Although some may regard art education as a luxury, simple creative activities are some of the building blocks of child development. Learning to create and appreciate visual aesthetics is important to the development of our children as the grow up. Remember, what your children do with art is more important than what is made. *************** Learning in… Read More
A mix of sun and shade in woodland areas helps support plants that provide food for animals like bears, deer, rodents, squirrels and many types of birds. The woodlands also provide enough shade and tree protection to house nocturnal animals like owls and raccoons. I enjoy living adjacent to an oak woodland, and many of the… Read More
One of the valuable ways to support your children’s healthy development is as easy as opening the door and going outside. There is no question that regular, frequent opportunities to play outdoors help support the development of our children’s cognitive, social and physical development. Going outdoors, in the fresh air—whether on a windy, cold winter day or… Read More
Take advantage of the magic of nature—in your own backyard or on a walk. THE HIKE Written and illustrated by Allison Farrell “Utterly satisfying” Kirkus Three friends take a hike. Wren brings a sketchbook and a flag, El brings a poetry notebook, and Hattie brings feathers and holds Bean, the dog’s, leash. Hiking is their “favorite… Read More
“The Sneetches” is a wonderful story and a perfect example that really pin-points how ridiculous discrimination really is. This book is about discrimination based not on religion or race, but on belly stars. ********************************************************************* The Sneetches by Dr. Seuss is an excellent book for discussing issues of discrimination based not on religion or race, but on… Read More
“Forest Has a Song” offers an opportunity to combine our love of natural places with poetry. Consider using this dear book as a springboard for writing a Mask Poem with your children. A mask poem is one that is written from the point of view of an animal, an object or even a person. Honor a… Read More
Hummingbirds are the tiniest of birds with super powers – flying backwards, upside-down and floating in mid-air Hummingbirds have a long history of folklore and symbolism in native cultures. … In Native American culture, hummingbirds are seen as healers and bringers of love, good luck and joy. They are a joy to behold. ****************** And now,… Read More
Mice Twice is a charming, funny and thoughtful fable about friendship, cleverness, irony, self-awareness and manners. Cat would like to eat Mouse, so to lure her out, he invites her to supper. “May I bring a friend?” she asks; and Cat, envisioning “mice twice,”agrees. Of course, this is a common theme in children’s literature, and I’m… Read More
I’d like to introduce you to a sweet book. SUMMER AN ALPHABET ACROSTIC It contains twenty-six poems, alphabetically arranged. Each reveals a playful acrostic when read vertically, and each is accompanied by a wonderful woodcut illustration. Written by Steven Schnur Illustrated by Leslie Evans Here are two pages from SUMMER \ And finally, “Z” – Z-O-D-I-A-C Zigzag… Read More
“When the owl sings, the night is silent. “― Charles de Leusse The owl’s haunting calls echoing through the dark can give us chills. Owls are also symbols of wisdom, making them popular characters in ancient myths and modern stories. ***************** A wonderful nonfiction book about Great Horned Owls WHOO- KU HAIKU: A GREAT HORNED OWL STORY … Read More
