Moms Inspire Learning

Internet Safety: Resources for Parents

Most parents know that the internet can be a dangerous place for children and teens, but are we doing enough to inform and protect our children? Today, I'll provide you with some great resources which will help you to keep your child safe online. 

An Inch, A Foot, and A Picture Book!

Finally, I get to go back to math! So many subjects, so little time....

As a non-practicing certified public accountant, I have a strong interest in math, and I love to find picture books that will help students understand this often intimidating subject. It's just as important for parents to surround their children with math as it is to surround them with great children's literature. So, why not put the two together?

Father's Day Reads: Heroes in the Military

Some families will be celebrating Father's Day from a distance next Sunday (June 21st) because one or both parents are fighting for our freedom. So, in honor of all of our military families, I'd like to share some books which will enlighten children and adults of all ages.

Friday Photo Fun: Who Ever Said Flying Was Easy?

©iStockphoto.com/Andrew_Howe

I have a sad story today, but one that can be inspirational if you look at it the right way.

Father's Day Read Alouds: All About Pizza

©iStockphoto.com/Nancy Louie (nano)

If you were stranded on a tropical island and had to pick two foods to eat for the rest of your life, what would they be? Mine would probably be veggie pizza and chocolate. Hopefully, there would be some fruit around, as well. Hey, in Italy I once had a dessert pizza with chocolate covered fruit!

There aren't too many people who don't like pizza or chocolate. Just think about how many different versions of each there are, and how many creative ways they can be served. So, whether the special dad in your life likes meatballs or pineapple on his pizza, I hope today's post will inspire him to read and play with your child...

Father's Day Read Alouds: More Baseball Fun and Games

I have to admit that I wasn't much of a sports fan before GreenGuy (my son) took an interest in football and baseball, but some of my favorite movies revolve around sports. One of my favorite movies is Remember the Titans, starring the one and only Denzel Washington. I could watch this movie over and over again for so many reasons. It really is a must-see movie, and one that is appropriate for children who are at least 8 or 9 years old (use your discretion).

There are so many benefits to playing, coaching, or even just watching, team sports. They really teach you a lot about real life, no matter how old you are. Even if you don't like to play, though, it is also fun to read about sports and watch others playing them. And just think about how much can be learned by collecting and analyzing sports cards!

I realize that I've already recommended many great baseball books (see links at the end of this post), but I have two more, as well as some great games and toys to really bring them to life. Fathers can connect with their children on so many levels with sports.

Father's Day Read Alouds: A Trip Around the World

©iStockphoto.com/Graffizone

Are you planning on taking any vacations this summer? Many of us are trying to save money these days, and there is something to be said for a quiet "staycation!" Why not take a trip around the world with some great picture books? Sound silly to you? Just wait until you see what I have for you today....

I'm so excited about today's book selections for dads! Yesterday, the books I recommended got you thinking about nature, but if the dad you're trying to inspire to read doesn't particularly enjoy camping or creepy critters, perhaps he would like to read about something that's manmade instead....

Father's Day Read Alouds: Boys, Men and Insects!

Okay, so I was going to do a post or two relating to Father's Day, but after reading Letter to the Book Chook: Dad Won't Read Aloud, I have decided to write a whole series of posts to recommend books that I think dads will enjoy reading aloud with their children. I admit that my own husband does not read very often with my own children, so maybe I can inspire him to read with them as well!

Hot off the Press: Get Your Copy of Literacy Lava!

Here it is - the very first issue of Literacy Lava! The file is in pdf format, and is full of reading tips, strategies, and links. Feel free to print it and share it with anyone you wish.

Download Literacy Lava June 2009

We hope your children read, write, and create all summer long. Enjoy!

The Mystery of Creative Writing

Everyone needs a good mystery once in a while. If everything were predictable all of the time, how boring life would be!

You don't have to play the game, Clue, to solve a good mystery. You can turn to a book!  Even picture book authors can be mysterious, and the one children's author I know who fits this description is Chris Van Allsburg.