*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:
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.
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!
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
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.
0 Comments
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
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:
(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:
Usborne Books and More
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:
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.
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
May; A time of flowers blooming and thoughts of summer planting. In addition, the month of May reserves a special day for the foods BBQ, Egg, Hamburger, Salad, Salsa and Strawberry, as well as celebrating National Herb Week during the first week of the month. We suggest you plant an herb garden, even if it’s in a container or on the deck, to enjoy all summer long. You might even consider having the child in your life give mom or grandma an herb plant for Mother‘s Day along with a favorite recipe filled with herbs. Have dad or another family member help kids make mom a special dinner and dessert featuring favorite herbs. A prime day to learn about another culture is Cinco de Mayo. Consider sharing a bilingual storybook. Since National Chocolate Chip, Walnut and Devil‘s Food Cake Day fall during the week of World Baking Day, find a new recipe to try out with your child(ren) and let the flour flow!
The month of May is also Get Caught Reading Month. It’s a time for you and your children to go on an adventure and lose yourself in another world. This is not just for kids but for all people to take the time to get out a favorite book or a new one and just read! Check out the Get Caught Reading site and look at all the celebrities who got caught reading and take photos of your own family members reading and share them on your Facebook page or even ours. Don’t forget that reading can include cookbooks. Consider including some classics and then cook your way through the classics with The Storybook Cookbook by Carol MacGregor or Fairy Tale Feasts by Jane Yolen.
“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.”
C.S. Lewis
- - -
May
National BBQ, Egg, Hamburger, Salad, Salsa & Strawberry Month & Get Caught Reading Month
National Strawberry Month
The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and The Big Hungry Bear by Don & Audrey Wood
Get Caught Reading Month
Get caught reading whatever tickles your fancy all month long and share your photos with us!
2nd: National Truffle Day
4th - 10th: Children's Book Week - Get in on the fun by reading your favorite children's books aloud and visit Every Child a Reader's website for celebration ideas and resources. #BookWeek2020atHome
4th: Star Wars Day - May the Fourth Be With You!
4th: National Orange Juice Day
5th: Cinco de Mayo
First Saturday: National Herb Day
13th: National Apple Pie Day
2nd Sunday: Mother‘s Day
15th: National Chocolate Chip Day
17th: World Baking Day
Hear a spectacular read aloud of How to Bake a Book (known as Recipe for a Story in the UK) on YouTube here.
17th: National Walnut Day
Let's Go Nuts!: Seeds We Eat by April Pulley Sayre
19th: National Devil‘s Food Cake Day
Bake the world a better place!
Happy baking 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.
*Note: this post contains Amazon Affiliate links. Any purchases made via the links provided go to support our literacy efforts.
Spring is in the air with showers and the anticipation of blooming flowers. April is also the month that celebrates BLT’s, grilled cheese, pecans, soft pretzels and garlic. Quite the combination, but it is also Poetry and School Library Month and includes National Library Week. So, in this “Open” month, why not open a cookbook, a book of poems and an account at your local library or for that matter, open any book in April and read! Combine National Picnic Day with Earth Day and Arbor Day and pack a picnic basket with foods you’ve made with your family and kick back and take the time to enjoy a good book, good food and good company. Once again, look over our food calendar and choose a date, choose a food and choose a book and enjoy! Don’t forget to consult our book lists for suggestions and ideas. **Note: unfortunately, the Coronavirus has changed our daily lives, how we go about them and what we do. Sheltering at home can still include reading books, telling stories and writing poems and even picnicking in the backyard. Keep little brains engaged with books. Reading and listening to stories and baking in the kitchen are excellent for home learning. Enjoy and stay safe!
April
National BLT, Garden, Garlic, Grilled Cheese, Pecan, Poetry, School Library, & Soft Pretzel Month
National Garden Month
To learn about the benefits of having children help in the garden, refer to our previous blogs: The Power of a Garden and Why Get Kids in the Garden?.
“For children, most importantly, being in the garden is something magical.”
|
Let's Go Nuts!: Seeds We Eat by April Pulley Sayre
|
100 Pecans for Tabitha by Tracey M. Cox
|
National Poetry Month
Sadly, there don‘t seem to be any anthologies of poems about food and cooking for children (at least that we have found). But poets, such as Shel Silverstein, have been known to write an amusing poem or two about food. In fact, Kenn Nesbitt has a list of food poems on his Poetry for Kids website. So, take the time to look through popular children‘s poetry anthologies for amusing food related poems and other poems to delight you and your family (and refer to our Nursery Rhymes & Poetry book list).
An activity you can do at home to celebrate Poetry Month is a type of found poetry called Book Spine Poetry. Using the titles of books on their spines, you stack the books to create a poem.
2nd: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
Peanut Butter & Brains: A Zombie Culinary Tale by Joe McGee
|
Peanut Butter & Aliens: A Zombie Culinary Tale by Joe McGee
|
Peanut Butter and Jelly: A Play Rhyme by Nadine Bernard Westcott
|
Peanut Butter & Cupcake! by Terry Border
|
8th: National Empanada Day
The Empanadas that Abuela Made by Diane Gonzales Bertrand
|
The Pumpkin Moon Empanadas by Clementina Llanes
|
12th: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
12th: National Licorice Day
12th: National Licorice Day
14th: National Pecan Day
See National Pecan Month above.
See National Pecan Month above.
19th: National Garlic Day
19th - 25th: National Library Week
Consult your local library's website, as well as the American Library Association, to see what activity ideas are out there to celebrate National Library Week.
"No Pirates Allowed!" said Library Lou by Rhonda Gowler Greene
|
Homer the Library Cat by Reeve Lindbergh
|
Chicken Story Time by Sandy Asher
|
A Library Book for Bear by Bonny Becker
|
22nd: Earth Day
Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
For additional titles about Earth Day, refer to our previous blog: Let's Celebrate Earth and Arbor Day!.
22nd: National Jelly Bean Day
How Many Jelly Beans? by Andrea Menotti
|
The Jellybeans Love to Read by Laura Numeroff
|
23rd: National Picnic Day
One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J. Pinczes
|
The Teddy Bears' Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy
|
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.
The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket by Marnie Hanel, Andrea Slonecker, and Jen Stevenson
26th: National Pretzel Day
Brother Giovanni's Little Reward: How the Pretzel Was Born by Anna Egan Smucker
|
Pretzels by the Dozen: Truth and Inspiration with a Heart-Shaped Twist by Angela Hunt
|
30th: National Raisin Day
How Do You Raise a Raisin? by Pam Munoz Ryan
Last Saturday: Arbor Day
As An Oak Tree Grows by G. Brian Karas
|
Because of an Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer
|
Stay healthy and 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 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.
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:
- Do read alouds complete with voices and even dressing up. Allow older siblings to read to younger ones.
- Have children make their own illustrations from the story or look for coloring pages on the Internet. Don’t forget to check out author web sites.
- Have your child(ren) reenact a story.
- Look for online story times. Recently we found that Oliver Jeffers is conducting one (check out his Facebook page) and Storyline Online.
- Have children write or tell their own story.
- Host a stuffed animal storytime. My daughter did this just this morning. She set up all of her stuffed animals on the floor and proceeded to 'read' them Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman.
- Look at puzzle, sticker, magnet, I Spy and other interactive 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:
- Collect rocks from the yard and paint them to hide in parks or use larger rocks and paint them for the garden. Join our group on Facebook BTBL Rocks!.
- Collect pine cones and slather them with peanut butter and roll them in bird seed and hang them outside for our feathered friends.
- Make a milk jug bird feeder.
- Get paper plates and cut out the middle and decorate the edge for a wreath.
- Make a book mark.
- Make cards for friends and family. Everyone always loves to receive snail mail.
- Use chalk boards and felt boards to tell a story.
- Make your own play dough and/or slime. A wonderful sensory experience.
- Break down a large box or use poster board and let your child decorate it with stickers or dot paints or any other art supplies you have on hand.
- Create jewelry with beads.
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).
|
Outdoors – Thankfully Spring is almost upon us making it the perfect time to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air!
|
|
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
-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.
Archives
February 2021
January 2021
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
October 2019
September 2019
August 2019
July 2019
June 2019
May 2019
April 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
March 2018
February 2018
January 2018
December 2017
November 2017
October 2017
September 2017
July 2017
April 2017
September 2016
August 2016
Categories
All
ABC Books
Alphabet Books
Arbor Day
Autumn/Fall
Background Knowledge
Back To School
Ballet Books
Banned Books Week
Board Books
Book Advent Calendar
Book Finds
Book Quotes
Books
Book Sales
Bookworm Bakers
Boredom
BTBL Rocks
Bugs/Insects
Calendars
Censorship
Children's Book Week
Christmas
Coloring
Cooking
Creativity
Dewey Decimal System
Dr. Seuss
Early Literacy
Earth Day
Easter
Environmental Print
Extended Activities
Fairy Gardens
Fairy Tales
Family Literacy Month
Farmers Markets
Flowers
Gardening
Get Caught Reading Month
Gratefulness
Halloween
Hanukkah
Holidays
Homeschooling
Imaginative Play
Inspiration
Intellectual Freedom
Kids In The Kitchen
Kindergarten
Kindness
Kindness Rocks Project
Language
Learning
Libraries
Library Card Sign-up Month
Manners & Etiquette
Math
Natural Playgrounds
Natural Reader
Nature
New Year Resolutions
Number Books
Nursery Rhymes
Outdoor Play
Picture Books
Play
Poetry
Puzzles
Read Across America
Reading
Reading Aloud
Reading Comprehension
Reading Month
Repetition
School Libraries
Screen Free Week
Spring
STEM
Storytelling
Storytime
Summer
Summer Slide
Teaching
Tell A Fairy Tale Day
Thanksgiving
Toys
Unplug
Used Books
Valentine's Day
Vocabulary
Winter
Winter Books
Words & Word Play
World Read Aloud Day
RSS Feed