Moms Inspire Learning

Bring on More Heat: The Second Issue of Literacy Lava is Here!

I'm honored to bring you the second issue of Literacy Lava, just in time for the new school year!

For those of you who may have missed the first issue, it's a free digital magazine (in pdf format) which was created by Susan Stephenson, The Book Chook. It's a wonderful resource for anyone who wants to inspire a love of learning, reading, writing, and creating in children. The magazine has a wide variety of information relating to all aspects of literacy, and can be printed and shared with others.

Controversy Heats Up Over Schools and Reading

iStockphoto, by (c) Daniel Grill (taken at the Grand Canyon)

"When you reduce life to black and white, you never see rainbows." - Rachel Houston

I love this quote. It means so many things to me. The rainbows could be the people we refuse to let into our lives because we think they are different; they could be the questions we never ask because we think we already have all of the answers; or they could represent the love of reading that will never come about if you focus only on skills, tests, and points.

Why Parents Should Read YA Books

There are a few reasons that StrawberryGirl has not posted any YA book reviews this summer. The first one is an exciting one. She has been spending her time writing her own YA book, and is now going through the process of trying to get it published! So, even though she has also been reading a lot, she really hasn't had any time to write anything other than her book. The second reason is more complicated.

I decided that I do not feel comfortable letting my children write YA book reviews if I haven't read the book as well. While I give my children a lot of freedom in selecting books, I realize that not every parent does. I don't believe in book banning; but if one of my children picks out a questionable book, I am sure to read it either before, or soon after, they read it. Sometimes, books raise issues parents are not comfortable with, but they can be used to discuss important topics that never would have come up otherwise. Open communication is important, especially these days.

Friday Photo Fun: Dogs for Literacy?

Awwww....doesn't he look peaceful? This photo was taken in Vermont, and is not my dog. I can't get Roxy to sit still for a photo!

It was a sunny day by the pool, and the resort owner's dog found a cozy, shady spot to get away from it all.

You've probably heard that spending time with a pet can reduce stress levels for people of all ages. Did you know that they can help children to become more confident readers as well?

Picture Books in Middle School and High School?

Are you a middle school or high school teacher who has a favorite picture book that you like to read aloud to your class every year? Please share it with us!

I'm compiling a list of the many picture books that teenagers and adults will find enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Through the Eyes of a Parent

Today, I'd like to share something special I found circulating on Twitter. It's a letter a parent wrote to her son, who is about to start Kindergarten. As I read it, I got the feeling that the author really was writing the letter to herself.

The letter made me stop and think. Most parents are not nearly as sentimental about their children starting Kindergarten these days (just read some of the negative comments), because many children start day care or preschool way before Kindergarten. But is this letter really just about a child starting Kindergarten?

A Moon, a Meteor Shower, and... a Giraffe?

Summer is a time for star gazing, and for taking time out to notice the little things. Children love to look out for fireflies, and to look up at the moon...

The natural world around us is such a mystery; and in a world where we all seem to be zooming full speed ahead, it's a place that can pull us back to the present. It's a place where we can take a moment to think about who we are, and how we fit into the world. Hmmm...You could say the same thing about picture books, couldn't you?

Picture Books are the Key

Picture books are windows to real and imaginary worlds, and I believe that they are the keys to unlocking the doors of literacy, global awareness, self-understanding, and peace. That's why I find it deeply disturbing that many parents and teachers feel that they simply don't have time to read them to children anymore.

I was so happy to find that Anthony Browne: U.K.'s Newest Children's Laureate will focus on picture books, because he feels that they "have been marginalized in recent years in the U.K." I have news for you, Mr. Browne: parents and teachers in the USA do not value them nearly as much as they should, either.

Friday Photo Fun: No Words Necessary

© Dawn Riccardi Morris, Vermont 2009 (all 3 photos)

Sometimes, no words are needed...

For more photographs taken in Vermont, click here.

Have a peaceful weekend!

Book Blogger Appreciation Week is Coming!

Have you heard about Book Blogger Appreciation Week? It's a celebration of book blogging, and the creative genius behind it is Amy Riley of My Friend Amy blog. 

Since I started blogging six months ago, I've discovered some wonderful literature blogs, and I am finding more every day. Whether you blog about books, or just like to read them, you won't want to miss this special event. So, please mark your calendar for the second annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week, which will take place between September 14th and 18th. There will be special guest posts, awards, giveaways, and more...