Quick thought on new school year

As another school year is approaching, I am thinking about my great-niece entering first grade. Being bossy, or maybe it's nosey, I've asked her parents to make sure they engage her in recognizing words as often as possible.

This does not have to come from a book. Teachable moments can come from a cereal box, magazine, TV commercial, anywhere!!!

Always be on the lookout for something to share with your child that will aid in their learning. The unplanned is sometimes the best.

Parents, even though your child will read and be read to at school, please read to or with your child everyday! This is a greater gift that can be purchased for any amount of money...the love of reading.

Wikkistix fun.........twist 'em, bend 'em

I was introduced to Wikkistix while taking an SC Reads course. The name sure does give away what the class entailed. It was suggested that the stix could be used to have children underline words they did not know, found interesting, answers to certain questions, underline items on a chart, etc.

The stix are bendable and reusable. Just keep in a plastic bag. They are down right fun to mess with. (Click pic/url)
So, I know lots of parents and homeschooling moms may not know about them. They have varied educational uses, and they can be used in arts/crafts, math, science....you name it and they can probably be used.

Some restaurants use them instead of the crayons to go with pictures. Kids can make the shapes, etc. show on the papers or menus while waiting as entertainment. I would think they'd be great for traveling children, also.

Tomorrow I will be spending time with my 6 year old niece, and we will play/work with the Wikkistix. I promise to take pics and share. I may even try my hand at a slide show so I can share more pics with you. That is one of my goals....more real pics on my blog. I just think it's more personal. Well, once again, I digress.

The Wikkistix are great fun. Try them with your children and let me know what you think!!!!!!!

UNLIMITED FREE TRAVEL

The whole world opened up

for me

When I began to read.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Simply stated but oh, so true. Reading takes us everywhere for free. Our minds can travel great distances with books.

Parents, read to and with your children everyday. It makes a huge difference in their lives now and always.

Barney, the White House dog

Kids, did you know a dog lives in the White House with the president and his wife?
To find out about a lucky dog named Barney, click on the dog.
I think you will be surprised to find out that he has been in movies, too!!!

Happy Birthday America

We are almost ready to celebrate the birthday of our country. How much do children know about this celebration?

The White House has a site with quizzes and games concerning the history around the date of July 4th.

There is information and activities for all!!! Click on Happy 4th and enjoy.

Special places we love to go

The Pink House is an illustrated story of an extended family's annual vacation to Edisto Beach, SC. The story, told by one of the young cousins, is a warm account of a single day when all the cousins, aunts, uncles, and even Grandma come to the "Pink House." They swim, go fishing with Uncle Jim, hunt for petrified shark's teeth with Aunt Margaret, sing songs with Aunt Kate, read books, eat the fish and crabs caught in the surf, play games...and then go to bed to await whatever surprises will be washed up by the surf the next day. http://www.warbranchpress.com/pink.html

Mrs. Palmer visited our school a few years ago and was delightful. The kids were mesmorized by her pictures of her extended family and how they were really the characters in her book. There really is a pink house at Edisto Beach. On the site above is a comment about someone who stayed there.

The book is delightful and anyone who vacations with their extended family would love the book.

Parents, it is a good book to encourage you children to write about their family or a trip they've taken. Remember, children write best about what they know.

Encourage your child to make their own book about family. What a fun, family activity, also!