanda. We advocate reading aloud, the simple toys that use imagination and encourage creativity and learning in the kitchen, which can be a fun mess but also teaches life skills. Join us in raising healthy, happy, inquisitive and intelligent children.
Author
We are mom Sandra and daughters Amanda and Kate, all with backgrounds in literacy and education, who want to share our philosophy of taking the basics of life; books, simple toys that encourage play, imagination and creativity, and using cooking and baking to teach math and real life skills to raise happy, inquisitive children. Join us in exploring the old and the new and sifting through the myriad of research to consider what is best for our children.
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