To Blog or Not to Blog?

I am a teacher. That keeps me busy, especially during the week. I have a wonderful family. They keep me happily busy at home. I am an author. That keeps me busy during some of my free time and family time. But being a blogger...sometimes I find myself staring at a blank page with a flashing cursor. Why is it so much easier to write a book that a short blog? I think I may have the answer.

I think that blogging is much more personal and you are opening yourself up to a world of strangers. Sharing experiences and advice can be therapeutic for both the writer and the audience. Agree or not, expressing ourselves is the beginning of creativity.

So, in short, read and share blogs that you enjoy. Encourage and support those who write. Remember...they are sharing a piece of themselves with you!

Creative Storytelling Ideas

Does your child like to play games? How about you?

Sometimes finding quality time to spend with your family can seem like a daunting task. As parents, we try to make what little time we have as meaningful as possible. Playing games with each other can create valuable memories.

One activity you could do with your children of any age involves storytelling. To begin, someone must start the story with "Once upon a time...." and then finish the sentence. Each person takes a turn adding onto the story with another sentence. You can make this last as long or as short as you would like. Each person could take only one turn or the story could go for awhile. After the story has come to a conclusion, the last person says "...and they lived happily every after." The predetermined opening and closing helps to bring a clear beginning and ending to the story.

Story elements can also be taught through this activity, if you wish. You can talk about the main characters, the setting, problems and solutions, and the order of events that took place once the story has been told.

Creativity is a plus! Focus on making the story interesting and crazy, yet still make sense. Once your family gets the hang of the game, I suggest documenting it! What do I mean? Well, maybe the story could be filmed or recorded. If you do this, then there are some great ways to take it to the next level. Using the video, your family could create your own book based on the story. Each member could help with writing the text, drawing illustrations, or developing the book cover. Home made versions of your stories are sweet reminders of the time you share together. For those who would like a more professional version, the final product can be made into a bound book with the help of many popular websites. What a great gift for your extended family for any holiday!

Another fun follow-up activity would be to act out the story in costume! Working together to create wardrobes, props, and sets would make memories to last a lifetime. Don't forget to film the final production. This, too, would be a wonderful gift idea.

Are you camera shy? No worries! Creating a puppet show with hand-made puppets is an adorable alternative to being in front of the camera. Each family member can create their own characters using socks, oven mitts, or just a piece of cloth.

Feeling extra creative? Turn it into a song with instrument! (The instruments can even be homemade.)

If any of you decide to try one of these ideas mentioned above, please share them with us. We would love to see what fun your household has been up to.

"Creativity is putting your imagination to work, and it's produced the most extraordinary results in human culture."   -Ken Robinson

My New Children's Book

I feel like the new year has just begun and now February is right around the corner. As with many of you, I have a growing list of "To Dos" and "Bucket List" items that I would love to check off as being done. With that being said, I am excited to share with you one thing that I am able to say is coming soon.

My first children's book, Extraordinary Annie, is scheduled to be released on February 10! This is one pursuit that I've been involved with for a few years now. As a Media Specialist at an elementary school I began to notice the need for books that helped to teach antonyms, but on a higher level than just "up-down" and "hot-cold". I wanted to write a book that older students could read and teachers could use in the classroom teaching many different skills all with the same text. And with this...my journey began.

And so, here I am today writing this blog, not able to fully anticipate the future, but going along for the ride, none-the-less. I am truly thankful for all of the support I have received from my dear family and friends through this endeavor.

I have several companion worksheets and lesson ideas for teachers and parents to use with the book. Stay tuned for free materials to be shared on this blog.

Let me leave you with a final thought...what are going to mark off of your Bucket List this year? Let me reassure you that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to, just don't give up.

Click here to order Extraordinary Annie today!

Engage Your Child in Reading

I have always loved to read and could easily enjoy a good book. I remember in fourth grade I would talk with one of my best friends on the phone and we would read from our textbook to each other. I know that really sounds "nerdy". As part of our conversation we would time each other to see who could read the passage in the least amount of time. We were self-motivated to push ourselves when it came to fluency, but I realize that may not be quite the case these days.

Let me provide you with some help as you encourage your children and students as you become better readers.

1. Encourage them to read about things they enjoy. Not all, if any, will find joy in reading a textbook. But, if the book is about something they are interested in, they will be more motivated to read.

2. Listen to them read. Even if you feel like it's a struggle to hear them sound out each word, your presence is enough to reassure them that their practice matters.

3. Let them listen to you read. As you read with your children, point to the words. Allow them to see you model reading the words correctly. Using silly voices as you read fun stories can also keep their attention.

4. Take advantage of opportunities to carry on meaningful conversations with your children. Talk about the world around you. Use a variety of adjectives when you describe what you see. Instead of always feeling like you children ask "why?" or "How come?", turn the tables on them and ask them "How?" or "Why?" When you ask questions about what you've read, think of questions that begin with these words and then have the children prove their answer.

5. Read! Read! Read! Practice really does improve reading skills. Don't only read books, but read road signs, restaurant signs, and any other words you see. Making it a game adds more fun.