Summer Learning Collection, Part 2

As summer progresses, we hope that you and your family are enjoying learning, playing, and extra family time.  Here's a collection of learning ideas we've found that we hope will give you some new ideas as summer continues!


Scholastic Summer Challenge --Your child can join the challenge to have fun reading and win prizes.  We like the graphics that show  reading progress.


Barnes and Noble Summer Reading--Your child can join the Barnes and Noble Program and win a free book.   Book lists are given according to grade levels. 


Reading Calendar Idea--This idea comes from a classroom teacher's site about how to generate ideas about reading in various ways.  We found some fun ideas and we're sure you and your children can add to the list!

Start with a Book--This is a great resource for finding books based on themes, especially if your children are looking for something new to read.

Great tips on creating a home library can be found here.  Some simple ideas, but it's always a great way to think about how to add books.

Parents Choice Award Winners Mobile Apps--This is a great compilation of apps.  Click on specific pictures to find more information.  We like that these apps have been reviewed by parents and give us information that's accurate before we purchase new apps.


For more ideas we've found, check out Part I of this collection.  Please share any ideas you've found with us.  Enjoy learning!

Summer Learning Collection, Part 1

Happy Summer!  We hope that you are having fun playing and learning this summer.  Here are a few things around the web that we've found to have fun with reading:

Chuck E. Cheese Reward Calendars

These look great for those rainy days when the family is looking for some activity!  We like how you can choose a calendar based on your family.

Children's Book Choices, 2013

We found some great book choices in this compilation by the International Reading Association and the Children's Book Council.  If you scroll down to page 15 of their publication, you'll find a nice bookmark which can be cut out and taken with you as you visit your library and/or bookstores.  

Enjoy these sites as you look for more ways to enjoy your summer!

Visit the March 2013 Carnival of Children's Literature

Are you looking for some new book recommendations?  Be sure to check out the March 2013 Carnival of Children's Literature hosted by Secrets and Sharing Soda this month.  Great reading ideas!

"R" is for Research

As children are learning more about research in younger elementary grades, it is often a challenge to explain the steps involved in completing a project.  “R” is for Research, written by Toni Buzzeo and illustrated by Nicole Wong, is a great read to help children as they explore resources and steps involved in research.  Using the alphabet to explain concepts is a great tool!

The children in the story (told in a rhyme) are in their media center along with Cal D. Cat as they learn more about research.  Of course the research revolves around cats!  From learning about books, journals, the Internet, and experts, the children are able to complete their project. We think you’ll find this an interesting way to look at research.

Question Collection:

*What did you learn about research?

*Which tool did you find interesting?

*What would you like to research?

*What tools would you use?

Read more children's ABC books here!

Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile

Collecting and sharing memories enrich our lives.  We think Gloria Houston’s books are perfect examples of this idea.  Her latest book, Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile, continues this tradition of preserving an important memory from her childhood that shows how one person can make a difference.  Miss Dorothy dreamed of being a librarian in a big brick building, but instead becomes a librarian via a bookmobile that takes books to children in the Blue Ridge Mountains.   One of those children becomes an award winning children’s author, Gloria Houston! 

For anyone who believes in the power of books, this story holds great importance.  We had the privilege of meeting Gloria Houston, and she told us of others who were touched by Miss Dorothy’s bookmobile (you can read their letters in the book).  This book is a great discussion tool for children at home and at school.  We hope you enjoy hearing about Miss Dorothy and her influence on countless children!

Question Collection:

*Why do you think it was important for this book to be written?

*What books do you think Miss Dorothy had in her bookmobile?

*Would you like to get books from a bookmobile?  Why?

*Does Miss Dorothy remind you of anyone in your life?

Wild About Books

Wild About Books, by Judy Sierra and illustrated by Marc Brown, is one of the most creative children’s books I’ve ever read!  This award-winning book is a great read-aloud to start a new school year.  Children, parents, and teachers will all enjoy Sierra’s creativity. She writes a delightful book that emphasizes different authors and reading through the use of Molly McGrew’s bookmobile, zoo animals, and rhyming.  Some examples of the creative uses of literature include the otters that read Harry Potter and the baby bunnies that read Goodnight Moon.  This is a book that lends itself to re-reading as children get older and can find the humor in Sierra’s delightful writing!  This is a book that we think belongs in every child’s library!

Question Collection:

*What books have you read that are mentioned in this book?

*What was your favorite animal and book?

*Why do you think the animals started writing after reading so much?

Library Lily

Are you planning some fun trips to the library this summer?  Our library has a great summer program promoting books and providing fun literary experiences.  If your child is an avid reader, he or she is sure to connect with the character of Lily in Library Lily, by Gillian Shields. Lily finds many adventures in books and simply can’t put her book down!  On an adventure in the park (encouraged by her mother to go out and play) Lily meets Milly, who hates to read.  Milly is an adventurous girl who shares her fun activities with Lily.  Then, Lily takes Milly on adventures through books.  A friendship is born when the girls share their loves.  This book can spark many discussions about reading, adventure, and friendship.  We hope you enjoy meeting our new friends, Lily and Milly!

Question Collection:

*Are you more like Lily or Milly?

*What do Lily and Milly discover?

*What do you think they wrote about in their book?