language, learning & connecting with your young family
As a kindergartener, Little G is taking steps towards greater independence by doing homework, getting herself dressed, and completing a few simple chores. Some days she enjoys these new responsibilities and her growing maturity, but on other days she wants us to remember that she is still little. I find Lori Haskins Houran's loving and…
Most nights, after Little G and I read books we take turns expressing something we are grateful for. I often use the practice to highlight something special relating to her: coloring together, something funny she did that made me laugh, or recognizing a positive risk she took. Recently though, I've been expanding the conversation to…
If you are the parent of a baby or young toddler and looking to teach essential basic concepts in a meaningful way then BUY THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY! Lori Ann Grover's book, I Love All Of Me, is a beautifully illustrated and playful way to teach body parts and corresponding action words to littles aged six to eighteen months. To…
When Little G exclaimed, "This is what's so special about my family—that we go on tape walks!", I knew we hit the sweet spot of connecting, discovering, and being present. Such a simple concept: wrap your and your child's wrist with tape, and walk around your neighborhood observing and collecting found objects. Little G and…
Board books that "tell" familiar childhood songs are fantastic additions to your infant and toddler's reading routine because they provide opportunities for early language use within a fun and predictable routine. One especially good song board book is Ten in the Bed by Penny Dale. In this sweet tale, a child tosses his stuffed animals…
Over the last few months, I’ve slowly introduced Little G to chapter books, beginning with Mercy Watson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo, part of the Mercy Watson book series about the adventures of an always-hungry pet pig. With memorable characters and vivid illustrations that support comprehension of higher-level language concepts, this series is particularly great…
I frequently use the adorable Maisy book series by Lucy Cousins to introduce early story telling to toddlers. Doctor Maisy tells a simple, but engaging sequence of events about two animal friends playing doctor, including: listening to a heart beat, taking a temperature, and putting someone sick to bed. One concern I hear from parents…
