Why is Story-time Important?
Stories are a chance for children to learn, relax, and engage with teachers and each other in a fun way. When I read, I ask questions to give children a chance to think, notice, and observe things they might not have considered before. In many well-written stories often there is a lesson to be learned, using characters children can identify with and real-world connections children relate to. Story-time is an opportunity to broaden language and critical-thinking skills, and allows for development of self-confidence as they wait to share their ideas with others. Just as adults learn more by reading, books help children discover new concepts and ideas, expanding their minds and empowering their imagination. Books are a way to bring the big world we live in into the life of a child and the more they are exposed to books, the better they understand and relate to the world around them, building more confidence within them to explore all the possibilities education offers.
Stories are a chance for children to learn, relax, and engage with teachers and each other in a fun way. When I read, I ask questions to give children a chance to think, notice, and observe things they might not have considered before. In many well-written stories often there is a lesson to be learned, using characters children can identify with and real-world connections children relate to. Story-time is an opportunity to broaden language and critical-thinking skills, and allows for development of self-confidence as they wait to share their ideas with others. Just as adults learn more by reading, books help children discover new concepts and ideas, expanding their minds and empowering their imagination. Books are a way to bring the big world we live in into the life of a child and the more they are exposed to books, the better they understand and relate to the world around them, building more confidence within them to explore all the possibilities education offers.
What would you do if you woke up in the morning with animals in your hair? What about books? Or people talking with one another? My Head is Full of Colors was one of my favorite stories as a child. With beautiful illustrations and a fun plot it helps build self-confidence for a child, as they learn to accept themselves for who they are.
We all have experienced days where we feel nothing is going right. Sometimes we feel so frustrated with how bad things are going we want to just escape. Alexander is having one of those days and jokingly thinks he should just move to Australia to get away from his bad day.
What if you could fly? Let's read about adventures with Abuela!
Gerald and Piggie is one of my favorite children series. Simple, funny, and with great messages. Let's laugh together as we read Elephants Cannot Dance!
Einstein said, "Creativity is contagious, pass it on."
Hands up if you love ice cream! Hands up if you would share it! .... Gerald isn't so sure either.
Lesson of the day: Waiting is not easy but it will be worth it in the end.
How do we teach empathy to children? Children are naturally empathic beings and as they further develop they begin to be able to label their own feelings and acknowledge other people's feelings. As adults help guide them through the process of understanding feelings, children are able to "put themselves in other's shoes" and learn why a person may feel a certain way due to a situation. As children use their listening skills to listen to a friend's feelings, they begin to make sense of their own actions and are then able to act with compassion, lend a helping hand, and be kind towards others.
Being different doesn't mean you aren't capable. Here Gerald and Piggie try to figure out a way to play catch with their new friend, who is a bit different than they are.
Sometimes drawing can cause frustration when it doesn't come out the way we want it to. We work hard and then feel disappointed when we are unhappy with the outcome. It's ok to feel frustrated, sometimes our mistakes lead us to create something even better. Or sometimes our drawings look a little bit like how we hoped for and it turns out "ish." Ramon tries and tries to draw, crumpling up his drawings. When his sister gives him a new perspective he thinks, "Hmm..it does look like what I wanted...ish."
You are valuable! You matter! Your differences, your many abilities, your kindness, it makes you unique members of the world. As you grow up, take on new adventures and experiences, you will learn more about yourself and what makes you unique. It's ok to feel scared, anxious, hesitant at times. You are brave with each new step you take. Just remember, be you! Show the world your uniqueness!
Chapter books help build a strong basis for literacy by increasing a child's attention span for longer stories and strengthening their vocabulary and comprehension. Amelia Bedelia is a silly book and a great introduction to longer stories.
Part two of reading Amelia Bedelia. Let's see what this silly lady is up to next as we finish chapter one.