Original post with pictures is at http://nheilke.com/blog/?p=2628 Page corner bookmarks are cute, practical and deeply under-represented in the world. They’re easy to make, easy to customize, and will set you apart from all those same-same flat rectangular bookmarks. Corner bookmarks are where it’s at. ——————————————————————– What you’ll need: pretty paper of cardstock weight OR a combination […]
 1. Raising a Reader: Read aloud to your children every day. Effective storybook reading is an interactive process. If we wait until after reading to discuss the story, we are missing out on valuable literacy opportunities. When you precede the reading by inviting predictions and personal connections, you are creating context for the reading.  Taking […]
Printable Alphabet Letters (optional) Heavy Paper or Cardstock Magazines Glue Stick or Zip Dry Glue Crayons or Markers Hole Puncher and Ribbon or a Stapler Scissors This project can be as hard or as simple as you want it! The idea is to create your own alphabet book. Each page will feature a different letter […]
At this stage, your toddler learns about reading through everyday experiences with books. Simply through reading with adults, your toddler learns that books contain lots of interesting pictures and words and that stories show her worlds to explore. Â Toddlers who have been read to will invite others to read to them. When adults stop […]
From whimsical encounters with St. Nick to enthralling and enduring folktales, these books invite your students to celebrate diverse festivals of light. Â The Bells of Christmas by Virginia Hamilton Enjoy a season of love and anticipation with this 1890’s tale of an African-American family Christmas in Ohio. Â The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by […]
Look at the differences between real and pretend animal behavior.   • construction paper • yarn • hole punch • crayons and/or markers • picture books with animals (fiction and nonfiction) To prepare for this activity, use construction paper to make a book. Punch holes along one side and use yarn to make a binding. Next, gather picture books that feature […]
A homemade picture book is a personal introduction to literacy.  • sturdy plastic photo album with plastic photo protectors • photographs, greeting cards, and pictures cut out of magazines • heavy card stock • nontoxic glue Gather materials to get started, then let your baby’s or toddler’s interest dictate the content.  Feature family photos. Glue photos to card […]
Help your child to make her very own daily newspaper. • newspaper • art supplies • builds vocabulary • promotes social awareness Look at a newspaper with your child. Talk about the different sections, such as sports, weather, and entertainment. Point out how headlines look different from articles. Find one or two articles and pictures that interest her and […]
