Moms Inspire Learning

This Picture Book is Not for Young Readers

I had mentioned in a prior post that I was pleasantly surprised when my daughter, StrawberryGirl, had to recite a poem, using props to act it out. She chose a wonderful poem by Shel Silverstein. This particular author has written many poems, but he also wrote a somewhat controversial picture book which you may be familiar with.

This particular book is one that is not for young readers. As a matter of fact, I would say that it applies mainly to teenagers and adults. Why? Well, it's not that there are too many complex words, but the message behind the book is complex, and can leave young readers sad and confused. It's one of those books that, as a parent, you have to decide when the right time is to introduce it. I would generally say that this children's book is not really for children under the age of about 9 or 10.

When in Doubt, Turn to Books!

There are many people out there right now who are trying to figure out what direction to take their lives in. High school graduates and career changers need all the guidance they can get when they ponder the greatest decision of their lives.

As someone who is still trying to reinvent myself, this time on my own terms, I can tell you that it's important to seek out a variety of resources to help you examine your life through a variety of perspectives. The first thing I did last year, after deciding to take time out from pursuing a permanent position as a classroom teacher (a post for another day), was to head to the library to seek out some really great books.

Flying with Faith Ringgold

When we took our family trip to Washington, D.C. a couple of years ago, we saw an absolutely gorgeous story quilt.  The artist was Faith Ringgold. It was an amazing sight to see for me, because I had recently become familiar with her some of her quilts through her children's books. What a great book to world  connection!

 I love when world-class artists share their talent with children through picture books. Faith Ringgold has done just that, and one of her picture books, Tar Beach, is a Caldecott Honor Book as well as Coretta Scott King Book Award winner. It is most appropriate for children between the ages of 6 and 8.

Friday Photo/Music Fun: How Does Music Inspire You?

Many of you have probably already seen the truly inspiring video of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent and Tuesday's American Idol performances.  Music has the power to change lives, for the people performing it as well as for the people listening to it.

Inspiring Creativity During the Early Years

Were you ever having a particularly difficult day when something magical happened that cheered you up? It happened to me on Tuesday, when my son and I saw a rainbow! It's not very often that you catch sight of one (I can count on one hand the number of times I've seen one), and when you do, it's an amazing feeling! It is for me, anyway.

I didn't have my camera handy at the time, so here's an iStockphoto that was taken in Australia by (c) Paul Morton:

Here's another iStockphoto, by (c) Daniel Grill, taken at the Grand Canyon: 

StrawberryGirl would constantly draw rainbows when she was about 3 or 4 years old, but there was one drawing she did during that time that really stands out in my mind. It wasn't a rainbow. As a matter of fact, it was simply a bunch of colorful lines drawn in different directions across an entire sheet of paper. But there was something really special about this picture. Was it the colors of crayons she selected? Was it the random way the clusters of lines were drawn? It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it was about this picture that made it so special.

Seeking Out the Very Best Picture Books, Part 2

Let's pick up where we left off yesterday. Today, I'd like to share two outstanding picture books which both were Jane Addams Honor Books for Younger Children in 2005.

Seeking Out the Very Best Picture Books, Part 1

During graduate school, I put a significant amount of time and effort into developing lesson plans and complete units which were centered on diversity, tolerance, and global awareness. I pretty much was able to infuse these themes into almost every unit I prepared, even when it came to math.

I am so lucky that my local library does not have a limit on the number of books you can take out or request from other libraries, because it was not unusual for me to have 50 books out at a time! I felt compelled to find the very best resources out there, so I spent a lot of time seeking out all kinds of materials: especially picture books.

A Trip to the White House

If you've never taken a trip to Washington, D.C., it's really a fantastic trip for families. There is so much to do and see, not to mention how much there is to learn. Just looking at each of the monuments can be a very powerful experience, and it's an incredible feeling to be surrounded by so much history!

I can still remember seeing the White House for the first time as a child, and I had the opportunity to share the experience with my children a couple of years ago. We were disappointed not to see the inside, but it's such a place of mystery for people of all ages, that I think there's something to be said for just imagining what it looks like on the inside!

Really, though, when you stop and think about how many American heroes have called this house their home, it gives you a sense of optimism and hope. That's why I think we all could use a trip to the White House these days, starting right in our own homes. Today I'll share some amazing picture books and web sites that will help you start your journey.

A Simple Chicken Recipe

Well, winter has been over for a while, and the planet is looking greener every day, but this photo reminds me of the fact that we all have choices to make and paths to choose in life.

Great Baseball Books for Middle School and High School Fans

I just wanted to add two more baseball books to the list for grades 5 and up (see previous posts below).