literacy

More Than a Feeling: The Hidden Benefits of Sensory Bins

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You know those minivan and suv commercials where they make the car look like it can do literally anything?

That’s basically the same as a sensory bin.

What is a sensory bin?

A sensory bin is a container filled with a variety of materials cultivated to ignite one or more of the five senses: touch, sight, smell, sound, and taste. You’ve probably seen water tables and sand tables at Target or Walmart. You might even have one in your backyard! There are tons of tutorials on the internet that show how to use pvc pipe and storage tubs to create a cheap table. I’ve found that those plastic under the bed storage tubs straight on the floor work wonders. You can move it anywhere (speaking from experience, don’t try to move it when it’s full) and you can store your materials in it when you’re done!

Scroll to the end of this post for a list of materials for your sensory bin!

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Literacy Before Kindergarten: Intention in Book Selection

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This is part three of a series on promoting literacy in the infant/toddler – preschool years. You can find part one here and part two here.

“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”

– Emilie Buchwald

No pressure, right?

Have no fear! It’s actually easier than you think.

I’ve written before about content related things to consider when you’re buying books for your little one’s personal library. It might seem obvious to some of you more seasoned mamas and papas, but if there was only one thing you could remember about book buying, I would tell you to choose books with intention!

(Check out this post for more on book content!)

Every literacy related thing you do with your kiddos should reflect their abilities. Kids need different things at different ages.

Here are some age specific tips to keep in mind.

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Four Favorites: Classic Picture Books

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I’m super excited to start this new series “Four Favorites!” At least once a month, I’ll give you my insight on some of my favorite things for kiddos. Parents are always asking me what books, toys, and games to buy, so I hope that Four Favorites helps you find quality products that you and your littles will love for years to come.

This week’s Four Favorites features some of my absolute favorite picture books. They’re primarily for preschool aged kiddos but don’t worry babies and toddlers! You’ll get your own post soon!

You’ll probably recognize these books from your own childhood. They’ve stood the test of time, continuing to entertain children of all generations. These books will spark valuable conversations that can apply to many of life’s confusing topics. The more you read these books together, the more your children will pick up on their messages of kindness, acceptance, friendship, and bravery.

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Literacy Before Kindergarten: Go for the Gold

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This is part two of a series on promoting literacy in the infant/toddler – preschool years. You can find part one here and part three here.

When I got my first job teaching in a classroom, I was so excited to build up my classroom library. As a lover of stories in all forms and a self professed bibliophile, it was my dream come true to have an actual reason to load up on books. It wasn’t long after that I learned how expensive children’s books are! How could a 32 page long picture book cost and an arm, a leg, and a firstborn?!

Begrudgingly, I surrendered to my circumstances and just accepted any and all children’s books I could get my hands on. I was desperate.

I knew the quality of the books in my classroom library was mediocre at best and I resolved to gradually add better books and get rid of the subpar books as quickly as I could.

Why was it so important for me to have high quality children’s books? Continue reading →

Literacy Before Kindergarten: Creatures of Habit

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This is part one of a series on promoting literacy in the infant/toddler – preschool years. You can find part two (choosing quality content for children) here. You can find part three (intention in book selection) here.

As someone whose entire life has revolved around school years, I’ve come to recognize the return to the classroom in late August as the New Year — not January 1st. Vacations are over. The weather cools off. Parents and teachers are out buying fresh school supplies. Things are settling down and falling back into the routines that keep us sane.

Research shows time and time again that establishing and sticking to routines is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It can improve relationships, keep you healthy, minimize stress, and more.

In the case of children five years old and under, routines are essential for setting them up for success in school (and life), especially with regards to reading.

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Music Molds Minds

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I love music. Like, LOVE music.

My mom was in high school band and sang in our church choir. My sister was in band and choir and became an elementary music teacher. My dad’s favorite pastime is driving down the road, his outstretched arm cutting through the warm summer air, belting out the classics and drumming on the steering wheel. Most family gatherings with my aunts, uncles, and cousins involve hymn singing in perfect four part harmony. I was in marching and concert band, sang in my church choir, play guitar, played bass and sang backup vocals in an early 2000s punk cover band with my best friends. Some of my most vivid memories have something to do with music.

I recently spent two weeks with my 14 month old niece and just like the rest of our family, she is a music fanatic. The second music comes on or someone starts singing, she immediately drops everything she’s doing to dance and clap. She’s a huge fan of funk, 70’s classics, really anything with an exceptionally good groove.

Music has an overwhelming power over the human brain. A moving melody can send a chill down your spine (a phenomenon called frisson — with all my heart, I really really really hope you’ve experienced it). It can trigger memories, soothe infants, get you excited to exercise, make a dinner more romantic, calm you when you’re stressed, and help you focus.

But did you know that our earliest experiences with music help us develop more than just our musical ability? I could write a thousand posts about the benefits of music and still only scratch the surface, but for today, here are just a few ways music molds minds. Continue reading →