Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-17

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-17 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Attending #RichmondWomensResourceCentre #039;s annual meeting tomorrow (May 17). Delighted to be associated w/ this #RichmondBC organization. #
With 20+ families attending new #FamilyLiteracy prgm, need to use inexpensive materials.This week sliced pool noodles will do the job. #
Promoting reading in school-aged children, article from @CaringforKids, the Canadian Paediatric Society http://t.co/lBYv5HEO #
It's Your Health – a series of over 150 articles on a wide range of health and safety issues @HealthCanada http://t.co/1Bq7s4Wf #parenting #
Duelling hedge trimmers working outside my home office this beautiful day. Neighbouhood gardens will look groomed for long weekend ahead. #
#RichmondBC families: Summer comm'ty centre program registeration began last night. 5 spots out of 48 still open in #GettingReadyToRead #ECE #
#ElizabethFry Reading program connects prisoners w/families. http://t.co/wJ2pYKjs #
Just completed my profile of Penny Draper @CoteauBooks. Enjoyed her #historicalfiction 4 #youngreaders Belongs in every Cdn #SchoolLibrary #
B.C. Book Prizes – here are the winners in the children's lit category http://t.co/acLx5pUt Congratulations to the nominees & winners! #
Registration for Beginning to Read @ Steveston Community Centre, #RichmondBC begins Tuesday at 10PM. Will fill quickly. http://t.co/qj4oifer #
Thank you for the follow @Taste0fItaly Happy to meet another #RichmondBC tweeter. #
Thanks for the follow @gregorywalters – an author, a Canucks fan and a fellow British Columbian! Will watch for your #Orca book. #
Thank you for the follow @summerdaylight. Always glad to meet authors. #
Thank you for the follow @Onesuchpress . We love book publishers! #
Thank you for the follow @MrPoetSmiles. Wishing you every success in reaching your goal. #
Thank you for the follow Jodi @jodialtringer . I am also a crisscross applesauce "expert." #
My hockey playing, 6'1" 14 year old son wrote me a lovely 16 line sonnet for Mother's Day. A lovely, sentimental surprise. #
Thanks so much for including our preschool gardening resources in the Early Ed Daily Fran @FSSimon. in reply to FSSimon #
Registration for our July Getting Ready to Read program begins Tuesday, May 15 at 10 pm #RichmondBC #Steveston #EarlyEd http://t.co/pi0lStP1 #
Storytime for Mother's Day from my friends at Annick Press http://t.co/u8EiE39s @AnnickPress #MothersDay #
Three gr, 9 boys throwing football around in our yard. Decided to get English homework done today:) Happy Mother's Day! #
Poor health literacy is systemic w/ elderly, poor & new immigrants IOM Health Literacy Video: http://t.co/A9nsh0uT #literacy #poverty #aging #
What is the prognosis for #health #literacy in your community? Health and the City: http://t.co/HS47dvVF via @youtube #
Daily reading is the strongest factor in predicting higher levels of health literacy. It isn't just important for children to read everyday. #
Have you tried asking your #preschool child to listen while you clap then clap the same rhythm back? Aids listening skills, concentration. #
Gorgeous sunny day on the West Coast, can't say I am motivated to do homework or writing. Ought to be outside, enjoying the sunshine. #
Let's Read Together for caregivers & preschoolers at #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC, Friday mornings at 10:30. #EarlyLiteracy #FamilyLiteracy #
Gardening with children – check out our free #printables and #picturebook suggestions http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #EarlyEd #Edchat #gardening #
Jody writes her final post about teaching a reluctant reader http://t.co/f5mEuEfG #middlegrade #EdChat #teaching #
Modern definition of #motherhood = stressed & exhausted mothers. http://t.co/oSonJkko #

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Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy - Free early literacy printables and children's book suggestions. Themes incl. learning to read, bullying, diversity, multiculturalism, green

A common greatness…. Journey of a Reluctant Reader

Jody — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:19:47 +0000

A common greatness…. Journey of a Reluctant Reader | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Looking at a reluctant reader’s experiences with books and reading

Magic Johnson. Albert Einstein. Cher. John Lennon. John F. Kennedy. Hans Christian Anderson. Orlando Bloom. Tom Cruise. Johnny. These people have a few things in common. They have presence, they made a difference, and, for a variety of reasons, didn’t love to read. For some, Orlando Bloom and Tom Cruise, reading was difficult. Learning Disabilities affect not only a child’s ability to read, but their confidence in doing so. Though it may be true for many of these well known individuals, it is not always a learning disability that affects a child’s desire to read. For Johnny, it was lack of interest, not ability. For others, it’s lack of time or exposure. Though he’s not a basketball player, a singer, or an inventor (as far as I know) Johnny has something in common with all of these people. Though he said at the beginning of the year that he would rather do anything other than read, he made a great effort. He will be remembered by me and by his classmates because, despite his aversion to reading, he stood out in the class. He embraced his own attitude and felt good about himself. He was also open minded enough to try new books and authors. He had enough presence in our classroom that the other reluctant readers were willing to try as well. That matters.

It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of the road for this school year. This will, in fact, be my final entry about Johnny. I’ve enjoyed watching him unfold as a student and as a reluctant reader. I don’t know that we turned him around entirely. He claims that he still does not love school or reading and would much rather ride his bike. However, with less and less prompting and suggestions each month, Johnny has managed to read more than a half a dozen books since September. Not only that, but two days ago he came to me and showed me his latest library book: Lunch Money. I had no part in him choosing this book. In fact, when I told him that I had some other students who LOVED Andrew Clements, he said, “Well my friend told me it was good so I’m reading a book he liked and he’s reading one I suggested”. And I thought, wow. Johnny and his friend, two hockey boys who like to goof around and have fun, had a conversation at some point that entailed each of them sharing their thoughts on a book and recommending one they enjoyed to each other. To me, that seems like an excellent place to “part ways” on this journey. I say that rather than “conclude” the journey because Johnny is going to wander a different path now, one toward grade six and I am going to get a whole new group in September. But I hope that Johnny’s path will continue to include reading and that he feels good about the reading accomplishments he made this year. I hope that he becomes less and less reluctant over time to pick up a book and fall into it. Even if he doesn’t I hope he thinks back about this year and realizes that his willingness to try regardless was stronger than his reluctance to read. That too, matters.

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Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy - Free early literacy printables and children's book suggestions. Themes incl. learning to read, bullying, diversity, multiculturalism, green

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-10

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-10 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

I will be presenting Ready for Reading at St. Francis of Assisi School, #VancouverBC on Monday, May 14th. #EarlyEd #ParentEd #
Happy to say, I've brought some sense of order to my home office. The floor is clear, receipts are filed. Just need some time for reading. #
Use flannelboards, puppets or props for #storytime Check out the new #flannelfriday site http://t.co/y6obLubr #
Thank you for the Rt Beth @balmeras #
Thanks so much for including us in the Parent/Teacher Daily Deb @DebChitwood. Appreciate it very much. in reply to DebChitwood #
"I'm A Little Teapot" is one of my favourite #storytime resources. TY Jane Cobb & Black Sheep Press @bspvancouver http://t.co/kFDbeQQm #
Theme for Friday's Let's Read Together at #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC is "Families." Am developing learning materials: "What Do Families Do?" #
Yes, Jody, @1prncs you are absolutely right. What might seem obvious to an adult, can be quite daunting for a child. in reply to 1prncs #
Always interested to see if I can accurately predict #Qwitters Happy to say, I went 3 for 4 this week. http://t.co/k2OwWxN1 #
Good to find you on Twitter Sally @salbooks62. Have #ForTheLoveOfReading Books to Build Lifelong Readers on my shelf. TY for suggestions. #
Enjoyed #HereComesHortense Heather @HeatherHartt Did you see our post? http://t.co/GZ0Q6xJU @TundraBooks #picturebook #blendedfamily #
We'd like to suggest Bright Red Kisses by #TeresaToten & Deirdre Betteridge for a #MothersDay storytime http://t.co/68xmNlml @AnnickPress #
Thank you for the retweet Suzanne @SuzanneDelRizzo in reply to SuzanneDelRizzo #
How cool is it that Iowa City Public Library is already promoting their Summer Reading Program? Like the poster too! http://t.co/qMwbrsv7 #
Hello @TundraBooks – thought you'd like to know #KateCantWait is a featured #picturebook for my #gardening w/kids page http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #
Hi Peggy @peggysbooks. Expect you'd like to know, #InTheGarden is featured in my #EarlyEd #Gardening post: http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #ECE #
#Gardening theme for #kindergarten #preschool. Free #EarlyEd printables, #picturebooks + photos of my garden http://t.co/mt5n7RQ6 #ECE #
Thanks for much for your RT Koo @UlkuR. Hope you had a great weekend #
More #KindergartenReadiness does your child know his full name? is she willing to help tidy up? does he show an interest in books? #EarlyEd #
Still w/ #KindergartenReadiness can your child follow directions & spend 5-10 mins on a task? #EarlyEd #
More about #KindergartenReadiness – encourage your child to adjust to new situations confidently & use the washroom independently. #EarlyEd #
Thinking about your child's #KindergartenReadiness Some ways to help – encourage your child to face challenges by problem solving. #EarlyEd #
A delightful #picturebook celebrating #fatherhood Some Dads… written & illustrated by Nick Bland@nickblandbooks http://t.co/ncugCKhJ #
Sept 15 2012 will be #InternationalDotDay Follow @peterhreynolds and be part of the fun! #picturebooks #creativity #outsidethebox #
Thrilled to say Let's Read Together at Cambie Br. #RPL #RichmondBC is thriving. 41 children & their caregivers in attendance today #literacy #
Thank you for sharing news of #PresidentsChoice eliminating #ArtificialColours @TeachersKorner. All parents ought to applaud this decision. #
Thank you for the #Shakespeare follow @S_SpeareJohn. I shall especially look forward to your Macbeth tweets! #poetry #literature #
Thrilled with this news! "Loblaws to remove artificial colours and flavours" http://t.co/fnUS8aox /via @globeandmail #

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Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy - Free early literacy printables and children's book suggestions. Themes incl. learning to read, bullying, diversity, multiculturalism, green

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-03

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-05-03 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Hi @HarperChildrens: You have sent me 3 DM, requesting that I DM you my address. I have replied 3X. Could you please check your DM ? in reply to HarperChildrens #
Excited about growth of Let's Read Together @ #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC Join us Fri mornings at 10:30. TY @decodaliteracy #literacy #
Orca whales seen this afternoon enroute from Vancouver Island to mainland #BCFerries #BeautifulBritishColumbia http://t.co/jht9ugwF #
Love receiving late night emails & DM about my #ParentEducation workshops for #BritishColumbia families. #earlyliteracy #
Thank you for the follow @Quitline4MSMoms . Glad to hear of your important work. #
Use a colourful beach ball w/your #preschool class. Toss the ball to a child. Which colour begins with /gr/ /bl/ /r/ /y/? #EarlyEd #ECE #
Today's theme at Let's Read Together was colours. Audrey Wood's The Deep Blue Sea plus a colourful beach ball added phonemic awareness fun. #
Our Let's Read Together program at #Cambie Library, #RichmondBC is growing! 20 children & their caregivers today! Join us Fridays 10:30 am #
Disappointed by fellow #RichmondBC driver this a.m. Rolled down her BMW window, dropped cigarette pkg onto road #sad #entitlement. #
Excited to win a DEAR prize pack from @HarperChildrens. Thanks so much for the cheery news! #
Thank you for your positive, uplifting follow @KidsHappyHearts. #
Thank you for the follow Crabtree Publishing @CrabtreePub Appreciate your #educational resources. #

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Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy - Free early literacy printables and children's book suggestions. Themes incl. learning to read, bullying, diversity, multiculturalism, green

Some Dads… by Nick Bland

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:16 +0000

Some Dads… by Nick Bland | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Storytime Standouts looks at a delightful picture book that celebrates fathers and fatherhood – Some Dads… by Nick Bland

Some Dads… written and illustrated by Nick Bland
Picturebook published by Scholastic

In his cheery tribute to fathers, Nick Bland depicts all sorts of animal parents exuberantly interacting with their offspring. We laugh at an over-protective elephant dad who fills a swimming pool with life rings and a mischievous sheep who can’t resist throwing a water balloon at his child. Readers, both young and old, will enjoy the playful rhyming and the jubilant illustrations. Some Dads… is an excellent choice for Father’s Day or Dads’ Day at preschool, delivering a fun and affectionate message about diversity and unconditional love.

Some dads like strolling.
And some dads rock’n rolling.
And some dads just love the outdoors.

Some Dads… at Amazon.com

Some Dads… at Amazon.ca

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-26

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-26 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Fingers crossed. 17 year old son heading off for 1st, non-volunteer job interview. #WishHimLuck #motherhood #
If you are #parenting a #Canadian teen, I can strongly recommend Encounters With Canada @EWC_FYICanada youth forum. https://t.co/6pzVQa9B #
Am working on a profile of #PennyDraper @CoteauBooks for @kidsbookcentre & #CanadianChildren #039;sBookNews. Great juvenile #historicalfiction #

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Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy - Free early literacy printables and children's book suggestions. Themes incl. learning to read, bullying, diversity, multiculturalism, green

A Text Connection

Jody — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:48:20 +0000

A Text Connection | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

As a want-to-be writer, I find it fascinating that some authors can slip back and forth between genres and age groups. It shows a wide range of talent when an author produces a best selling thriller and then follows it up with a highly entertaining graphic novel. James Patterson and John Grisham are powerful examples of authors who show this flexibility on a regular basis. What really shows their strength as writers, however, is that the books they write for their younger audiences are so appealing to adults as well. Aside from providing more great reading material, authors such as these are also providing a unique way for parents (or teachers) and children (or students) to connect.

Patterson’s latest young adult novel is Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life. The quick and fun chapters, along with the sketch graphics and the humor of two friends trying to get through their first year of middle school make it a great read. I laughed out loud at parts, remembering my own middle school days. While it connects with many of the students in the upper elementary grades, it definitely reaches out to boys.

Finding things in common with our kids (and students) is extremely important. They live in a fast-paced world of texting, Facebook, and instant messages. They are “connected” in ways that we never were. We need to jump on the opportunities to share meaningful conversations with them whenever we can. Taking an interest in what your kids are reading can be a way to start these conversations.

I had a Teacher on Call come in for me last week for a half day. I showed up right before the lunch bell and we were discussing how the morning went. I asked about a few students in particular and she made a comment that got me to thinking about this post: she had brought in the book The Mocking Jay, the third in the Hunger Games trilogy, so that she could read it while waiting for a friend after work. When a few of the students noticed she had it, they began asking her whether she liked it, had she finished it, did she like the others. The fact that she was reading a book that many of them are absorbed in right now created an instant connection, which is not always easy to do as a teacher on call.

Kids always find it a bit surprising when they realize that you may enjoy some of the same things they do. I have had wonderful conversations about Harry Potter, Holes, Twilight, Hunger Games, and a variety of other books that kids are hooked on. My enthusiasm is real and the kids respond to that. They want to know what you think, what you liked, and if you got to a certain part yet. I tell the kids how I feel about the books that we have in common and they feel open to sharing their thoughts. My class knows that even though I really liked Hunger Games, I stopped reading the trilogy because, for me, it was too sad. We ended up having a conversation about what makes us put down a book, what makes us go back to it, or what makes it so we absolutely cannot put it down.

I believe that connecting with kids strengthens our relationships with them and makes teaching them more successful. Try reading something your child is reading; aside from connecting with your child, you’ll likely find yourself reading a great book as well.

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Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy - Free early literacy printables and children's book suggestions. Themes incl. learning to read, bullying, diversity, multiculturalism, green

Thank you for being a Member of the Storytime Standouts Community

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:39:53 +0000

Thank you for being a Member of the Storytime Standouts Community | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

We hope you will enjoy our free early literacy printables and that you will check out our articles about terrific new children’s books and how children learn to read.

We regularly add new material to the site and we are proud to say that we offer more than two hundred free printables as well as hundreds of posts about special children’s books.

Once you become a member of this site, if you are having a problem signing in or downloading materials, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly, by email. Please use the email link on the website.

We hope you will enjoy StorytimeStandouts.com and we are especially grateful for referrals. Please let your friends and family know about the website.

Thank you and Happy Reading!

Carolyn Hart

Storytime Standouts
Raising Children Who Love to Read

For a very limited time, we have made most of our
~ Gardening with Children printables ~
available to all visitors to the site - with no membership required.
We sincerely hope you will “share this site” with your friends and colleagues.
Wishing you Happy Gardening!

Free Alphabets

Storytime Standouts offers a variety of free alphabets in PDF format for children in preschool, kindergarten and the early primary grades. We have grouped the alphabets together and you will find all of the free alphabets here. We suggest using the alphabets to make matching games, help a child to learn alphabetical order and/or letter sounds or decorate a bulletin board.

Interlined (Printing) Paper

Storytime Standouts offers free interlined paper for children, visit our Interlined Paper page to see the entire collection. We hope you will use the interlined paper to inspire young writers.

We have tried to match seasonal themes and the sort of topics a kindergarten or grade one child might write about. We regularly add interlined paper to the website. We try to anticipate a child’s interests and classroom themes.

If you would like to suggest another theme, please contact us using the email link.

Preschool and Kindergarten Songs, Rhymes, Chants and Fingerplays

Use these songs, rhymes, chants and fingerplays with children in preschool, kindergarten and early primary grades. We have grouped them together on our Songs, Rhymes, Chants and Fingerplays page. We regularly add new songs, rhymes and chants to the website. We try to anticipate your interests and classroom themes.

If you would like to suggest a song, rhyme or fingerplay, please contact us using the email link.

Word Family Printables

These word family printables are great for children who are learning to read. We have grouped them together on our Word Family page.

For a beginning reader, discovering that cot, dot, hot, pot and rot are related is exciting. Children who are just learning to sound out words will be thrilled to learn that they can substitute the beginning sound and read three, four or more related words. We view word families as a great springboard for beginning readers.

Picture Dictionaries – Words for Beginning Readers and Writers

Helpful for beginning readers and writers, these picture dictionaries are all together on our Words for Beginning Readers and Writers page. We know young children get a great sense of satisfaction from using pictures to help them decode words. With these picture dictionaries, they can read a series of related words or they use the words to write a story.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-19

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-19 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Thank you for the pro #library RT Ann @anndouglas #
Where would you be without your library?: http://t.co/PQAAQqpv via @youtube #LibraryLove #
Here Comes Hortense! @TundraBook new #picturebook about emotions, blended families, jealousy http://t.co/GZ0Q6xJU #childrenbooks #EarlyEd #
Have you seen the celebrity #GetCaughtReading posters and wallpapers? #reading #booklover http://t.co/Gy2DUZEh #
Am fooling aroung with #Pinterest today. If you are on Pinterest and would like me to check out your boards, pls DM with favourites. #
Warm thanks for the follow @END_BULLYCIDE. We strongly support #PinkShirtDay and other #antibullying efforts. #
Encourage children to "read" #EnvironmentalPrint in your community today. #preschool #learning #EarlyEd #kindergarten http://t.co/TJQSeAjT #
Good to meet you @PublishSuccess . Will look forward to your #publishing tweets. #
Thank you for the follow Sandy @Abcteach Great to check out your #EarlyEd resources on Pinterest. #
Thank you for the follow @LauraLamereblog #creativity #parenting #
Have completed my final column for this school year. #CouncilofParentParticipationPreschoolsinBC newsletter. #summertime #CPPPinBC #BCEd #
Thank you for the follow @MikeVeny . My son is a drummer – off to a lesson tonight. We love music in our home. #
So true, a relaxed, enjoyable bedtime story is much more valuable than a tense, purpose-driven "learning experience." @byHeatherRoss in reply to byHeatherRoss #
Today we look at bright, bold, stylish #picturebook #PaulThurlby'sAlphabet http://t.co/FvOcWRyH @Candlewick #Childrensbook #EarlyEd #
Thanks so much for the follow @NWTLiteracy. I value and appreciate your work. #literacy #EssentialSkills #NorthWestTerritories #
You can't put a price-tag on literacy | Claire Provost http://t.co/ko6RfWK9 via @guardian #
When considering #preschool for your child, I strongly recommend a Parent Participation Preschool. Be involved. #ECE http://t.co/FPItlgc2 #
Salmon Creek by Annette LeBox & Karen Reczuch looks @ the life cycle of a #cohosalmon http://t.co/q8MGmrbz #EnvironmentalAwareness #EarthDay #
Hickory Dickory Dock #NurseryRhymes promote #PhonemicAwareness & #ReadingReadiness Share some with your #toddler http://t.co/RBbXUrxO #ECE #
1 week remaining in my #FamilyLiteracyInTheCommunity program thru @VCCishere. Many practical applications to my #literacy work, #RichmondBC #
Get outside and get to Know your wild neighbours. Check out this year's #GetToKnow contest for Canadians. http://t.co/SocSJX6x @RBGetToKnow #
"One good teacher in a lifetime may sometimes change a delinquent into a solid citizen." ~
Philip Wylie #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
"Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition." ~ Jacques Barzun #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
#WePlantedATree a #picturebook by Diane Muldrow, is celebration of trees & the impact of planting just one. http://t.co/tvld35ez #EarthDay #
Make time for some fun this weekend. #PsychologyToday suggests we should build our playlist http://t.co/DXTTyso7 #parenting #mentalhealth #
E is for Environment by Ian James Corlett – 26 thought-provoking chapters encourage #EnvironmentalAwareness http://t.co/Wqt2eM2d #EarthDay #
Please join us – #Richmond Library offers English learning program for families and caregivers http://t.co/vo6hkhL5 via @BlackPressMedia #
Two spectacular rides aboard @BCFerries today. Thank you for being on-time, courteous service, safe ride. #BeautifulBC http://t.co/m8eTdLSz #
Look at global warming w/kids #Picturebook #WinstonOfChurchill promotes #EnvironmentalAwareness http://t.co/4MWU80Ol #EarthDay #
Children will love this #EarthDay matching/domino game http://t.co/gSn1R43f #recycling #environmentalawareness #
"Nine-tenths of education is encouragement." ~ Anatole France #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
#GeorgeSavesTheWorldByLunchtime an #ecofriendly #picturebook http://t.co/27OKm86E suggests ways to #conserve #recycle #reuse #EarthDay #ECE #
Free #EarthDay #PDF #printables for children. http://t.co/gSn1R43f #EarlyED #ECE #
Please join me for #LetsReadTogether – adults and preschool-aged children. #CambieLibrary #RichmondBC Friday mornings at 10:30 #Learning #
Thank you for the #PictureATree RT @scholasticCDA. It is a beautiful #picturebook Perfect for #Spring and EarthDay. #
One week remaining in #FamilyLiteracyInTheCommunity at #VCC This course is directly related to much of my #literacy work in #RichmondBC TY #
A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops. ~ Henry Adams #AppreciateTeachers #TeachingQuotes #
Michael Foreman's #OneWorld explores ways young children can help to care for our world #EarthDay http://t.co/I71cI9lm #EarlyEd #picturebook #
Thank you for the follow Doug @EduFunToys #educationaltoys #parenting #
Canadians concerned about the environment will want to check out the 2012 #GetToKnow Contest details. http://t.co/LRYo1SNk @RBGetToKnow #

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Here Comes Hortense! written by Heather Hartt-Sussman

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:33:38 +0000

Here Comes Hortense! written by Heather Hartt-Sussman | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Here Comes Hortense!
written by Heather Hartt-Sussman and illustrated by Georgia Graham
Picture book about jealousy, emotions and blended families, published by Tundra Books

When a six year old boy, his grandmother and her new husband go on vacation to a theme park, all is well until Hortense arrives. Hortense is Bob’s granddaughter and she is suddenly a threat. Nana shares her hotel room with Hortense, she sings “Lavender’s Blue” to her and she sits next to her for all the scary rides. To add insult to injury, Hortense even devises a special name for Nana!

Nana’s grandson is despondent. He can’t believe that Hortense has taken his special place with his grandmother.

It is not until Nana and Gramps take a ride in the Tunnel of Love that the two children are able to gain perspective and learn to like each other.

Note: Here Comes Hortense! is a follow up to Heather Hartt-Sussman and Georgia Graham’s Nana’s Getting Married

Here Comes Hortense! at Amazon.com

Here Comes Hortense! at Amazon.ca

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Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:31:41 +0000

Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Storytime Standouts looks at a stylish alphabet book, Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet

Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet
created by Paul Thurlby
Alphabet book published by Templar Books an imprint of Candlewick Press

Featuring bright, bold retro illustrations, Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet is a stylish tribute to graphic design and each of the letters of the alphabet. Young children will enjoy the dramatic and distinctive artwork while learning about letter shapes and sounds.

On the left side of each spread, we see a single letter in uppercase and lowercase form. The corresponding right side of each spread features an illustration that incorporates the shape of the uppercase letter and minimal text.

Older children and adults will particularly appreciate the aesthetics of Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet, possibly using his ideas as inspiration for their own graphic artwork. As well, removing the book jacket and opening it reveals a gorgeous alphabet poster that highlights each of the illustrations from the book. Lovely.

Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet at Amazon.com

Paul Thurlby’s Alphabet at Amazon.ca

Paul Thurlby’s PhotoStream on Flickr

Note: When selecting illustrations for the vowels, Thurlby uses a mix of short and long vowel sounds: A = awesome, I = island

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-12

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-12 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Add #PictureATree by Barbara Reid @scholasticCDA to your #EarthDay classroom library http://t.co/xXRAx9xq #Ecosystems #picturebook #EdChat #
PSST – Your school, your culture, keep it safe. http://t.co/jbvp0k9C #Antibullying #SurreyBC #
Earth Day is Apr 22 #AllTheWaterInTheWorld is a terrific #picturebook for #ecofriendly themes #WaterCycle #Conservation http://t.co/vadFPL5G #
Thank you for the follow @Alphabet_Kids Look forward to your #diversity #earlyed tweets . #
Am considering a change to my webhosting. Looking at #Costco Canada's "dot Canada". Price is hard to beat. Wondering if anyone can comment. #
#EarthDay is April 22. Check out these #green #picturebook suggestions for helping children learn about our environment http://t.co/IhqvLn26 #
Weekly Let's Read Together (drop in) starts Fri, April 13, 10:30 am at #Cambie Library #RichmondBC Literacy program for adults & children. #
Today is the last day to access our #Free #Spring #EarlyEd #printables w/o becoming a member of http://t.co/oGCLSVIt http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #
When was the last time you read a book? The truth now. And picture books don't count-I mean something with print in it. ~ William Goldman #
Just wondering… @xpcwebhosting When you decided to unfollow, did you realize I am a client? #regrettable #
What does a #hockeymom do when the postseason arrives? Arrange for on ice & dryland training of course. My boy wants to be ready for #Midget #
Reading gives one something to think about other than one's self. ~ Tom Bissell #booklover #quotes #
Thank you for the follow Linda @ReidforBC We share many common concerns re #BritishColumbia #children, #youth and families. #RichmondBC #
This cute #VeryHungryCaterpillar idea from Pottery Barn Kids could be adapted so many ways #preschool #kindergarten
http://t.co/a7sGY7Q5 #
Lots of great #EarthDay art & craft ideas here http://t.co/fkF9oImB #preschool #EarlyEd #kindergarten #
Thank you for the follow Wendy and Sherry @Kiboomu Anyone who is huge with 2-6 year olds, is huge with me #preschool #kindergarten #ECE #
No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.~ Mary Wortley Montagu #booklover #quotes #
Thank you for the RT Alida @Two2Read #booklover #
Thank you for the #booklover #quote RT Erin @erruggeri #
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Thank you for the follow @davidbouchard. I am a fan of your work. #picturebooks #childrensbooks #
Last #Bantam #hockey game for my favourite leftwinger. Melancholy drive home after 2-1 loss in championship #KIBIHT12 #hockeymom #
Encourage your #preschool child to clap or tap to music. Support his #PhonemicAwareness readiness for #reading #
Fabulous drive from Kamloops to Lower Mainland. Gorgeous scenery and signs of Spring in #BeautifulBritishColumbia Happy Easter! #
Perhaps my favourite #booklover #quote: Children are made readers on the laps of their parents. ~ Emilie Buchwald #ReadEveryDay #
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies…The man who never reads lives only one. ~ George R.R. Martin #ReadEveryDay #BookLover #
Our most popular page is filled w/ #free #Spring & #Easter #printables for #kids http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #ECE #earlyed #preschool #kindergarten #
Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries. ~ Anne Herbert #LibraryLover #
Disappointed at #kibiht Shoot out rules on tourney website, "overlooked" to allow one player to take 4 of 6 shots in shootout #shameonyou #
Show me a family of readers, and I will show you the people who move the world. ~
Napoleon Bonaparte #ReadEveryDay #Booklover #Quotes #
I am at #KIBIHT cheering for the #RichmondBlues Last #Bantam #icehockey tourney for my boys. #hockeymom #
"Introduce your children to magic – read to them every day." Robert Munsch #parenting #literacy #
Please come! "Let's Read Together" adults & preschoolers #literacy program at Cambie Library, #RichmondBC starts April 13th, 10:30 #EarlyEd #
Kids looking for something to do? Our #free #Spring & #Easter #printables will keep 'em busy http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #preschool #kindergarten #
There is a first time for everything. Had a child fall asleep in Beginning to Read. Remember folks, children need to rest #overscheduled #
Helping your child learn to rhyme will improve his #phonemicawareness How many words rhyme with bunny? #EarlyEd #preschool #
Very nice tio meet you @canYOUpIease Thank you for the follow. #
Reading one book is like eating one potato chip. ~ Diane Duane in So You Want to Be a Wizard #Booklover #Quotes #
Free #Spring and #Easter #printables for #children http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #ECE #earlyed #preschool #kindergarten #
"A room without books is like a body without a soul." Cicero #Booklover #quotes #

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Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy - Free early literacy printables and children's book suggestions. Themes incl. learning to read, bullying, diversity, multiculturalism, green

Earth Day Printables For Children Promote Environmental Awareness

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:24:39 +0000

Earth Day Printables For Children Promote Environmental Awareness | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Storytime Standouts’ Earth Day Printables Help Children Learn About the Environment, Recycling and Other Ways to Care for Our World

Our early literacy printables, including our Earth Day printables are in PDF format, if you don’t already use Adobe Reader, you will need to use it to access the downloads.

Please note, the photograph on this page is subject to copyright and was taken by Carolyn Hart.

Some of our early literacy printables including our free Earth Day printables are available to Storytime Standouts members only. To become a member of the website (without cost or obligation), please click on the “Members” tab and register as a user.

We also have a new page with resources about gardening with children.

Earth Day / Recycling Domino Game and Board Game Cards

Print these game pieces onto cardstock and them cut them apart. For the board game, recycle paper scraps to create a fun game board. Playing pieces promote recycling and environmental awareness as players race to the end.
Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

Earth Day Interlined Paper

– beginning writers can use our interlined paper to tell stories about Earth Day
Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

Earth Day Riddles

– print the questions and the answers. Cut them apart and then challenge children to match the questions with the answers.
Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

Gardening-Related

Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

Be sure to visit our page highlighting
picture books about caring for our environment,
ecosystems, recycling,
reducing our environmental footprint and more.
Terrific resources for Earth Day and Arbor Day.

If you appreciate our free early literacy printables,
including these Earth Day printables,
please support this site by visiting and purchasing from Amazon.com or Amazon.ca.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-05

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-04-05 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Did you know that E-Comm @EComm911_info produces a multilingual card that explains 911 procedures? #BritishColumbia http://t.co/a362MTB7 #
Even if your child won't sit still, find ways to share #picturebooks Let him play w/ Lego or bounce a ball, draw a picture or eat a snack. #
Great to meet you @MommyPerks. Thanks for the follow. Particularly interested in your #ECE #parenting #literacy tweets & articles. #
Thank you for the follow Richard @CollapseNovel Hope you have success w/ Literary Agent quest. #
Thanks for the follow Andrew @music2work2 Baroque did the trick this afternoon! #
Thank you for the follow Katie @sharingsoda . Will be interested to read your tweets about #YoungAdultFiction #
Have you considered a book allowance for your child? It might be a great #reading motivator… #parenting #
Time to focus and study. Cranked up the Baroque. @terrysmall would be proud. #learning #studying #brainresearch #music #
"Never put off till tomorrow the book you can read today." Holbrock Jackson #Booklover #quotes #
My Ray Bradbury tweet really struck a nerve. Thank you for all the #booklover RT. #
Two Ready for #Reading classes at #StevestonCommunityCentre today. Children really enjoyed C & M Buehner's Goldilocks & The Three Bears #
Thank you to #DeepCove PPP #NorthVancouver for inviting me to speak this evening. I shared my Ready for Reading #ParentEd workshop. #earlyed #
Presenting "Let's Read Together" adults & preschoolers at Cambie Library, #RPL #RichmondBC beginning Apr 13, 10:30 am #literacy #EarlyEd #
#PhonemicAwareness is key for reading. Could your child say which word does not belong in this group? "rat, rabbit, run, go" #EarlyEd #ECE #
"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them." Ray Bradbury #booklover #quotes #
Did your child create some art today? Ask him to describe the art and/or how he made it. Your conversation will help w/ literacy skills. #
#WorldAutismAwarenessDay – The Friendship Puzzle helps children learn to accept &include kids w/ #Autism http://t.co/u4JFweRv #ASD #
Let's Read Together, free, drop in, Friday mornings 10:30 til noon, beginning April 13Cambie Library, #RichmondBC #reading #literacy #ECE #
Delighted to meet you @4_Books. Look forward to your tweets for #authors #publishers #booklovers #
Thank you for the follow Paul @FableVision. I am a huge fan. Feel honored. Keep sharing amazing & inspiring #picturebooks & #videos #
#PhonemicAwareness is key for #reading Could your child add a /s/ sound at the beginning of "top"? Would she say "stop"? #EarlyEd #ECE #
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Written language is everywhere! Draw your child's attention to signs, menus, labels, lists. Show him print in the environment. #EarlyEd #
Today's World Autism Awareness Day. I'm Here @peterhreynolds is an excellent resource for children & classrooms http://t.co/u7mtfL4y #Autism #
April 15 – 21, 2012 is #NationalVolunteerWeek in Canada. Time to starting thing about ways to recognize my fellow #volunteers #
"There are a lot of people like me, people who need books the way they need air." Richard Marek #Booklover #quotes #reading #
#PhonemicAwareness is key for reading. Could your child delete the first part of the word "bat"? Would she say, "at"? #EarlyEd #ECE #
Children need #PhonemicAwareness to be skilled at decoding, Help a child learn that words are made up of sounds & then manipulate them.#ECE #
Nursery rhymes, rhyming games and stories are great for young children. #Learning to rhyme is a #prereading skill. Helps with spelling too! #
"Literature is my Utopia." Helen Keller #Booklover #quote #reading #
That's my team! Go #Canucks #
Turning lights off … Now. #EarthHour #
#PhonemicAwareness and #reading Could your child identify the middle part of the word "run"? Could he isolate the /u/ sound? #EarlyEd #
Help a child learn that words are made up of sounds & then manipulate them. Will help with reading and spelling #PhonemicAwareness .#ECE #
Encourage your child to describe her day or retell a story. The conversations you share are helping her develop literacy skills. #parenting #
“Many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book.”
― Jane Smiley, Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel #Booklover #
Join me for "Let's Read Together" adults & preschoolers at Cambie Library, #RPL #RichmondBC starting Apr 13, 10:30 am #literacy #EarlyEd #
Would love to do this. Stay tuned… U.S. trend of 'little libraries' comes north http://t.co/Gpk9YQHB via @CTVNews #
#FrankSinatra #039;s Witchcraft seems the perfect antidote for a remarkably busy week. Bringing my #homeoffice back into (relative) order. #
#PhonemicAwareness is key for reading. Could your child identify the last part of the word "hop"? Could he isolate the /p/ sound? #EarlyEd #
To be good at decoding, children need #PhonemicAwareness Help your child learn that words are made up of sounds & then manipulate them.#ECE #
Thank you for the magical #booklover RT @ReginaCashman. I love London and Bath too! Have a great weekend. #
Reading aloud to your child introduces vocabulary and concepts that will last a lifetime. #memories #parenting #learning #
Amazed by #BantamHockey talent on ice at #U16 tryouts #BCHockey #commitment #sweat #skill #
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King #Booklover #Quotes And don't you just love magic? #
Has your child noticed you reading a book, magazine or newspaper today? #parenting #learning #
#PhonemicAwareness part of reading. Could your child identify the first part of the word "bat"? Could she isolate the /b/ sound? #EarlyEd #
To be skilled at decoding, children need #PhonemicAwareness Help a child learn that words are made up of sounds & then manipulate them.#ECE #
It is never too early or too late to start #reading to your child. Be sure to share the pleasure of reading. #memories #parenting #learning #
Will be presenting "Let's Read Together" for adults & preschoolers at Cambie Library, #RichmondBC starting Apr 13. #literacy Drop in. #

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I’m Here by Peter H. Reynolds

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:30:32 +0000

I’m Here by Peter H. Reynolds | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

I’m Here written by Peter H. Reynolds

Written with a goal of encouraging children and adults to reach out, embrace, and appreciate children in the autism spectrum as well as anyone who is different from ourselves, I’m Here suggests that young readers rethink their ideas about a child who prefers solitude or who is not skillful at social interactions.

At recess, a young boy sits, by himself. The loud, playground voices are too much for him, I hear it all like one big noise. A big drum. Boom. Boom. Boom Boom.

Sitting away from the crowd he feels the touch of the wind, notices a floating leaf. When a piece of paper lands near him, he knows, This is not where the paper wants to be.” He folds the paper into an airplane and launches it heavenward. Soon, the young boy is flying in the plane, exhuberant at the adventure.

A thoughtful, metaphorical picture book, I’m Here explores themes of friendship and acceptance and encourages children to look for opportunities to smile and be a friend.

I’m Here at Amazon.com

I’m Here at Amazon.ca

April 2, 2012 is World Autism Awareness Day

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-29

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-29 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

“The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.”
― Joseph Joubert #Booklover #Quotes #
Thank you for the #antibullying #picturebook RT @TeacherMotherRe #
Our guest contributor's take on establishing a sense of community in her middle grade classroom http://t.co/b9yjRbaJ #Edchat #Shi-shi-etko #
“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” ― Anna Quindlen #Booklover #
Every classroom should include #antibullying #childrensbooks. Here are some titles to consider http://t.co/ob0qtOT9 #
Take Me With You by Carolyn Marsden is #middlegrade #historicalfiction about #adoption and family http://t.co/usmQk16t #
#Free spring & Easter printables for kids incl. poems, chants, interlined paper, puzzles http://t.co/0YsyaKua #EarlyEd #ECE#PDF #
Thank you Sue @SueAtkins I will stop by #Staples today and will think of you each time I encourage someone to use the button. #learning in reply to SueAtkins #
Presenting my Ready for Reading workshop at Deep Cove Parent Participation Preschool April 3 http://t.co/4Bn0hxqk #NorthVancouver #ParentEd #
Uh – oh, DNA chain left on kitchen table this morning. #HomeworkFail Awaiting frantic text from son. #
Our Free #Easter & #Springtime Printables are available w/o membership today & tomorrow. http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #Preschool #
Absolutely, positively must get busy with #FamilyLiteracy homework today. Will just take a moment to make a cup of tea… #
Good to meet you @StressFreeKids Will be interested to read your #stress #anger #parenting tweets. #
Check out our Free #Easter & #Springtime Printables today or tomorrow. No membership required http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #EdChat #kids #
Promoting our Free #Easter & #Springtime Printables today & tomorrow. No membership required to access http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #children #
Looking for ideas for flannel stories? Have a look at @sharingsoda 's suggestions http://t.co/sf3BWpoD #EarlyEd #preschool #storytime #
Ten Great Reasons to Read Aloud to Your Child – http://t.co/QDudSwSp #parenting #earlychildhood #EarlyEd #
#Picturebook Ruby's Wish shares a pro education (esp for girls) message while enlightening readers about China. http://t.co/DS85eEtN #
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”
― Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird #Reading #Quotes #
When did you last speak the words tortoise, circus, mermaid or tractor? Reading #picturebooks aloud introduces words & concepts #parenting #
RT @islandgirl1385: Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. ~ http://t.co/k2vEI0sh #Quotes #
Celebrating our Free #Easter & #Springtime Printables today & tomorrow. No membership required to access http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #ECE #EarlyEd #
Thank you for the RT@MyTeaTag. There is nothing better than a nice cuppa. Enjoying one right now #
If your child is soft spoken, #picturebook Willow's Whispers has a lovely message of acceptance & encouragement http://t.co/kryfZQow #
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
― C.S. Lewis #Booklover #Quotes #
Our free springtime and Easter printables for young children incl. poems, chants, interlined paper & more http://t.co/cIkwTdHK #EarlyEd #ECE #
Thank you for the mention Linda @funwey Appreciate it! in reply to funwey #
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers can help your child gain #PhonemicAwareness Encourage young children to play w/sounds #ECE #
The printed word is the spoken word, written down. Help your child understand this concept. Write lists, post cards, letters, stories. #ECE #
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Spring into #literacy with these fun tips and ideas! ABC Life Literacy Canada @Life_Literacy http://t.co/PuFBCmsv #IALW #learning #
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Has your preschooler created her own, personal ABC book? A long term project that aids #Alphabet recognition, #Phonics #MotorSkills #ECE #
It is International Adult Learners' Week in Canada. Spread the word. #IALW http://t.co/P6GcoMgC #learning #literacy #
If I said, "Watch for packages of 26 or more plastic Easter eggs" could you create an easy, inexpensive alphabet learning game? #EarlyEd #
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Back at the #hockey rink for a semifinal game. Gorgeous sunny day on the West Coast. #
Thank you for the #music follow from #Japan @kimpa0024 #
Fascinating profile @faxtyke Thank you for the follow from Uganda. #
Thank you for the follow @TheTalkVan Always good to hear a West Coast perspective #VancouverBC #
Great to meet you Richard. Thanks for the follow. @RichardMcKay #
Thank you for the follow Marina. Will be interested to hear your #feminist #parenting perspective. @raisingherup #
Just added two new free #Easter / #Spring printables for young learners http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #EarlyEd #Preschool #Kindergarten #
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How will you have fun with a #picturebook today? Don't stress, make reading aloud to your child an enjoyable #parenting experience. #
Want to mention International Adult Learners' Week #IALW celebrated in Canada from March 24 to April 1, 2012. #learning #literacy #
Thank you for the follow @pettore. Just shared your #BattleofBritain website with my #history – loving son. Keep up the great work. #
Apppreciate your follow Arthur Slade @arthurslade. I have much of your terrific #youngadultfiction on my shelf. Have a great weekend. #
Change up your child's bedtime story tonight. Use a flashlight, candlelight, a costume, prop or music to set the mood for reading aloud #ECE #
Does your child have a special place for books? Put a shelf or a basket for #picturebooks within your child's reach. #LoveReading #Parenting #
Thank you for the follow @1prncs I enjoy learning from you. #

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Ten Great Reasons to Read Aloud to Your Child

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:08:46 +0000

Ten Great Reasons to Read Aloud to Your Child | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Storytime Standouts looks at ten great reasons to read aloud to your child

Curious George written and illustrated by H.A. Rey

Reading aloud to my sons has been one of the highlights of being a parent. My boys are both teens now and have pretty much outgrown picture books (Christmas Eve is always an exception) but shared memories of trips to the library and hundreds of great bedtime stories read aloud will remain with us forever. Having said that, reading a couple of bedtime stories aloud, every night for seven or eight years is hard work. There were definitely nights where I would have happily ‘skipped’ and had a little more time to myself. I clearly remember, on more than one occasion, my younger son being wide awake at his bedtime while I was falling asleep as I attempted to read aloud to him. He would say, “Mommy, your voice sounds really strange.” I would rouse myself enough to finish the story and then head off to my own bed.

Let’s take a look at ten great reasons to read aloud to your child(ren)

When we read aloud to children, they (1) get to know books. They learn that books have front covers and back covers. The covers can be hard or soft/flexible. Books have spines and sometimes they wear jackets.

Sharing stories with children also helps them learn (2) how to hold and manipulate a book. When we read aloud to children, they discover how a book “works.” They come to understand that a book written in English is read from front to back and that we (gently) turn the pages as the story unfolds. They discover that, if we want, we can go back and reread a page, we can also skip a page.

Occasionally running a finger along the printed text will also help children learn that (3) pages are read from top to bottom and the text is read from left to right. With a little help from us, children will discover that bold words are often important to the story and usually we think of bold words or words shown in uppercase letters as LOUD WORDS.

If we read lift the flap books or pop up books, children will learn that (4) sometimes books have flaps or other features that hide the solution to a riddle or some other surprise.

Reading aloud also exposes children to the (5) beauty and richness of our language. Children will also gain (6)phonemic awareness as they discover how to play with words and sounds through rhyming and alliteration.

When hearing books read aloud, children (and adults) learn (7) new words and all sorts of wonderful (8) facts (especially when the children are wild about dinosaurs!)

Hearing a selection of books gives children an understanding of (9) what a story is , how a fairy tale is different from a fable and how tall tales exaggerate.

Hearing picture books read aloud can also enable children to (10) safely explore worrisome or difficult topics like going to the hospital or coping with illness, disability, bullying, or even the death of a loved one while safe in a loving and comfortable environment.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-22

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-22 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Many ways to share a #book w/a child – read in unison, take turns, read side by side or U #ReadAloud Relax. Be flexible. Enjoy.Repeat. #
Consider these #antibullying resources for a classroom or home library. http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #
When listening to a young reader, try to behave like a dog. You don't need to correct every mistake. http://t.co/x6cmofbt #parenting #ECE #
Missing uppercase A and lowercase k. Maybe I should call in Audrey Wood. Wooden puzzle now obsolete. #lostparts #
Good to meet you Timothy @designchair Am sure I can learn about #design from you. #
#Spring and #Easter free printables include chants, sequencing, picture dictionary for young learners http://t.co/VfxN6EpQ #ECE #Edchat #
Off to the #hockey rink this afternoon, #RichmondMinorHockey Bantam A1 team playing in game 2 of tourney. #hockeymom #
Thank you for the RT Dana @BkDonateConnect #nonprofit #bookdonation #
Thank you for the follow @_Rich_Lifestyle #
Thank you for the follow @TheBrothersPlad Always interested to hear about books for boys Congrats. #middlegradereader #autism. #
Hey Michael @dayzero Thanks for the follow. What an interesting concept create lists, set challenges, make changes http://t.co/N5SN6LjQ #
Thank you for the RT @BkDonateConnect #
Great concept – online #volunteering @Sparked Thanks for the follow. #
Thank you for the pro #reading RTs @NoVaLibraryMom and @BookChook #
Good to meet you Carol @CarolItal12 A "picture walk" sounds like a great #prereading activity. #preschool #kindergarten #ECE #
When reading with your child, do you ever Warm Up the Book? Look at the cover, make predictions, note the name of the author & illustrator. #
Thank you for the follow @TAIN_Tech Can always use #Webmaster tips and suggestions. Will look forward to your tweets. #
Thanks for the follow @csekcreative. Love the Okanagan, will look forward to your tweets for #SMB owners. #
Delighted to have you follow @Touchfam. Appreciate your work in RichmondBC Am a literacy facilitator, presenting at Cambie Library. #
More #kindergarten #spring resources, Pussy Willows poem & coordinating interlined paper http://t.co/zwlvErE8 #learning #freePDF #
#Spring picture dictionary, writing paper, fingerplay & prompts for young learners http://t.co/Tkcpjkfm #Edchat #kindergarten #freePDF #
Back to the rink this afternoon, #RichmondMinorHockey Bantam A1 team playing in Poco tourney & I'm a #hockymom #
Thank you for the follow @tiddlywind We love children's book #authors and fellow #volunteers ! @ http://t.co/Yeih9Zt8 #
Appreciate the follow Jacob @jacobspaulsen. Will appreciate your tweets – especially those about #socialmedia and #internet basics. #
Thanks for the #green #ecofriendly follow @EcoEvaluator #
Thank you for the follow Peter @PetersArtz, your tweets have the power to inspire. Will enjoy #
Leading up to #EarthDay we highlight #ecofriendly #green #pciturebooks http://t.co/IhqvLn26. Please DM if you have a title to suggest. #
Comprehension so important when #reading Make predictions, comparisons. Discuss the problem & solution + beginning, middle, end of story. #
Comics, ABC books, recipes, fairy tales, poems, lists, magazines, signs, instructions, jokes, ghost stories – #Read with your child today. #
A fellow student has just recommended the Mulberry FingerPlays IPAD app. http://t.co/XQWOaz8G #
Highlighting #antibullying #picturebooks. Please DM if you have a title to suggest. http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #Edchat #bullying #parenting #
6 strategies for young #readers look @ the pictures, sound it out, ask, read the sentence again, guess using 1st letters, skip-read-return #
We love these teeny, tiny #picturebooks Perfect for stuffing into birthday cards, suitcases or #Easterbaskets http://t.co/0Mo6GwIw #
Rhyming word printables and activities to support phonemic awareness w/young learners. #Learning #Reading #ECE #Kindergarten #Edchat #
Read aloud champion, #JimTrelease offers all sorts of wonderful, free downloads promoting #reading http://t.co/zAi1lDLH #Edchat #parenting #
RT@nypl The Library wishes you all the good things possible on this day as does this 1914 card from our Mid-Manhattan.. http://t.co/o0X4hFZO #
RT@harperchildrens 2012 is the 60th Anniversary of Charlotte's Web! Celebrate & tweet to win a copy: http://t.co/dflnEML9 #charlottesweb #
RT @readertoreader "There are many little ways to enlarge your child's world. Love of books is the best of all." Jacqueline Kennedy #reading #
Enjoyed reading @YMCbookalicious's post about #WebofAngels by @LilianNattel . Putting this title on my "Must Read" list. #DID #
RT @moreinspirenow: "Feedback is the breakfast of champions. – Ken Blanchard. #quote quot; Always be grateful for feedback #
Thanks for the follow @pfanderson. Was interested to read your #Ebooks #SearchEngine post http://t.co/YX2bJK9B . Thanks. #
Thank you for the follow @_AndyBryant. Will look forward to reading #English #grammar tips from you. #writing #
Thanks for following @CANSCAIP We love children's #authors and #illustrators at http://t.co/RUc030hn. #picturebooks #youngadultfiction #
Thanks for the follow @KidzRockInc We think sports, music and the arts are all important for children and families. Keep up the good work. #
Thank you for following @webnames . Always interested to explore #webhosting , #domain name options. #Canadian #
Good to meet you Gary @garybizzo. Can always benefit from #coaching #mentoring Will look forward to reading your tweets. #
Thank you for the follow @ElaineDiamondid Interested to learn about your #antibullying novel. #education #bullying #stopbullying #
Thanks for the follow William @WorkforcePro Very interested to learn from you #workforce #labor #
Thanks for the follow @21stCenturyTch Will look forward to your tweets about 21st century #education #teaching #
Thanks for the follow @HPTeachExchange. Looking forward to learning about #EducationalTechnology from you #
RT @hpteachexchange: 5 search engines you have never heard of. Give them a try. http://t.co/0m8z6Ryr #cpchat #edchat #
Ever heard of a "Reverse Lunch?" #children at #school play first & then eat lunch. Means less afternoon hunger http://t.co/lpJLJ5wa #Edchat #
BCTLA has interesting resources on their website including #booksuggestions for grade 8 & 9 boys http://t.co/AsAiORxq #teenlit #booksforboys #
#StPatricksDay #picturebook plus #free #printable Pot of Gold writing paper and picture dictionary for young learners #ECE #kindergarten #
I'm a big fan of #LibraryThing & have most of my books catalogued. Makes creating a reading list for presentations easy http://t.co/H3NZiOw4 #
A fun #StPatricksDay fable and free #PDF #printables for young learners http://t.co/JnEzXLfB #kindergarten #ece #preschool #
"Spring Break" doesn't mean a break from reading to children. If anything, a break from routine should mean more chancies to #ReadAloud #
Will be facilitating an immigrant women & tot literacy program. Would love to exchange ideas w/experienced literacy facilitator Please DM #
Free #StPatricksDay #printables for #children http://t.co/JnEzXLfB #ECE #kindergarten #EdChat #

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Reading for Reward

Jody — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:41:05 +0000

Reading for Reward | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Whether it’s reading, math, science, or socials, there is conflict over rewarding children for meeting goals and expectations in the classroom. If we reward them with tangible “prizes”, do we diminish their intrinsic motivation? An argument can be made either way. We need, and kids need, to understand intrinsic motivation. Not every accomplishment deserves a prize, just like not every misstep deserves a consequence.

I think that we can create a balance in the classroom that reinforces intrinsic motivation but allows for concrete rewards as well. Let’s be honest: we all like rewards; take out on Fridays, a trip to Starbucks, a special purchase. So while we need kids to know and understand that reading in and of itself is a reward, I’m okay with giving a little more every now and then. At my school, we do Accelerated Reading which allows kids to read books at their level then take a test to check their comprehension. Each book is worth a certain amount of points (harder book = higher points) and your points are based on how well you do answering questions about the book. The teachers at our school take various approaches when deciding how to utilize those points as motivation. I have seen (and borrowed) some incredibly creative ideas. Depending on the grade level, the teacher, and the goal, kids have earned computer time, tours of the office and staff room, buddy time, time with the principal, lunch with the teacher, and a host of other special rewards.

So does this add to or diminish the academic and personal reasons for reading? In my experience, it adds to both. Students who are academically motivated already, will enjoy the extra rewards and bonuses that come from doing something they were going to do anyway. For the at risk, unmotivated, or uninterested readers, the reward might provide a hook to get them started. The key, for me, is knowing your learners and knowing what would be a reward for the individual student. It might not be a prize from the ‘prize bin’ or an extra ten minutes on the computer, but if you can know your students, you can find what their motivation is and use it to help them move forward.

I’ve noticed that once you start a ‘system’ with students, they become attached to the routine as much as anything else. In my class, every AR point goes up on a chart. From there, every 5 points gets a sticker and every 5 stickers receives a prize, which could be a new pencil, sharpener, eraser or bookmark. Most kids are going to meet these goals anyway, so the ‘prize’ is just a little bonus for effort, time, and achievement. The students are very particular about the routine, even at the grade 4/5 level. They put their AR quizzes in the folder, remind me to tally points, let me know when they’ve reached personal and/or class goals. Recently, my class walked to the store as a reward for achieving the class goal of reaching over 500 AR points. Every student in the class contributed to that goal. It didn’t matter by how much, but it mattered that together we worked towards it and together, we celebrated it.

I can teach without giving rewards. I can implement curriculum and engage my students without giving them prizes or anything more than verbal praise. The 21st century learning goal is to motivate and engage all learners. I like to think that I can meet this goal without the bonus incentives. If my objective is to do just that, to motivate and engage without incentives, then, for me, offering the incentives only enhances the experiences and the enjoyment for my learners.

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-15

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-15 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

#Antibullying #picturebooks to share and enjoy with children. http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #bullying #
Getting Ready to Read class for 4 & 5 year olds at #Stevston Community Ctr beginning Apr 3 #RichmondBC #preschool
http://t.co/KoGCgrTH #
Reading #JosephFinder #039;s #BuriedSecrets fun escape. #PopularFiction #
#Teachers and #children love our #free #printable alphabets http://t.co/y9ED6aUo #kindergarten #preschool #earlyliteracy #
Seal Song, picture book by Andrea Spalding, illustrated by Pascal Milelli explores folklore, shapshifting http://t.co/rwEuMjfM @orcabook #
Hadn't realized this was available online. My profile of John Wilson, author #historicalfiction http://t.co/ZAUgMFFA for @kidsbookcentre #
Thank you to Crown Preschool, Vancouver & Baker's Corner Preschool, Coquitlam I enjoyed presenting #reading #parented for you this week. #
Ecofriendly #Green #picturebook about #water & the water cycle: All the Water in the World By George Ella Lyon http://t.co/qjvm5qIC #kidlit #
I've accepted a position as Literacy Project Facilitator w/ RWRC. Let's Read Together – Immigrant Women & Tots Reading Club, Cambie Library #

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-08

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-08 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

#Childrensbook deals w/emotions, frustration, anger The Day Leo Said I Hate You! by Robie H. Harris, Molly Bang http://t.co/ZlHIg0ho #Kidlit #
Thank you Baker's Corner PPP, (Coquitlam) enjoyed the opportunity to share my Ready for Reading workshop with you tonight. #ECE #parented #
Spaces open in add'l Getting Ready to Read class at #Stevston Community Ctr beginning Apr 3 #RichmondBC #preschool
http://t.co/VLMIDPvb #
9 things you didn't know about Oreo cookies | http://t.co/oFurcg92 via @TIMENewsFeed (We like that they don't have artificial food dye.) #
Make it a water play day – supervise as children discover what sinks/floats/absorbs/pours. Provide plastic bottles, funnels, sponges, towel. #
Young writers love our assortment of #free #printable interlined paper. http://t.co/K2HM9kwx #parenting #kindergarten #preschool #
Speaking at Crown Parent Participation #Preschool #VancouverBC Mar 7. My topic is Ready for Reading #ECE #ParentEducation. #
Speaking at Baker's Corner Parent Participation #Preschool #CoquitlamBC this evening. My topic is Ready for Reading #ECE #ParentEducation. #
Did we miss any great #antibullying resources on our new & improved page? Let us know http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #
Thanks for much for fabulous support of #RichmondMinorHockey @MINIRichmond. I was at event Saturday night, kids were so excited yesterday. in reply to MINIRichmond #
Thanks for the follow Ron @ronhuxley Interested in your #parenting #family oriented tweets. #
Thanks for the follow Shauna @SBConnekt Looking forward to learning from you. #socialbranding #content #marketing #
10 Frequently Asked Questions about #ReadingAloud to #children http://t.co/7aZZgvnT #parenting #
Chalkboards, white boards & magic slates support "Driting,"a combination of beginning writing and drawing. #ECE #preschool #
If your #MiddleGradeChild is a #ReluctantReader some ideas you might find helpful. http://t.co/0GGg4beW #parenting #EdChat #
Baking w/young children intro's rich vocabulary(rolling pin, teaspoon, tablespoon, mix, stir, knead) & opportunities to measure, laugh, eat. #
The difference between tattling & telling? Unlike tattling, telling an adult that bullying is happening helps to get a child out of trouble. #
Thank you for the follow Beverley. Will look forward to your tweets #SchoolLibrary @BeverleyRayner #
Does your child have access to pencils, markers, crayons, (blunt end) scissors? Provide ample time for drawing, scribbling, creating. #ECE #
Expand your child's vocabulary, rather than using the same old words at the dinner table, introduce sparkling prose to your banter. #
Need inspiration for a #baby gift? We like the idea of a book basket for his/her bedroom filled with some favourite children's books. #
Good to meet you Mike @MikeWeller1 Thanks for the follow. Will watch for your #brain fitness & #memory tips. Liked that A.S. quote. #
Thanks for the follow @TimothyCarterAu Have a great weekend, enjoy a nice cuppa tea! (I know I will) #
Thanks so much for the #booklover RT @QuickieReviews Have a great weekend! #
Have you considered shared #reading w/your child? Borrow 2 copies of the same book, read together, taking time to reflect & share opinions. #
Willow's Whispers is a lovely #picturebook about helping a child find her voice http://t.co/kryfZQow #kidlit #childrensbook #KidsCanPress #
When enjoying an alphabet book w/ #preschooler pause before turning the page & ask, "Which letter will be next? We've read ABCDE.." #ECE #
RT @read_out_loud Studies show that reading to a child increases that child's intellect & desire to learn. http://t.co/TuuiGH9E (Of course!) #
#Picturebook about emotions, frustration, anger: The Day Leo Said I Hate You! by Robie H. Harris, Molly Bang http://t.co/ZlHIg0ho #Kidlit #
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Thanks for the retweet @TheWhipNovel #historicalfiction #

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All the Water In the World by George Ella Lyon and Katherine Tillotson

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 23:43:17 +0000

All the Water In the World by George Ella Lyon and Katherine Tillotson | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

All the Water In the World written by George Ella Lyon and Katherine Tillotson
Eco-Friendly picture book about water, the water cycle and water conservation published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers | Simon and Schuster

All the Water In the World playfully and joyfully celebrates water and the water cycle. The first line explains,

“All the water in the world… is all the water in the world.”

Young readers will know that water sometimes blasts from hoses and collects in puddles but there is much more to the story of water. A breezy, lyrical introduction to the water cycle, All the Water In the World explains that water goes around.

That rain that cascaded from clouds and meandered down mountains and wavered over waterfalls then slipped into rivers and opened into oceans, that rain has been here before.

Positively delicious descriptive words celebrate water, water vapour, clouds and rain, and remind us that we must not take rain and the water cycle for granted; in some dry, dusty places, people must wait and hope for rain.

Beautiful illustrations match the tempo of the text and feature expressive bold colours that blast, splash, drip and gush across the page.

All the Water in the World at Amazon.com

All the Water in the World at Amazon.ca

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Seal Song written by Andrea Spalding and illustrated by Pascal Milelli

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:53:23 +0000

Seal Song written by Andrea Spalding and illustrated by Pascal Milelli | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

Seal Song written by Andrea Spalding and illustrated by Pascal Milelli
Published by Orca Book Publishers

In folklore, selkies are mythological creatures that can change shape. Selkies live in the ocean as seals and on land as humans.

Each morning Finn helps his father fish but he is secretly anxious for the opportunity to slip away from the wharf and the cannery. He wants to swim with the seals.
“Sing to me.” said Finn. “Sing the seal song that brings good fortune.”
The seal blew a fish breath and disappeared below the waves. But, despite Finn’s pleas, he does not hear the seals sing.

One afternoon, while enjoying his usual swim with seals, Finn notices a commotion in the waves, his favourite seal has been caught in an old fishing net. Finn dives into the ocean, rescues the seal, feeds it and nurses it back to health. He has made a new friend. Finally his wish is granted; he hears the seals sing.

Father is not happy with Finn and does not believe that a seal song will bring good fortune. He is suspicious when a mysterious child appears near the wharf. The other fishermen warn, “That child will never let salt water touch her skin. If it does, she must return to the sea.”

Sheila becomes a good friend to Finn but she does not swim in the ocean with him nor does she allow salt water to touch her skin. Meanwhile, the salmon fishing is good, Finn and his father are especially lucky and the old fishermen attribute their good fortune to Finn’s new friend.

Richly illustrated with beautiful, evocative oil paintings, Seal Song is a thought provoking look at what it means to be a friend.

For older children, Seal Song could lead to an exploration of folklore, shapeshifting, friendship, sacrifice, social responsibility and/or salmon fishing.

Seal Song at Amazon.com

Seal Song at Amazon.ca

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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-01

Carolyn - Storytime Standouts — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:30:00 +0000

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2012-03-01 | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

"Book lovers will understand me, and they will know too that part of the pleasure of a #library lies in its very existence." Jan Morris #
Today's #antibullying #picturebook The Juice Box Bully by Bob Sornson, Maria Dismondy #Ferne http://t.co/y88STt0g #PSD2012 @MariaDismondy #
And Tango Makes Three – a challenged picture book worth celebrating http://t.co/ukPVTC4m #FreedomToRead #
"I've never known any trouble that an hour's reading didn't assuage." Montesquieu #booklover #quotes #reading #
"We shouldn't teach great books; we should teach a love of #reading " B.F. Skinner (Bravo!) #booklover #quotes #
Feeling like a rebel today. Delighted to discover I own more than a dozen challenged books. #FreedomToRead http://t.co/vFmV3V6P #
Today's #antibullying #chapterbook Joshua T. Bates in Trouble Again #PSD2012 http://t.co/aWVogvih @randomhousekids @RandomHouseCA #
Book selections for exploring #antibullying themes with #children http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #
"I often feel sorry for people who don't read good books; they are missing a chance to lead an extra life." Scott Corbett #booklover #quotes #
My favourite book store is now on Twitter. Welcome KidsBooks !@Kidsbooks_dotca #
Freedom to Read Week: A List of Challenged Books in Canada http://t.co/bBcItNkp Thanks to @49thShelf and @orcabook #
We've added another Getting Ready to Read class at #Stevston Community Ctr beginning Apr 3 #RichmondBC #preschool
http://t.co/9uCiIj9x #
"If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads." Ralph Waldo Emerson (my favourite!) #booklover #quotes #
Cyber-bullying: you're not as anonymous as you think: http://t.co/LuckWxcY #PinkShirtDay #AntiBullying #
Today's featured #antibullying #picturebook: The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman
http://t.co/gKppuXsU #PSD2012 @AlbertWhitman #
This month we look at #picturebooks with an #antibullying message http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #PSD2012 #PinkShirtDay #
"Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?" Henry Ward Beecher (So true!) #booklover #quotes #
Thanks for "scooping us" Literature and Literacy in the Primary Classroom on @scoopit http://t.co/6Mc2oBmw #
"Never judge a book by its movie." J.W. Eagan #booklover #quotes #
Why Read: http://t.co/GoG9E7Aw via @youtube #
Suggested #antibullying #children's books, just in time for #PSD2012 http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #
NEA Read Across America promotional videos Dr. Seuss' The Lorax movie …: http://t.co/WuCvw6VT via @youtube #
Focus is on #antibullying #picturebooks #EddieLongpants for #PinkShirtDay http://t.co/JaTiX2fJ @GroundwoodBooks @HouseofAnansi #PSD2012 #
Snuggle up when sharing a #picturebook with a #preschooler When your child feels nurtured & safe, he learns more readily. #ECE #Parenting #
"Books, I found, had the power to make time stand still, retreat or fly into the future." Jim Bishop #booklover #quotes #
"There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." Walt Disney #booklover #quotes #
We are looking at #Antibullying #children's books this month. Check out these suggestions for #PinkShirtDay http://t.co/G8QUKzzO #PSD2012 #
Book exchange parties with friends – a fun, #green & inexpensive way for #preschoolers & #parents to discover wonderful #picturebooks #
Check out the origins of #PinkShirt Day – Bullied student tickled pink by schoolmates' T-shirt campaign http://t.co/DHfiki2Z #PSD2012 #
Looking at #antibullying #picturebooks this month. Today: Enemy Pie http://t.co/sSs2stec @ChronicleKids #PSD2012 #PinkShirtDay #
"When I got (my) library card, that was when my life began." Rita Mae Brown, #booklover #quotes #libraries #
Why not treat yourself this weekend? Visit a #library #Picturebooks for your #preschooler #parenting books, magazines & fiction for you. #
When #readingaloud to #preschoolers take a moment to talk about the illustrations. Ask questions, "What is happening to the coconut tree?" #
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"Love of reading enables a man to exchange the weary hours, which come to every one, for hours of delight." #BaronMontesquieu #ReadingQuotes #
Happy to see signs of #spring in my garden this morning: One small bloom currently being pummelled by a downpour.. #
14 year old son needed examples of irony. Never thought I'd say this, "Thank you Homer Simpson" #homework #
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Delighted to have you following Debora @DocDebPhillips. I look forward to learning from you #PTSD #Antibullying #GayRights #
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The Juice Box Bully – Anti Bullying Picture Book

Jody — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 07:10:27 +0000

The Juice Box Bully – Anti Bullying Picture Book | Storytime Standouts - great books and resources for childhood literacy

You may also be interested in our page about anti-bullying picture books and novels for children, our page about anti bullying web resources or our posts tagged “anti bullying”.

The Juice Box Bully; Empowering Kids to Stand up for Others written by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy and illustrated by Kim Shaw
Published by Ferne Press | Nelson Publishing and Marketing LLC

Teaching a grade four/five class means that you have to find a balance between capturing their attention but not “babying” them. They are intermediates and want to be treated as such. I don’t think there’s an age limit on picture books; if there is, I’ve personally surpassed it and I’m okay with that. Some of the best messages children will ever get come from picture books and kids truly enjoy them. I read a book tonight that I think strikes the balance between giving an appropriate kid friendly message while appealing to the intermediate audience. The Juice Box Bully; Empowering Kids to Stand up for Others talks about being a bystander, or rather, not being a bystander. The kids in Mr. Peltzer’s class have all made a promise to their teacher, and each other, that they will not bully and they will not allow others to be bullied.

This month especially, with Pink Shirt Day (Bullying Awareness Day) being tomorrow, we focus on what bullying is, how to prevent it, and how to stand up against it. Being a bystander means that you are not involved in the bullying but you witness it. Research has shown that all three groups, the bully, the victim, and the bystander/witness have long term emotional repercusions from the bullying experience. It is not easy for kids to witness bullying, particularly if it is a friend being bullied.

The charming part of The Juice Box Bully is that the entire class agrees to stand by each other. The new student, Pete, has been bullied before and figures that if he intimidates others first, he’ll be safer. The students continuously invite Pete to be a part of their classroom family, even when his behavior does not warrant the invitation. A “juice box incident” leads one student, Ruby, to forget her class promise and she insists that she will make life at his new school hard for Pete, now that he’s upset her. Her classmates tell Ruby that they will not let her fall into that trap; they will not let her bully Pete through isolation or rumors. Likewise, they insist that they will not allow Pete to continue to harass their friend. Pete is humbled by the fact that the other students stood up for him, even though he had been cruel.

The Juice Box Bully shares a powerful message of what it can be like if kids stood together to reach a goal or make a difference. It’s a great connection to the story of two boys who really did band together and make a difference. David Shepherd and Travis Price took action against bullies when they organized a protest with students wearing pink shirts to stand up for another student who had been bullied because he wore pink. They chose not to be bystanders, but upstanders.

Social media and the internet have added a new facet to bullying, but the message from The Juice Box Bully still applies; make a promise, work together, and do your part to stop bullying. To find out more about Pink Shirt Day, visit www.pinkshirtday.ca.

The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to0 Stand Up For Others at Amazon.com

The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others at Amazon.ca

The publisher offers a The Juice Box Bully Resource Kit

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For a very limited time, we have made most of our
~ Gardening with Children printables ~
available to all visitors to the site - with no membership required.
We sincerely hope you will “share this site” with your friends and colleagues.
Wishing you Happy Gardening!

Be sure to visit our page highlighting
picture books about caring for our environment,
ecosystems, recycling,
reducing our environmental footprint and more.
Terrific resources for Earth Day and Arbor Day.

If you appreciate our free early literacy printables,
including these Earth Day printables,
please support this site by visiting and purchasing from Amazon.com or Amazon.ca.

Be sure to visit our page highlighting
picture books about caring for our environment,
ecosystems, recycling,
reducing our environmental footprint and more.
Terrific resources for Earth Day and Arbor Day.

Be sure to visit our page highlighting
picture books about caring for our environment,
ecosystems, recycling,
reducing our environmental footprint and more.
Terrific resources for Earth Day and Arbor Day.