Great Books for Boys, The Return of the Twelves

I've taught reading for several decades.My husband and sons love to read, but that's not the norm. It's not gender-biased to say boys more than girls tend to be reluctant readers. I made it my mission to find books boys would like. If they hated to read when they started my class, I made sure they loved it when they left. Here's a book boys will love  The Return of the Twelves, Boy Book Pick

Free Printable Craft Stencils For Book Themed Crafts

 Okay, raise your hand if you're sick of winter. Yep, we're fed up. Spring is but a few short days away, but Mother Nature seems oblivious. What say we ignore that old battleaxe and make our own spring fun? As March is National Reading Month, here are free printable stencils to use in a book themed party! Free Printable Craft Stencils, Holiday Patterns and Templates

Disney's 'Frozen' Party Treat Recipes, Winter-Themed Snacks

If you see one movie this winter, make it "Frozen." It's an arctic adventure like Hans Christian Andersen's "Fairy Snow Queen." Disney's Frozen is a perfect theme for a winter birthday or just-because party. Here's a menu of Frozen-inspired snacks kids will love.  Disney's 'Frozen' Party Treat Recipes, Winter-Themed Snacks for Kids

Harry the Dirty Dog Game, Craft, Snack, Printables

Are your kids going winter stir-crazy? Too cold to play outside long. Snow too deep for little one. Well, you need a craft afternoon. I learned as a teacher/homeschool mom to make lesson plans hands-on. So my craft parties include an interactive story and snack and lots of free printable book-based activities.
One of my husband's favorite children's literature characters is Harry the Dog, created by Gene Zion and drawn by Margaret Bloy Graham. My mom described a yarn bush she made for the birds and it reminded me of Harry. Here are activities based on "No Roses for Harry."   No Roses for Harry Recycled Yarn Craft, Snack, Printables

Book Crafts, Printables, Snacks, Games, Activities from Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?

2014 is going to down as the Winter of Infamy. But don't worry, parents of bored kids, teacher-mama has more children's literature activities. Hands-on lesson plans with story, game, craft and snack. Today's is on "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" and appropriately for this arctic season-- "Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" Both of these wonderful stories come courtesy of Bill Martin and Eric Carle. My oldest could read this entire books at three, thanks to the repetitive verse. Book Activities from Brown Bear, Brown Bear