Check out my newest preschool felt board activity, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.“

• 7 fun ideas for kids to keep them busy, happy and having fun. From cards to treats, they’re going to love this.
• 7 great ideas for the whole family. From activities to sharing great Valentine’s Day meals, you’ll have a fun day together.
• 5 romantic ideas just for mom and dad. Just because you have kids and no babysitter, doesn’t mean you can’t have some adult fun too!

Instantly Download Your Free Report Full of Ideas…

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Valentines

(sung to the tune of  ”One Little, Two Little, Three Little Indians”

One little, two little, three little valentines,

Four little, five little, six little valentines,

Seven little, eight little, nine little valentines,

Ten little valentines make a square.

One little, two little, three little valentines,

Four little, five little, six little valentines,

Seven Little, eight little, nine little valentines,

Ten little valentines make a circle.

One little, two little, three little valentines

Four little, five little, six little valentines

Seven little, eight little, nine little valentines

Ten little valentines make a triangle.

Recommended children’s books for Valentine’s Day:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most influential people in history. His message of peace and equality will live on for generations to come.

This is a great song to use if you are doing a program with younger children. The song is called “Freedom, Freedom, Let it Ring!” It is sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

Freedom, Freedom, Let It Ring
Sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Freedom, Freedom let it ring.
Let it ring, said Dr. King.
Let it ring from North to South.
Let it ring from house to house.
Let it ring for everyone
All across the whole nation.
Let it ring for black and white.
Let it ring both day and night.
Let it ring for young and old.
Forever may its’ song ring bold.
Freedom, Freedom, Let it ring.
Let it ring, said Dr. King.

This song was found at http://www.theholidayzone.com/mlk/mlksongs.html

Recommended Books about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:

When I ask them why, they tell me that “there aren’t any books that interest them” or they say that “reading is not cool.” Guess what? With the careful selection of popular books for boys, you can spark their interest.

I felt that if I find the right books that interest them, they will want to read. Simply by asking the question, “What are your interests or what do you like to read,” I was able to build a collection of books based on their interests.

Boys like science fiction/fantasy, adventure, mystery/suspense, graphic novels, comic books, drawing, automobiles, aircraft, and sports.

Many times I hear from parents concerned that the only thing their sons like to read are comic books. My advice is to allow them to read comics as long as they continue to read. There are also many graphic novels which are popular books for boys with a lengthy storyline.

The main focus is to make reading enjoyable and fun. Sometimes they may have assignments where they will be required to read, but in the meantime allow them to read what they enjoy.

Here are a few popular books for boys to get you started.

The Racecar Alphabet by Brian Floca – recommended for ages 4-8 – An exciting day at the races highlights the letters of the alphabet as a variety of automobiles burn fuel speeding through the curves of the track.

How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long – recommended for ages 4-8 Jeremy Jacob joins Braid Beard and his pirate crew and finds out about pirate language, pirate manners, and other aspects of their life.

Too Many Toys by David Shannon – recommended for ages 4-8 - Although he finally agrees that he has too many toys and needs to give them away, there is one toy that Spencer absolutely cannot part with.

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen – recommended for ages 9-12 – After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the wilderness, learning to survive initially with only the aid of a hatchet.  This is an engaging story that appeals to a boys’ sense of adventure.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal by Jeff Kinney – recommended for ages 9-12 – Greg Heffley is thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving.  This hilarious novel is the first in a popular series.

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Thomas – recommended for ages 9-12 – This is a tender story about an orphaned African American boy living in Flint, Michigan, during the Great Depression who sets out to find his father.

>>>CLICK HERE TO IMPROVE YOUR CHILD”S READING SKILLS<<<

These are my top ten recommended preschool books:

1. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle

This book teaches colors, numbers, and different types of foods.  It also teaches how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly.

2.  Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin, Jr.

This books teaches preschoolers about animals and colors. It is also a rhyming story with lots of  repetition.

3. Old Black Fly
by Jim Aylesworth

This is a great rhyming book with lots of action and great illustrations.  It tells the story of how one fly can cause so much mischief throughout the course of a day.

4. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: Anniversary Edition
by Bill Martin, Jr.

This is a great book for teaching your child the alphabet. The rhyming words and the rhythmic chant makes this a fun book to read or listen to.

5. Goodnight Moon
by Margaret Wise Brown

This book is a poetic story about a young rabbit who is reluctant to go to bed.  The book is perfect for a bedtime story.

6. The Doorbell Rang
by Pat Hutchins

This is a great book for introducing math, sharing, and friendships.

7. It Looked Like Spilt Milk
by Charles G. Shaw

Your preschooler will want to read this book over and over again as he or she tries to guess the interesting shapes that clouds make.

8.  The Lady with the Alligator Purse
by Nadine Bernard Westcott

This is an enjoyable and humorous rhyming book that can be sung or read.  You will find your child singing the song long after the book is done.

9. The Carrot Seed
by Ruth Krauss

A little boy sees what happens when he waters and takes care of his plant.  No one believed the plant would grow except for the little boy.

10.  The Snowy Day
by Ezra Jack Keats

This classic story depicts a day in the life of a little boy who ventures out into the snow.

Although there are hundreds of books to share with your child,  the above list of preschool books should give you a headstart.

>>>>>>>HELP YOUR CHILD GAIN SELF-CONTROL<<<<<<<

Be patient with your preschooler so that they can build confidence in their abilities and not feel pressured.  You don’t want them to be turned off from reading and books.

Here are a few helpful tips to make reading fun:

1. Allow your child to choose his or her own books.  This is a great way to learn what your child’s interests are early on.  If your child loves dinosaurs, then check out books about dinosaurs. Don’t worry if they are checking out the same books over and over.

2. Flashcards are a great way to help your child remember sight words. Scatter the cards on the floor and have your child identify the words.  This can be played over and over until your preschooler starts to recognize the words.

3. Write words on flashcards and tape them to everyday items around your  home. This will help your child to learn words of household items, for example, chair, desk, door, stove etc. If done often enough your child will start to remember these words. Repetition is the key!

4. Visit the library and attend a story time program. This gives your child a chance to be around other kids their age who also have an interest in reading. This is a great opportunity for your child to hear stories read by someone else. Story times are fun and free!

5.  Give your child an old newspaper or magazine and have them locate and circle words throughout the text. You could have him or her only circle sight words or you can have them find words that begin with the letter S.  Better yet,  have them circle words that begin with the first letter of there name.

6. Once you’ve finished reading to your child, encourage him or her to draw a picture about the story. This gives them a chance to develop their artistic side. You’ll be surprised by your child’s imagination.

Remember, this is the best time to show your child that reading is enjoyable.

Try this tool to help make reading fun:

>>>>>READY TO MAKE READING FUN <<<<<

Parents are the key to helping their child succeed in the early stages of their academic development. If you make reading a priority in your child’s life early on, the chances of them succeeding in school increases. It is crucial that you start now while you have your child’s attention.

Here are a few tips for preparing your child to read:

1. Show your child how excited you are about reading by setting aside time each day to read to them. This is a good example of role modeling. Right before bedtime may be a great time.

2. Take regular weekly trips to your local library to check out books for your child. This may be a great time to sign your child up for a library card. Make it fun and make it a big event. Attend story time at the library!

3. Let your child choose the books when visiting the library. If they want to choose the same books more than once, then let them. Children learn by repetition. If they really love the book then buy it.

4. Teach your child the sounds of the letters in their name. This may also be a great time to teach them how to write their name.

5. Have a special place within your home to create a small library for your child. Preferably in their room. A shelf for easy access to their book collection would be great. Don’t be suprised if you find your child looking or attempting to read their books on their own.

These small, but important steps help to build confidence in your child’s abilities. Remember to encourage and praise your child as they go through these important first stages of learning to read.

Try this tool for your child’s reading success:

>>>>>ORDER YOUR PRESCHOOL LEARNING PACK<<<<<

This is an awesome turkey display I created using two cardboard boxes, some construction paper, and a little imagination. I had so much fun making it.  Feel free to copy this display idea.  Let me know what you think!

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