Learning Through Play

Infants and children are their own initiators. They WANT to explore; they are insatiably curious observers and are eager to learn. It’s our job as care-givers, teachers, and parents to provide them with only enough help that is necessary for them to master their own actions. This process is most obvious in the progression of play. It’s become a bit of a buzzword in education: “Learning Through Play”… but just because it’s getting its due NOW, doesn’t mean it’s a new concept.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, PLAY IS SERIOUS LEARNING. Play is really the work of childhood.”- Fred Rogers

Learning through play is at the base of every nursery rhyme a child memorizes to help them complete a new skill (like tying their shoes or putting on their jacket), each movement and imagination game, each youtube video about making bath bombs or crazy animals. We retain information more readily when we experience it. Take a moment to think of your own years of play; all the years of playing sports, riding bikes, climbing trees, creating elaborate Barbie Doll sagas, bug hunting, book reading, rhymes and songs, cookie baking….

My bet is your memory just recalled a whole list of lessons and skills that you can directly link to learning through play. Play supports emotional development and social and cognitive skills practice. Bendy Bookworm Yoga embraces the learn through play model by story telling, rhyming, and moving.

…AND NOW by introducing Bendy Bookworm Yoga’s Learning Story Kits!!

Your child will be able to engage with Bendy Bookworm books and videos using this tangible, tactile play element!

Each kit includes a set of felts and an interaction card. The interaction card includes an Adventure script that you can read together (highlighting moments to pause for felt and poses), pictures of the poses specific to each script, and specially curated rhymes and songs to go along with each kit! Children will also be able to use their kits with my videos; finding and placing felts on the board WITH ME in their own homes (How cool is that?!?!)!!!

The kits are created for flexible play; use them with the script or without, build their vocabulary through word and felt association or just simply allow them to enjoy the tactile feel of the felts in their hands!

Visit the Shop and Purchase Bendy Bookworm Yoga’s Learning Story Kit by clicking HERE!

You can even use this kit with Bendy Bookworm Yoga’s “Luna’s Map” HERE’S HOW. It’s the perfect way to have your little yogi moving, reading, and learning through play with Bendy Bookworm TODAY!

Luna's Map: The ONLY Yoga Kids Book You'll Need

Oh my heavens, I WROTE A BOOK!!!! Okay so if you have been able to guess by my bio, my blog, or just having ANY type of conversation with me: I’m pretty obsessed with books. Not only do I teach yoga to kids but I’m a children’s librarian so yeah… books are important to me AND a huge central part to my methodology. It’s like peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and Oreos or peanut butter and ice cream.. they just stick together to make something super yummy. In the beginning, when I was first starting out I turned to my books because “When in doubt, go to the library.”

Discover & share this Book GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

But the problem was that all of the Yoga books for kids were… ALL yoga. Don’t get me wrong, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the books taught beautiful sequences; they had lovely illustrations, simple instructions, and creative poses. But they weren’t stories. 

So get ready here’s the peanut butter…..

Discover & share this Food GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

I wanted a kids picture book that was STORY first, then yoga. Not yoga at the expense of the story. And so, voila, “Luna’s Map” was written with these key instructions in mind:

Before the story begins, there are two pages with pose illustrations and then …it’s an ACTUAL story (gasp!). 

Luna is a little yogi who is super excited to meet-up with her friends for a picnic on the other side of the river. So she grabs her map and a pair of binoculars and then she's off on an adventure!  Little yogi’s will join Luna as she follows the directions from her map to meet her friends!

Not only is this kids yoga book an actual picture book, it also allows your little yogi opportunities to practice the cognitive and developmental skills (the signature sauce of what we do at Bendy Bookworm Yoga.. the peanut butter if you will) that are super important and also super easy to incorporate! Why? Because Interactive learning is ALWAYS a helpful tool. And because books can offer so much passive learning possibility. So here it is:

In this book, Luna’s Map by Danielle Fisher, children will move-to-learn through yoga AND a story. They will practice the following developmental skills-

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, visual processing (mirroring movement), following a sequence, and memory 
Motor/Physical Skills: coordination, muscle isolation, strength building, and balance 
Emotional Skills: self reliance, friendship, and accomplishment 

Visit the Shop by clicking HERE to Purchase "Luna’s Map" for your little yogis or any little yogis in your life! And start moving, reading, and learning the Bendy Bookworm way TODAY!

For paperback and International purchasing click HERE!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Diwali

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement (in the same way that adding the movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do) in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Try this craft (Ideal for ages 6 years old and younger). Pair it with “Shubh Diwali!” by Chitra Soundar for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, focus (learned from independent reading), and visual processing
Motor Skills: drawing shapes, cutting, and glueing (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: empathy, friendship, cultural awareness

Materials: 
FOR MAKING A PAPER PLATE RANGOLI

• Tissue Paper, Color Markers or Crayons

• Paper Plate

• Pencil

• Glue

• Optional: Glitter, Stickers, etc.

Step One: 
* Draw a pattern on the paper plate In pencil.

Step Two: 
* Fill In the pattern by glueing torn pieces of tissue paper or markers/crayons to color In.

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

November Season: Books for Kids

So we are really in the swing of Fall now and with that comes my favorite holiday season! I love the colors, smells, and colder weather (Fall clothes just give you more options!) November also means more holidays. It means getting the crock pot out and reading books while wearing thick socks. These are the weeks when I indulge in all things cozy.

There is nothing better than cuddling up in blankets with warm drinks and LOTS AND LOTS of books. This makes it the perfect time to add some more diversity and inclusivity into your home! In the coming weeks, there will be multiple chances to talk about ALL the holidays and the cultures that celebrate them!

Sprinkle some holiday/seasonal books into your story times!! Read and Enjoy while teaching your children inclusivity and curiosity. Add new ideas to their environment; have what they hear, the artwork they see, the books they read, and the toys they play with reflect diversity and love!

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. It also provides moments of discussion and bonding. I encourage you to add diverse holiday stories to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to enjoy stories about the Fall Season and Diwali, exploring celebrations in all communities!

Peppa Pig: Peppa's Diwali by Peppa Pig
For Ages: 2-6 years old
Peppa Pig: Peppa's Diwali

Binny's Diwali by Thrity Umrigar
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Fangsgiving by Ethan Long
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Diwali by Hannah Eliot
For Ages: 18mo - 6 years old
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Pete the Cat Falling for Autumn by James Dean
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

November Season: Books for Tweens

So we are really in the swing of Fall now and with that comes my favorite holiday season! I love the colors, smells, and colder weather (Who doesn’t love layering!) November also means more holidays, getting the crock pot out, and reading books while wearing thick socks. These are the weeks when I do all the cozy things.

There is nothing better than cuddling up in blankets with warm drinks and LOTS AND LOTS of books. This makes it the perfect time to add some more diversity and inclusivity into your home! In the coming weeks, there will be multiple chances to talk about ALL the holidays and the cultures that celebrate them!

Sprinkle some holiday books into your book clubs or encourage them during reading for fun moments. This will introduce new ideas to their environment ensuring that the books they read reflect the world community!

PLEASE use this list as a starting point to enjoy stories about Diwali and the Autumn Season, exploring celebrations in all communities!

American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar
For Grades: 3-7
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser
For Grades: 3-7
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
For Grades: 4-6
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Outwalkers by Fiona Shaw
For Ages: 4-9
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Harbor Me by Jacqueline Woodson
For Grades: 5-9
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Strange Star by Emma Carroll
For Grades: 5-8
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

COLDER WEATHER KEEPING YOUR TEENS INSIDE MORE! ADD SOME MOVEMENT INTO THEIR DAY! HELP THEM TO STAY PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND MENTALLY STRONG THROUGHOUT THE COLDER SEASON BY ALLOWING THEM TO MOVE WITH ME IN ANY OF MY FREE VIRTUAL YOGA CLASSES. CLICK THE LINK BELOW.

Indoor Activities with Kids: Dia De Los Muertos

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement (in the same way that adding the movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do) in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Try this craft (Ideal for ages 6-9 years old). Pair it with “Dia De Los Muertos” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, focus (learned from independent reading), and visual processing
Motor Skills: drawing shapes, cutting, and glueing (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: empathy, friendship, cultural awareness

Materials: 

• Color Markers or Crayons

• Paper plate

• Pencil

• Scissors and Glue

• Popsicle Stick

• Optional: Glitter, Stickers, etc.

Step One: 
*Cut the shape (pictured below) out of the paper plate.

Step Two: 
*Draw designs on the face of your skull (you can use the design below for inspiration).

Step Three: 
*Color and decorate your skull.
*Glue the popsicle stick behind the paper plate (where the teeth are).

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

October's Holidays: Books for Kids

Wanna know what’s great about October? It kicks off the holiday season!! …. oh and pumpkin spice everything (yes, I am 100% on the pumpkin spice everything train: choo! choo!) Some people get all Fall in September but for me, October is where it’s at. October is ACTUAL sweater weather (not the NJ September where you end up sweatin’ through your sweater). October is bat decorations, falling leaves, and HOLIDAYS!

If you’re looking for opportunities to add some more diversity and inclusivity into your home; this is the season! In the coming months, there will be multiple chances to talk about ALL the holidays and the cultures that celebrate them!

Sprinkle some holiday books into your story times!! Read and Enjoy while teaching your children inclusivity and curiosity. Add new ideas to their environment; have what they hear, the artwork they see, the books they read, and the toys they play with reflect diversity and love!

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. It also provides moments of discussion and bonding. I encourage you to add diverse holiday stories to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to enjoy stories about Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos, exploring celebrations in all communities!

Bone Soup: A Spooky, Tasty Tale by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Dia de Los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Click HERE for a fun craft to pair with this picture book!

Skeletons ARE NOT Spooky! by Duds and Kaine
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Guess What's Behind the Door? by Agnese Baruzzi
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Scariest Book Ever by Bob Shea
For Ages: 1st and 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Day of the Dead: A Bilingual Celebration by Bob Barner
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Día de los Muertos by Hannah Eliot
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Royal Crowns

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. Allowing them to begin to read by themselves promotes focus and confidence building. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while providing the opportunity to discuss the book’s themes, words, and message. It becomes an active engagement experience, in the same way that adding the movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Try this craft (Ideal for ages 6-9 years old). Pair it with “Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut” by Derrick Barnes for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary and focus (learned from independent reading)
Motor Skills: tracing and cutting (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, self regulation, and self love (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Paperbag

• Watercolor, Washable Paint, Crayons, and/ or Markers

• Glitter and/ or Sequins

• Masking/Washi tape

Step One: 

*Cut your paper bag down the side and cut off the bottom.

*Lay it flat and zig-zag cut all across the top.

(Measure it by placing the crown around your head plus an extra inch.)

Step Two: 

*Paint the crown and let it dry!

*When the crown is dry, glue on any additional decorations (glitter, sequins, stickers, etc.)

*I used Water Color Paint.

Step Three: 

*When you've finished decorating, place the crown around your head and secure in place with a piece of masking/washi tape.

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla (ebook catalogs that you may be able to access with your library card!) or at your local library!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Frog Prince Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with the suggested title for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: patience, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Paper Plate

• White or Green and Yellow Construction Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Pencil

• Noisemaker

Optional: washable paint, colored tissue paper, googley eyes, cotton balls

Step One: 

*Fold plate in half.

*Poke a hole through the center of the paper plate with a pencil.

*Color, Paint, or Cover one side of the Paper plate red and the other side green.

Step Two: 

*Cut Out: 4 leg shapes and 1 crown shape (picture below) out of green and yellow construction paper or white paper and then color the shapes.
Option: cut out 2 eyes or use googley eyes glued to cotton balls.

Step Three: 

*Glue it all together.

*Insert noisemaker through center hole for tongue.

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla (ebook catalogs that you may be able to access with your library card!) or at your local library!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Seeing Love: Books for Tweens

How do you teach your children to listen to different voices and experiences? How do you teach them empathy for these different experiences?

ADD Love to your shelves!! Actively add Queer voices and perspectives into your home; have what your children hear, the artwork they see, and the books they read reflect diversity, inclusivity, and love.

Reading books together prompt discussion and lessons; self education begins at home. I encourage you to add love to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to teach and talk about the Queer community in your home and with your Tween NOW!

The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James by Ashley Herring Blake
For Ages: 8-12 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Drama by Raina Telgemeier
For Ages: 10-14 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Totally Joe by James Howe
For Ages: 10-14 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle
For Ages: 9-13 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

George by Alex Gino
For Ages: 8-14 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart
For Ages: 10 years and up
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

ACCEPTING AND DISCOVERING CAN BE EMOTIONAL. MAKE SURE YOUR TWEEN IS PREPARED FOR THE READING AND PRACTICING MINDFULNESS AND MOVEMENT TO HELP GUIDE THEM THROUGH THEIR LEARNING PROCESS. ALLOW THEM TO MOVE WITH ME IN ANY OF MY FREE VIRTUAL YOGA CLASSES BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.

Seeing Love: Books for Kids

If you desire to raise empathetic, loving, and accepting children:

ADD love to your shelves!! Teach all the dimensions of love and individuality to their play and their environment: actively add voices and perspectives into your home; have what they hear, the artwork they see, the books they read, the toys they play with reflect inclusivity.

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. It also provides moments of discussion and lessons. I encourage you to add love to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to teach and talk about the Queer community in your home and with your children as early as possible!

I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
For Ages: 4-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
For Ages: 4 - 8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
For Ages: 2-5 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman
For Ages: 4-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
For Ages: Board Book
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Worm Loves Worm by by J.J. Austrian and Mike Curato
For Ages: 4-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita
For Ages: 4-7 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer and Holly Clifton-Brown
For Ages: 5-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno
For Ages: 5-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Seeing Color: Books for Tweens

How then can you begin the continual conversation of race in your home? How do you teach your children to listen to different voices and experiences? How do you teach them empathy for these different experiences?

ADD color to your shelves!! Actively add Black voices and perspectives into your home; have what your children hear, the artwork they see, and the books they read reflect diversity and inclusivity.

Reading books together prompt discussion and lessons; self education begins at home. I encourage you to add color to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to teach and talk about race in your home and with your Tween NOW!

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
For Ages: 8-12 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Blended by Sharon Draper
For Ages:8-12 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
For Ages: 10-14 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
For Ages: 9-13 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
For Ages: 8-14 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Jefferson’s Sons: A Founding Father’s Secret Children by Kimberly Brubaker BradleyFor Ages: 8-13 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

SELF EDUCATING CAN BE EMOTIONAL. MAKE SURE YOUR TWEEN IS PREPARED FOR THE READING AND PRACTICING MINDFULNESS AND MOVEMENT TO HELP GUIDE THEM THROUGH THEIR LEARNING PROCESS. ALLOW THEM TO MOVE WITH ME IN ANY OF MY FREE VIRTUAL YOGA CLASSES BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.

Seeing Color: Books for Kids

“I don’t see color” is NOT the answer or the ideal. In fact, it is a form of racism. To deny color, is to deny our fellow humans’ experience. By 3 months, babies are already tracking and responding to skin color (Hirschfield, 2008). How then can you begin the continual conversation of race in your home?

ADD color to your shelves!! Add color to their play and their environment: actively add voices and perspectives into your home; have what they hear, the artwork they see, the books they read, the toys they play with reflect inclusivity and love you wish to teach them as a parent or caregiver!

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. It also provides moments of discussion and lessons. I encourage you to add color to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to teach and talk about race in your home and with your children as early as possible!

Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon
For Ages: 3-7 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Saturday by Oge Mora
For Ages: 4 - 8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
For Ages: 4-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles
For Ages: 5-9 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
For Ages: 6-9 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
For Ages: 3-6 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Firebird by Misty Copeland
For Ages: 5-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o
For Ages: 4-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
For Ages: 3-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Turtle Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with any of the suggested titles for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• White Paper or Paper Plate

• White Paper or Green Construction

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Pencil

Optional: Washable Paint or Colored Tissue Paper

Step One: 

* Cut out 1 oval half for a head, 4 smaller oval halves for feet, and 1 tiny oval half for a tail.

Step Two: 

* Color, Paint, or Cover your turtle’s shell.

Step Three: 

* Glue it all together.

*Color in eyes or glue on googley eyes.

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Some Bugs

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that adding the movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Try this craft (Ideal for ages 6-9 years old). Pair it with “Some Bugs” by Angela DiTerlizzi for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, prediction, and focus (learned from independent reading)
Motor Skills: tracing and cutting (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and self regulation (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Construction Paper or White Paper

• Pencil

• Something Round For Tracing (jar, can, etc)

• Scissors

• String

• Craft Glue

Optional: Black Washable Paint, Googley Eyes, Hot Glue Gun

Step One: 

*Trace and Cut out two circles from a colored piece of construction paper or white paper.

**Make sure that both circles are the same size, you'll need two circles per ladybug**

Step Two: 

* Stack the circles and cut a slit to the center.

Step Three: 

* Color/Paint in your ladybug's face and spots.

**Color both sides of your circle.

**Make sure that one circle is colored on the slit and the second is colored opposite the slit.

Step Four:

*Slide the two circles together along the scissor cut.

Options:

* hot glue the slits to hold the ladybug open

*hot glue string inside one corner

*draw on eyes or glue on googley eyes

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Snail Crossing

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that adding the movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Try this craft (Ideal for ages 6-9 years old). Pair it with “Snail Crossing” by Corey R. Tabor for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, prediction, and focus (learned from independent reading)
Motor Skills: tracing and cutting (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and self regulation (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Construction Paper or White Paper

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Craft Glue or Tape

Optional: Washable Paint, Googley Eyes, Glitter, etc.

Step One: 

*Draw 1 leaf and 1 snail body by following these patterns:

*Cut out your patterns.

Step Two: 

*Draw eyes and a mouth onto your snail and roll end to head.

*Decorate your snail and leaf.

Step Three: 

*Attach your snail to your leaf. 

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Pig Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with any of the suggested titles for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• White Paper or Paper Plate

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Pencil

Optional: Washable Paint or Colored Tissue Paper

Step One: 

* Cut out 2 teardrop shapes for ears and 1 oval shape for the snout.

Step Two: 

* Color, Paint, or Cover your pig's face.

Step Three: 

* Glue it all together.

*Color 2 black circles on the snout for nostrils.

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Fish Craft

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with Luna’s Map for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book), counting when you sing The Fish Song together
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• White Paper or Colored Construction Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Popsicle Stick

• Pencil

Optional: Misc. Decorations (stickers, glitter, ribbon, etc.)

Step One: 

* Trace your hand and draw a heart on the paper. Cut out!

Step Two: 

* Decorate your fish!

Step Three: 

* Glue it all together!

Pair With:

WANT YOUR OWN COPY OF LUNA’S MAP FOR MORE ADVENTURES?
CLICK THE BUTTON:

Indoor Activities with Kids: Elephant Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with any of the suggested titles for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Paper Plate OR White Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

Optional: Colored Tissue Paper, Construction Paper, OR Washable Paint AND Yarn

Step One: 

* Out of a paper plate or piece of paper, cut the design pictured below.

Step Two: 

* Paint, color, cover the paper plate (or a cut circle out of paper) with any color you want!

Step Three: 

* Use one of the cut off pieces to make a trunk.
*Glue on the trunk and draw in eyes!

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Cat Craft and Story Time

Hey all you cool cats and kittens: Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Need more things to do at home with your toddler? Purrrrrfect! This craft is for you. Ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old. This craft, read along with the suggested book titles, is great for practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and using the proper amount of glue (yeah, we all know that one takes practice!!).

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression and creativity (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Paper Plate OR White Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

Optional: Colored Tissue Paper, Construction Paper, OR Washable Paint AND Yarn

Step One: 

* Cut 2 ovals for eyes, 2 ear triangles, 2 smaller triangles, 1 oval nose, and 1 arrow for the mouth.

Step Two: 

* Paint, color, cover the paper plate (or a cut circle out of paper) with any cat color you want!

Step Three: 

* Paint or color in your eyes and glue the smaller triangle to the larger triangle.

Step Four:

* Glue it all together.

Draw in/ glue yarn to the face for whiskers!

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!