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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
It seems that the world has come to a stand still with everything that keeps a child occupied shutting down. What’s a parent to do with a bored child? Back to Basics Literacy always recommends books, books and more books along with plenty of free play. But if you just point to the book shelf or say “go play,” you will invariably be left looking at a blank stare. So here are some ideas and suggestions to help you get through the next few weeks, with your hair intact.
Books – Since it seems that many libraries are also shutting their doors, you may be left using what is on your shelf or you might do a book exchange with a friend or a neighbor. To err on the side of caution, wipe down your books with a disinfectant wipe before exchanging. Using your books:
Art – Let the creative juices flow! Offer paper, colored pencils, markers, gel pens, chalk and other craft and art supplies to keep little hands busy. Ideas might include:
Games & Puzzles – These can keep kids busy for hours and offer educational benefits without actual instruction time, such as Monopoly, Scrabble and Uno. Don’t underestimate your child and assume they are too young for certain games. For instance, my four-year-old daughter loves to play classic Monopoly and is learning about numbers and money. Puzzles are great for dexterity and fine motor skills as well as problem solving and can also be educational (think alphabet and spelling puzzles).
Basic Toys – Building blocks, stackers and sorters, cars, trucks, and trains, dolls, pretend kitchen implements…anything that will encourage imaginative and dramatic play.
Just Plain Fun – Let children have fun building forts out of boxes, pillows, blankets and anything else that they can think of (that doesn’t destroy your home.) Get kids in the kitchen to help with dinner or to make a dessert. Let them make some seasoned crackers, no-bake cookies or a cereal mix. Helps with reasoning and math skills as well as self-confidence while they build life-skills
The internet offers a plethora of ideas for small hands and bored children. Check out Pinterest, Instagram, author websites, library websites, and publishing websites such as Scholastic. Use this time to bond with your child, engage in some fun activities and create lasting memories.
Stay healthy!
-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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*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Spring begins with March, National Reading Month and as we’ve stated before, all baking and cooking involves reading so spend the month making some yummy dishes with your children. Since March 2nd is also Dr. Seuss‘s birthday why not get creative with cooking and read a Seuss classic like Green Eggs and Ham or The Butter Battle Book? Math can also be included this month along with a slice of pie that you have made with your children on the 14th, Pi Day. Consider reading Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander and perhaps make a pizza pie or meat pie for dinner. To include some history and cultural cooking, cook up some traditional Irish fare on St. Patrick‘s Day and include either a fiction or non-fiction story about the day.
March
National Flour, Frozen Food, Noodle, Nutrition, Peanut, & Reading Month
National Reading Month
-Read whatever is at hand, anywhere you can and as much as you can! 
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce
**Check out our book lists for recommended titles, particularly our list of Stories about Books, Reading & Libraries or browse your local library or bookstore for ideas.**
National Noodle Month
National Peanut Month
Let's Go Nuts: Seeds We Eat by April Pulley Sayre
**Think outside the box and choose some recipes (and read some comics) from The Peanuts Family Cookbook: Delicious Dishes for Kids to Make with Their Favorite Grown-ups by Weldon Owen.**
2nd: Dr. Seuss‘ Birthday (Read Across America Day)
**Take a look at the article from Cook‘n & Eat‘n that offers some simple ideas for
combining books and food: Read (and Eat!) Across America.**
4th: National Pound Cake Day
6th: National Oreo Cookie Day
The Oreo Cookie Counting Book by Catherine Lucas
7th: IHOP Pancake Day
14th: Pi Day (3.14)
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi by Cindy Neuschwander
17th: St. Patrick‘s Day and National Corned Beef & Cabbage Day
Jamie O‘Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie dePaola
20th: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle calls to mind snacks such as celery stuffed with peanut butter or soft cheese topped with fresh or dried fruits and/or nuts or apple slices (with the skin) or grapes laid out to create an edible caterpillar.
20th: National Ravioli Day
23rd: Fannie Farmer’s Birthday
Farmer’s cookbook The Boston Cooking School Cook Book (1896) was the first to utilize standard measuring cups and spoons thus creating the first recipes to feature standardized, precise measurements.
Fannie in the Kitchen: The Whole Story from Soup to Nuts of How Fannie Farmer Invented Recipes with Precise Measurements by Deborah Hopkinson
23rd: National Chip & Dip Day
3rd week: American Chocolate Week
26th: National Spinach Day
Sylvia‘s Spinach by Katherine Pryor
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 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. 
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
The March saying, “in like a lion, out like a lamb” makes us wonder what the month will bring after an already interesting winter here in Michigan. March is also designated as National Reading Month and March 2 is the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, as well as Read Across America Day. We at BTBL enjoy Dr. Seuss books filled with silly words and rhymes and are saddened when we read about groups wishing to ban some of his books. We don’t agree with banning any books but instead to discuss concerns with your children before and after you read the book. You also have to take into account the historical context of any book and the world climate, the author’s background and what was taking place at the time it was written. You cannot alter history and we feel that challenged books make for an excellent learning opportunity.
"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment, until it becomes a memory."
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15th: Ides of March - The soothsayer’s warning to “beware the Ides of March” opens up an opportunity for you to learn about Julius Caesar and Shakespeare’s play as well. Consider reading the Who Was? series or History for Kids. Plays are fun to read aloud as, by nature, character reading is done with more feeling and inflection, which aids in fluency and comprehension. Try Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar for Kids by Brendan P. Kelso.
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17th: St. Patrick’s Day – Celebrate the foremost patron saint of Ireland by going a little bit green. One of our favorite stories to read aloud in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day is The Night Before St. Patrick's Day by Natasha Wing. Check your local library or book store for St. Patrick’s Day displays and more book suggestions.
Kate Greenaway’s Birthday – The Kate Greenaway Medal, established in 1955, honors the legacy of the British author and illustrator it is named for and is awarded annually to a UK illustrator of children’s books. Paving the way for authors and illustrators such as Beatrix Potter, Greenaway is most famous for her children’s book illustrations of Victorian children wearing her version of late 18th century and Regency fashions.
20th: Vernal Equinox (First Day of Spring) - Celebrate the time of transition from blustery cold, gray days to warm sunshine filled ones. Spring is considered to be a time of rebirth with flowers pushing up through the earth and the new buds waiting to blossom on trees. Some of our favorite books to share at this time of year are Miss Maple’s Seeds by Eliza Wheeler, Flowers are Calling by Rita Gray, A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Who Likes Rain? by Wong Herbert Yee.
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21st: World Poetry Day – “A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom” – Robert Frost
A time to appreciate and support poets and poetry! One of our favorite picture book poems to read aloud is All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon. Share your favorite poems and discover new ones. Take a look at our Poetry & Nursery Rhymes list for anthology recommendations and read our previous blog From Words to Poetry to learn about the benefits of reading poetry.
A time to appreciate and support poets and poetry! One of our favorite picture book poems to read aloud is All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon. Share your favorite poems and discover new ones. Take a look at our Poetry & Nursery Rhymes list for anthology recommendations and read our previous blog From Words to Poetry to learn about the benefits of reading poetry.
22nd: Randolph Caldecott’s Birthday – The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of British artist and illustrator Randolph Caldecott. Choose a Caldecott Medal winner from 1938 to present to share with your child. Look for the gold Caldecott medal on the cover of books when browsing at your local library or book store or take a look at this list of medal winners from the American Library Association. Interesting fact...Caldecott and Greenaway (mentioned above) were both born in March of 1846 and worked as illustrators during the Victorian era.
Enjoy this month in celebration of reading but continue throughout the year to place reading at the forefront and instill in your children the value of books. Most of all, just bond with your children and read, read, READ! These times when they are young are all too precious and end all too soon, so cherish the reading aloud snuggles while they last.
Happy reading!
-Kate @ BTBL
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 editions, a daughter for Kate (now 3) and a son for Amanda (now 1.) 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.
Once again the prospect of spring looms in the air with the arrival of March, the first month of the spring season. March is also known as National Reading Month with March 2nd (Dr. Seuss’s birthday) being designated as Read Across America Day. This year the National Education Association (NEA) is calling upon educators and supporters to share the childhood book that meant the most to them. As we fondly recollect the stories of our childhood that have turned us into avid readers, we tend to want to pass along this penchant to others because of the joy it brought us. Unfortunately, sometimes when we try to instill this love of books to a child it can come across as an edict, but when a storybook tells a child how wonderful books can be, children will often sit up and take notice. There are many picture books that extol the value and joy of books and reading. Look for those whose message is subtle, without a preachy tone. The best ones seamlessly interweave the message into the story line and illustrations. Subtle messages also offer an opening into a discussion that children will easily engage in with little prompting. Look through the following suggestions and choose some to share with your child. You never know which one will ignite that spark that will create a lifelong reader.
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce
"And so our story ends as it began...with the opening of a book." That ending always makes my heart melt! This is a beautiful story and arguably our favorite picture book extolling the joy and wonder of books and reading. Although this isn't a silly story or very humorous one, it is poignant and touching and every child we have ever shared it with has listened with rapt attention to the story of Morris Lessmore and his life amongst the books.
*Extended activity: after reading the book, watch the short film.
"And so our story ends as it began...with the opening of a book." That ending always makes my heart melt! This is a beautiful story and arguably our favorite picture book extolling the joy and wonder of books and reading. Although this isn't a silly story or very humorous one, it is poignant and touching and every child we have ever shared it with has listened with rapt attention to the story of Morris Lessmore and his life amongst the books.
*Extended activity: after reading the book, watch the short film.
Scarecrow Pete by Mark Kimball Moulton
Upon opening this book the reader is met with this wonderful line: "Why, I can go most anywhere by reading a good book." The story centers around a young boy in the middle of his summer vacation. He discovers that the scarecrow in his family's cornfield can talk and loves nothing more than a good book. Although Scarecrow Pete, as the boy learns he is called, is stuck in one place all the time, he is still able to go on amazing adventures thanks to the trunk of old books that sits at his feet. The pair spend the entire summer getting lost in the pages of those books, forging a deep friendship and appreciation of stories. Told through rhyming text that flows in the style of a long poem, this story is best enjoyed aloud and Pete's ending words are sure to stay with you long after you close the book...
Upon opening this book the reader is met with this wonderful line: "Why, I can go most anywhere by reading a good book." The story centers around a young boy in the middle of his summer vacation. He discovers that the scarecrow in his family's cornfield can talk and loves nothing more than a good book. Although Scarecrow Pete, as the boy learns he is called, is stuck in one place all the time, he is still able to go on amazing adventures thanks to the trunk of old books that sits at his feet. The pair spend the entire summer getting lost in the pages of those books, forging a deep friendship and appreciation of stories. Told through rhyming text that flows in the style of a long poem, this story is best enjoyed aloud and Pete's ending words are sure to stay with you long after you close the book...
"You can do most anything,
meeting anyone you please,
travel anywhere you like,
and do it all with ease.
Just find a place that's comfortable --
a nice, warm, cozy nook --
and lose yourself among the pages
of a favorite book!"
meeting anyone you please,
travel anywhere you like,
and do it all with ease.
Just find a place that's comfortable --
a nice, warm, cozy nook --
and lose yourself among the pages
of a favorite book!"
I Love My Little Storybook by Anita Jeram
We love this little storybook! We truly, truly do. And the bunny in this book loves his little storybook too. The bunny explains all of the reasons why his storybook is so special, and as things moves along, the fanciful story of the bunny's book comes alive in the illustrations. The reader is brought into the magic forest right along with the bunny, seeing many amazing sights such as unicorns, a frog wearing a crown and mice with wings! Read this one slowly and allow your little bookworm time to really look at the illustrations and find all of the magic hidden there.
We love this little storybook! We truly, truly do. And the bunny in this book loves his little storybook too. The bunny explains all of the reasons why his storybook is so special, and as things moves along, the fanciful story of the bunny's book comes alive in the illustrations. The reader is brought into the magic forest right along with the bunny, seeing many amazing sights such as unicorns, a frog wearing a crown and mice with wings! Read this one slowly and allow your little bookworm time to really look at the illustrations and find all of the magic hidden there.
The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty
Someone is stealing all of the bedtime stories! But who could it be? As all of the little critters in Burrow Down are settling in for a bedtime story, their books are disappearing. A rabbit named Eliza Brown decides to stay up to catch the culprit and discovers it is a Snatchabook. The sad little creature doesn't have anyone to read him a bedtime story. Eliza Brown convinces the Snatchabook to return all of the stories and all of the critters in Burrow Down takes turns reading to the Snatchabook. This rhythmic, rhyming story has elements of mystery and suspense that help keep little ones engaged and it is also a great story for teaching children about empathy without being overly preachy about it. Everyone wants to be read to!
*Look for Docherty's other story The Storybook Knight, which is another story all about the joy and wonder of books!
Someone is stealing all of the bedtime stories! But who could it be? As all of the little critters in Burrow Down are settling in for a bedtime story, their books are disappearing. A rabbit named Eliza Brown decides to stay up to catch the culprit and discovers it is a Snatchabook. The sad little creature doesn't have anyone to read him a bedtime story. Eliza Brown convinces the Snatchabook to return all of the stories and all of the critters in Burrow Down takes turns reading to the Snatchabook. This rhythmic, rhyming story has elements of mystery and suspense that help keep little ones engaged and it is also a great story for teaching children about empathy without being overly preachy about it. Everyone wants to be read to!
*Look for Docherty's other story The Storybook Knight, which is another story all about the joy and wonder of books!
You Can Read by Helaine Becker
"You can read in the classroom. You can read in the park. You can read on a mission undercover in the dark." This book celebrates the fact that reading can happen any time, anywhere and with anyone. With well-paced rhymes, the text goes through all of the possible places you can read, including some locations that are not so practical, such as under the sea. Giggles are sure to happen when children take a closer look at the illustrations. Be sure to point out the title of the books being read in the illustrations as they pertain to what is being depicted and add to the humor.
"You can read in the classroom. You can read in the park. You can read on a mission undercover in the dark." This book celebrates the fact that reading can happen any time, anywhere and with anyone. With well-paced rhymes, the text goes through all of the possible places you can read, including some locations that are not so practical, such as under the sea. Giggles are sure to happen when children take a closer look at the illustrations. Be sure to point out the title of the books being read in the illustrations as they pertain to what is being depicted and add to the humor.
For more titles that celebrate books and reading, check out our list here and share your favorites with us in the comments!
Happy reading!
Happy reading!
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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