Saturday, June 18, 2022

A Change in Scenery to Get Kids Reading



I've found both at home and in the classroom that switching things up sometimes can be really valuable and reinvigorate some enthusiasm. I am a major supporter of routines and procedures, but every once in a while it is motivating to make a change.

At home, we will create "reading nooks" every once in a while that will stay in place for a few days. For example, turning our two chairs into a little bed and adding a bin of books. Later, we added cozy pillows and blankets. Additionally, every few weeks I take a huge armload of books from one kid's room, bring them to the other kiddo's room, and switch up the books on their bookshelves. It always leads to them rediscovering books they love but forgot about, or spending an hour going through their "new" books.

In the classroom, I would bring in different flexible seating options throughout the year, introduce new books to the library, switch things up with a "Flashlight Friday" routine that involved reading in the dark with flashlights, reading marathon days, etc. Just something different and exciting to get kids refocused on their love of reading! Isn't that the point? Kids who love reading, read. Kids who read, learn. 



Sunday, June 12, 2022

Spark the JOY of READING Early On!








That's the face of a kid who loves books!

Isn't that the goal?

Get books in the hands of kids early on and let them enjoy those books. Every single time a child is reading a book, there doesn't need to be a quiz or a discussion or a running reading record. Sometimes kids need time to explore books and just foster that love of reading that will last their whole lives.

That's why I really do love the program we use in our school, Collaborative Classroom. It gives kids time to love on books, build their reading stamina, and conference with teachers. If you haven't heard of it before, look into it! It's a nonprofit and has transformed our culture for learning!



Sunday, June 5, 2022

Just give kids a box. That's it. Save your money.


Seriously. I have spent A LOT of money on toys in my life. Wonderful, open-ended, purposeful play-type of toys, all highly recommended. But you know what really entertains? A box.

A box can be a fort. 

A box can be a canvas for artwork.

A box can be a ride.

A box can be a boat.

A box can be ANYTHING kids can imagine. And it's GREAT play! 

When we get a massive order in a giant box, my kids immediately come and help me unload everything. It makes my heart happy that they like helping until I realize that they are only doing it to get to the empty box faster. Which is okay, too, because then I get to witness the toddler imaginations at work and it really is a beautiful thing.