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Reading and cooking with kids

September: The Beauty of Change is Upon Us

8/27/2020

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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
     Fall, with its beautiful colors and crisp apples is also known as the time for back to school and packed lunches. This year the back to school season may be looking a little different than we are all used to. Whether attending in-person, virtually or embarking on a homeschool journey, books can help make the experience one to remember and to learn and grow from!
     Now, this time of year is also of great significance to the farmers as it signals the beginning of harvest season. National Farm Safety & Health Week this month celebrates the contributions of farmers, ranchers and agricultural workers who work tirelessly to feed our nation. Frequent your local farmers market to include fresh produce in your child‘s lunch, as well as for snacks and meals at home. Celebrate National Johnny Appleseed Day with a visit to an apple orchard. Pick an apple and enjoy it under the tree and read Johnny Appleseed by Jane Yolen, Johnny Appleseed by Reeve Lindbergh or another title about American John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed. Make some applesauce with your child(ren) or an apple pie and pair the kitchen adventure with How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Marjorie Priceman or The Apple Pie that Papa Baked by Lauren Thompson. You might also consider making some blackberry jam in honor of National Blackberry Day.
     The uncertainty that plagued us earlier this year still remains strong in our thoughts and these uncertain times often come with unpredictable changes and children are most affected by these changes, especially to the school year. Don’t forget to reassure them and keep things as normal as possible. Keep routines or start new ones such as reading to them each night before bed and spend family time together with game nights, nature walks and time spent in the kitchen using fresh farm fruit and veggies.
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September
National Biscuit, Chicken, Food Safety, Hazelnut, Honey, Mushroom, Potato & Rice Month
National Chicken Month
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Chicks & Chickens by Gail Gibbons
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Big Chickens by Leslie Helakoski
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My Life as a Chicken by Ellen A. Kelley
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Sonya's Chickens by Phoebe Wahl
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Tillie Lay An Egg by Terry Golson
National Hazelnut Month
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Who Stole the Hazelnuts? by Marcus Pfister
National Honey Month
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Hands Off My Honey! by Jane Chapman
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If You Love Honey by Martha Sullivan
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Please Please the Bees by Gerald Kelley
National Rice Month
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Everybody Cooks Rice by Norah Dooley
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One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale by Demi
1st Full Week: National Waffle Week
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Woodpecker Wants a Waffle by Steve Breen
3rd Week: National Farm Safety & Health Week
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On the Farm, At the Market by G. Brian Karas
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Right This Very Minute: A table-to-farm book about food and farming by Lisl H. Detlefsen
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Before We Eat: From Farm to Table by Pat Brisson
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The Farm That Feeds Us: A year in the life of an organic farm by Nancy Castaldo
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Farmers Market Create-And-Play Activity Book by Deanna F. Cook
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Dinosaur Farm by Frann Preston-Gannon
     This story follows a farmer as he goes about his daily routine of caring for the animals and plants in his charge, but there is something a little bit different about this particular farm. Instead of the typical barnyard livestock of cows, pigs and chickens, readers will find the illustrations brimming with prehistoric creatures! You won't want to miss any of the laugh-out-loud fun as you read this one, so be sure to take your time looking over the illustrations.

2nd: International Bacon Day
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Everyone Loves Bacon by Kelly DiPucchio
7th: National Acorn Squash Day
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Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller
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Sophie's Squash Go to School by Pat Zietlow Miller
11th: National Hot Cross Buns Day
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Hot Cross Buns and Other Old Street Cries by John Langstaff
12th: National Blackberry Day
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The Blackberry Mouse by Matthew Grimsdale
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The Very Berry Counting Book by Jerry Pallotta
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Mr. McGee and the Blackberry Jam by Pamela Allen
13th: National Chocolate Day
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No Monkeys, No Chocolate by Melissa Stewart and Allen Young
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Margret & H. A. Rey's Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory
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The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
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This Book Is Not Good For You by Pseudonymous Bosch
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Chocolate: The Consuming Passion by Sandra Boynton
     While this title is actually 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 chocolate enthusiasts of every age!

13th: National Peanut Day
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The Life and Times of the Peanut by Charles Micucci
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Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Play Rhyme by Nadine Bernard Wescott
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Peanut Butter & Brains: A Zombie Culinary Tale by Joe McGee
18th: National Cheeseburger Day
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Spiders Don't Eat Cheeseburgers by Kat Brancato
22nd: National White Chocolate Day
23rd: National Pot Pie Day
26th: National Johnny Appleseed Day
     *Additional titles referenced toward the beginning of this post.
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Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend by Will Moses
26th: National Dumpling Day
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Dumpling Soup by Jama Kim Rattigan
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The Ugly Dumpling by Stephanie Campisi
26th: National Pancake Day
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If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff
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Pancakes for Breakfast by Tome dePaola
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Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast by Josh Funk
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Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle
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Pancakes with Grandma by Kathryn Smith
27th: National Chocolate Milk Day
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Chocolate Milk by Alexandra Rizik
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Chocolate Milk, Por Favor by Maria Dismondy
One last thing...September is also Library Card Sign-up Month, so visit your local library (if they are open), get a card and check out some of the titles we have mentioned in this post!

Happy reading!

-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 10 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.

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From Numbers to Counting to Math

6/20/2020

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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
     ABC’s and 123’s. The first lessons of childhood. In our experience it seems that children grasp the concept of numbers more quickly than letters. Perhaps it’s because when children are young, parents offer two cookies, one banana, or we get a dozen donuts at the apple orchard and visual counting is as easy as looking at their fingers. But it’s important to continue to develop these skills as number skills are just as valuable as learning to read. 
     The definition of a number is a mathematical object used to count, measure and label. Counting, measuring and labeling are things that are done almost on a daily basis making number skills very valuable. Math is a concept that builds on itself therefore a strong foundation is needed in order for children to make the necessary connections in order to succeed, so starting early with numbers; reading number books, playing number games and finding opportunities for using math concepts will ensure that your child will embrace numbers with ease.
     Beginning math for youngsters starts with shapes, identifying and counting number of sides. Visual aids are best when teaching math skills for most children are visual learners. Use snacks as math manipulatives to keep children engaged and more eager to participate. Snacks can be used to count, sort, create patterns and learn about measurement, size and weight. For instance, think about the many ways you can use something as simple as a box of Fruit Loops cereal to teach math. Children can count, create shapes, and patterns, string them to measure length etc. Square crackers such as Cheez-it’s can be used for counting, multiplying and to teach area and perimeter; gum drops or marshmallows and toothpicks can create geometric shapes. Also consider playing with dice, cards or dominos and also using any manipulatives you can count like marbles, buttons, beads etc. Use a chalkboard or whiteboard so children can practice writing their numbers as well as showing them visually how to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers getting them familiar with mathematical symbols.
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To bring numbers into your daily life:
  • Point out street signs with numbers when in the car.
  • In the store, point out prices, weights and measures.
  • Read number books. There are many great ones available so choose a few to share or read one a day along with an alphabet book.
  • Take a nature walk and count trees, rocks, plants, birds, bugs etc.
  • Play restaurant or store complete with menus and play money.
  • Cook or bake with your child. Both involve numbers in measuring, weighing etc. Double a recipe or half a recipe turning it into a math problem.
  • Teach fractions with a pizza, either a real one or make one with construction paper or felt.
  • Family game night. Most board games involve counting. My 4-year-old’s favorite is all forms of Monopoly and it sure has helped her with addition and subtraction.
  • Look for toys that teach numbers such as those from Learning Resources so children can learn while they play.
  • Offer dot-to-dot and color by number workbooks and pages.
     Opportunities to engage with numbers are everywhere, you just need to seize the moment. Count the seeds as you plant them in the dirt, count the pepperoni as you put it on the pizza, count the number of people at the dinner table and figure out how to divide the pie. If you plan on taking a summer vacation, help children to figure out how many miles to go and how long it will take to get there. Life is filled with numbers. Use them to learn them!
Some number books we love:
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Count the Monsters! by Books for Little Ones
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Count the Mermaids! by Books for Little Ones
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Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett
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100 Bugs!: A Counting Book by Kate Narita
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Hippos Go Berserk! by Sandra Boynton
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Doggies by Sandra Boynton
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Bears Counts by Karma Wilson
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How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? by Jane Yolen
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7 Ate 9 by Tara Lazar
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123s of Art by Sabrina Hahn
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David Carter's 100: Lift the Flaps and Learn to Count!
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1-2-3 Peas by Keith Baker
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Goodnight Numbers by Danica McKellar
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Ten Magic Butterflies by Danica McKellar
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Bathtime Mathtime by Danica McKellar
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Bathtime Mathtime: Shapes by Danica McKellar
For more number and math related books, take a look at our Number Books list!
Usborne Books & More
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1, 2, 3... By the Sea by Dianne Moritz
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Counting Through the Day by Margaret Hamilton
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Count With Me!
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I Can Count
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Nibbles Numbers by Emma Yarlett
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Big Book of Numbers
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Lift-the-Flap Numbers
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Lift-the-Flap First Math
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Lift-the-Flap Sizes and Measuring
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Dotty and Dash's 123: A Pop-up Counting Book
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Lift-the-Flap Adding & Subtracting
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Lift-the-Flap Fractions and Decimals
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Lift-the-Flap Multiplying & Dividing
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Wipe-Clean First Numbers
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Wipe-Clean First Math
*You could earn these UBAM books for FREE by hosting a book party! Think of it as a Tupperware or Pampered Chef party...but for books! Learn more here.*
Happy counting and reading!

-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.

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Combat the Summer Slide with the ABCs!

6/6/2020

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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
     Now is approximately the time of year when most schools would be releasing students for summer break, but this year, many students have been home since about March, which may make this year’s “summer slide” a bit more slippery. Not that we feel that parents can’t be good teachers, in fact the opposite is true, and that is why we want to remind you that instead of stressing, keep it simple this summer by playing with letters and reading alphabet books. With the plethora of alphabet books available, keeping literacy at the forefront is a breeze while also encouraging reading for both the youngest child as well as the middle schooler.
     The alphabet book is an excellent teaching tool starting with the youngest child on up through the middle school aged child. In an alphabet book, the 26 letters are addressed in a manner created by the author and illustrator. The simplest ones use common symbols to match each letter with an object, such as A is for Apple, B is for Ball etc. Objects are selected to match the true sound of the letter making not only a visual connection to the word but also the beginning sound that letter makes, building phonemic awareness. Other alphabet books go a step further exploring various topics and themes often with a rhyming verse, rich language, unique vocabulary and some with a humorous bent. These books are excellent for the budding reader and can reach a level of sophistication that even the middle school child will appreciate.
     As children get older, alphabet books can still be appreciated though on a different level and interest. Instead of the basic, look for those that encourage higher level thinking, challenging children to think about letters differently. Check out your local library or YouTube for a copy of Tomorrow’s Alphabet by George Shannon where “A is for seed, tomorrow’s apple and B is for eggs, tomorrow’s birds.” You might even try placing a blank sheet of paper over the right side of the book before revealing what the letter stands for, giving children an opportunity to work on making inferences, an important skill for reading comprehension. You might even work with older children to make their own similar alphabet book challenging them to put on their thinking caps and think outside the box, using imagination and creativity. 
     Another way to utilize alphabet books is through your child’s own interests, using them as a first resource for research. Many alphabet books provide a wealth of information in a focused and easily digestible way for early learners yet don’t talk down to the middle grade child, working well for multiple age children. If you are reading aloud to a child, much of it might depend on your own willingness to ask and answer questions and engage in a discussion, offering a richer learning experience. Remember that you don’t have to have all the answers. That’s what Google is for! Also, encourage your child to engage in further research either through books specific to that subject or online. Excellent interest-based alphabet books to consider might include C is for Caboose: Riding the Rails from A to Z by Traci N. Todd, A is for Aviation: The ABC’s of airplanes, spaceships, rockets and more! by J. Heitsch and don’t forget to include one of the 22 titles by Jerry Pallotta and be sure to check out some of the 75 alphabet books from Sleeping Bear Press that grow with a child as each book contains illustrations, a poem to represent each letter for the young reader and an informative sidebar for the older reader. The Sleeping Bear Press website helpfully offers teacher’s guides and activities for their books. For the child that loves to do research, offer a Venn Diagram where they can compare and contrast information or ideas. This will be an invaluable future skill for school.
     Don’t forget to feed the creative genius that might lurk within and include art as a theme offering Museum ABC by The NY Metropolitan Museum of Art,ABC’s of Art by Sabrina Hahn and for fun The Steampunk Alphabet by Nathanael Iwafa.
Consult our Alphabet Books list for additional titles to explore!
     As you read alphabet books, be sure to include time to play with letters in fun and creative ways. Ideas might include:
  • Use letter shaped cookie cutters with playdough or real cookie dough.
  • Have a letter scavenger hunt. Some ideas might include:
    • Take cut-out letters or foam letters and hide them around the house or outside. Take it a step further and have them find something that starts with the letter they found or tell you something that starts with that letter.
    • Use sticky notes with letters on them and have kids place them on objects that start with each letter.  Use simple site words as well.
    • Look for letter shapes in nature as you take a walk.
    • Give your child an index card with the alphabet and then take a nature walk and see how many letters they can match up with items found on your walk.
    • Look for letters and/or words in environmental print when in the car.
    • Look for specific letters or words in the pantry or while at the grocery store.
  • Play games that involve letters such as Bananagrams, Scrabble Junior (and traditional Scrabble), Alphabet Bingo, Alphabet Go Fish or Alphabet Match-It memory game. Also, look for different alphabet puzzles.
  • Offer toys such as those from Learning Resources where a child learns their letters through play.
  • Create a letter or word wall. Magnetic letters on the fridge or white board, letters or words from food packaging, magazines, newspapers, junk mail etc. on poster board, including pictures. Play with words and letters and be creative.
  • Make a “My Favorite Things” ABC book or use one of their interests. For older children you can even have them think of ABC careers, getting them to think of their future and what they might do.
  • Create a sticker ABC book. We used large, colored index cards secured on a ring. My daughter and I sat down together one afternoon and went through her collection of stickers, searching for things that begin with each letter.
  • For older children, offer anagrams, word searches or crossword puzzles or play hangman. Even younger children like guessing letters.
     Knowing the names of the letters of the alphabet, recognizing individual sounds or phonemes,
learning how books work and the relationship between text and illustrations, and understanding the stories that are read aloud are all building blocks of early literacy leading to phonemic awareness, fluency and reading comprehension. Manipulating letters through games and puzzles, hearing stories read aloud and looking at and/or reading books this summer will aid in literacy acquisition or further the development of already existing skills. Letters and words are all around us. Find unique and creative ways to use them.

Happy reading!

-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.

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The Buggiest Bug Books!

5/24/2020

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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
     Spring has sprung (although it's currently feeling more like summer) and the bugs have arrived. Most of us think of ways to get rid of the pests, but bugs can offer a summer full of reading, science and biology lessons. The natural curiosity of children makes this a fairly easy endeavor because most kids will find some bug fascinating. This is a great time for you as the parent to instruct your child how some bugs are beneficial and serve an ecological function and also offers a valuable opportunity to teach your child about the life, growth, death cycle. If you yourself are not well versed in insects, check out online sites such as National Geographic Kids or The Amateur Entomologists Society’s The Bug Club. You can begin in a fun way by watching the movie A Bug’s Life and then move on from there. Tailor learning to your child’s age, ability and interest. Start by reading stories about bugs. There are board books for the littlest ones, picture books for all ages and chapter books.
     Next, use your child’s natural curiosity to locate and observe bugs. Get a magnifying glass and a bug box or jar and let your child loose in the backyard. Include walks in the country, woods and parks and don’t forget to check out rivers and lakes. Teach them to observe, describe, document, research and then they will have added to their background knowledge. Some ideas might include:
  • Before heading out to look for bugs, with younger children, review the -ug word family with them: bug, dug, hug, jug, lug, mug, rug, slug, tug.
  • After observing their bug, have them draw or build their bug from clay, play dough or some other craft item.
  • Identify all the parts of their bug, and count the number of eyes, legs, wings etc.
  • Look up their bug in a field guide such as Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies (Take-Along Guides) by Mel Boring or a title  from National Geographic Kids.
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  • For older kids, have them write down their observations and after looking their bug up, have them write down some interesting facts they learned about their bug.
  • Encourage your children to create a journal to keep their information in and to add to, creating their own unique field guide.
     Remember that this isn’t a one-time activity but something that you can continue to revisit throughout the summer and beyond. Make bug crafts with your child (search the Internet for ideas,) play bug games such as Cootie or Mojo Education Bug-tastic Memory Match Game and look for events at local parks and nature centers that teach about insects. Learning about bugs will use those skills your child already has, building confidence and will further create new skills, to help further development, so go ahead and embrace the creepy crawlies this summer.
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     A quick Google search or browse through Amazon with the key words 'bug books for kids' will come back with a plethora of results, so we've put together a list of our favorite, buggiest bug books!
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Mrs. Peanuckle's Bug Alphabet
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Bugs A to Z by Caroline Lawton
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100 Bugs!: A Counting Book by Kate Narita
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One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J. Pinczes
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Some Bugs by Angela DiTrelizzi
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Bugs Galore by Peter Stein
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Bugs! Bugs! Bugs! by Bob Barner
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The Bug Book by Sue Fliess
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The Backyard Bug Book for Kids by Lauren Davidson
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The Big Book of Bugs by Yuval Zommer
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The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields
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It's a Firefly Night by Dianne Ochiltree
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
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Diary of a Fly by Doreen Cronin
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A Way with Wild Things by Larissa Theule
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     This particular title, How to Survive as a Firefly by Kirsten Foote, deserves a moment in the spotlight. Not only is this book witty and laugh-out-loud funny, it is also illuminating (see what I did there, ha) and highly engaging for all ages. Follow along as a stern, older firefly (reminiscent of a drill sergeant) is educating the new larvae on what it takes to become and survive as a firefly. There's tons of unique vocabulary, such as metamorphosis and bioluminescence, lots of interesting facts scattered throughout in various sidebars and diagrams, and follow-up pages after the story with additional information, as well as a glossary. Use your best commanding voice when reading this one aloud or turn it into a reader's theatre!

Usborne Books & More

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Bugs (Usborne Young Beginners)
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The Usborne Big Books of Bugs
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Little Lift and Look Bugs
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Lift-the-Flap Bugs & Butterflies
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Peek Inside Bug Homes
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Bug Hotel: A Lift-the-Flap Book of Discovery
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First Sticker Book Bugs
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100 Bugs to Fold & Fly
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1001 Bugs to Spot Sticker Book
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Pull-back Busy Bug Book
I am an Educational Services Representative, as well as Independent Consultant, with Usborne Books & More.
Happy bug hunting and reading!

-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.

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May Your Days Bloom!

5/17/2020

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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
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     As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers, so now is the time to get out in the yard and plant some sunny blooms that not only attract the butterflies and bees but also brightens up a world that certainly needs some happy colors at this time.
     Children and nature is a great combination building physically healthier children with a stronger immune system. Being outdoors also improves sensory skills, increases attention span and aids in social/emotional development. One way to spend time outdoors is in a flower garden, which then can be brought indoors. Bringing the outdoors in with flowers is a wonderful way to add color and fragrance to a room but flowers can also be added to a meal and what child doesn‘t love to pick flowers? Edible flowers often taste like they smell so try some different varieties to find what you like. Just remember that not all flowers are edible so be sure to do a bit of research first. Some edible varieties to include might be:
  • Arugula Flowers: Peppery flavor, just like arugula leaves. Use in salads or other savory dishes.
  • Chive Blossoms: Delicate, oniony flavor. Use whole flowers or separate the individual petals.
  • Hibiscus: Tart and sweet. Often used in teas, and salads.
  • Jasmine: Very sweet, floral fragrance and flavor. Use in teas or desserts.
  • Lavender: Floral flavor that's perfume-y and faintly citrusy. Use in teas, desserts, or other baked goods.
  • Lemon Verbena: Light lemon flavor that's well-suited for sweet or savory cooking.
  • Violets: Sweet and floral. Use in dessert or freeze into ice cubes for decorative drinking.
(Partial list from Good Housekeeping)
     In addition to growing some edible flowers, why not please the natural pollinators that visit your yard; bees and butterflies. Include those flowers that attract bees such as Bee Balm, Black-eyed Susan, Goldenrod, Butterfly Bush, Purple Coneflower, Snowdrops, Crocus, Salvia, Sunflowers and Roses. The honey that bees produce makes a great sweetener in baked goods, on biscuits and in tea. Making honey candy is also a fun family activity. Look for various recipes and how tos online. Remember, due to the increased risk of botulism, do not give honey to children under the age of one year.
     Be sure that when you choose your flowers and plant your garden that you make it a fun and engaging day that promotes discovery and natural learning. Then sit in your newly planted flower garden and read a flowery title such as:
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Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson
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The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
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National Geographic Kids Readers: Seed to Plant by Kristin Baird Rattini
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The Reason for a Flower by Ruth Heller
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The Big Book of Blooms by Yuval Zommer
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Jack's Garden by Henry Cole
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Flowers Are Calling by Rita Gray
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Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
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Plantzilla by Jerdine Nolen
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One Whole Bunch by Mary Meyer
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Mrs. Peanuckle's Flower Alphabet
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An ABC of Flowers by Jutta Hilpuesch
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What Does Bunny See?: A Book of Colors and Flowers by Linda Sue Park
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Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Wildflowers by Libby Romero
Usborne Books and More
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Lift-the-flap First Questions and Answers: How Do Flowers Grow?
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How Flowers Grow
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The Wild Garden
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     Sunflowers are a favorite flower for children to grow and include many varieties that vary in color and size. For a fun project for the whole family, read The Sunflower House by Eve Bunting and then get some mammoth sunflower seeds and plant your own sunflower house in your yard. At the end of summer, harvest the large seeds they produce and roast them for some healthy yummy goodness. Simply Recipes has a great article on their website, “How to Harvest and Roast (in shell) Sunflower Seeds” that covers the entire process.

     One of our favorite “flower” books is the classic The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. To share the story through the years and ages of your children:
  1. The Secret Garden: A BabyLit Flowers Primer by Jennifer Adams
  2. The Secret Garden: A BabyLit Storybook by Mandy Archer
  3. The Secret Garden by Igloo Books (an enchanting retelling of a modern classic)
  4. Secret in the Garden, A Peek Through Book by James Mayhew
  5. The Illustrated Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 
  6. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  7. Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book by Johanna Basford
  8. The Secret Garden Cookbook by Amy Cotler
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Happy planting and reading!

-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.

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    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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