Indoor Activities with Kids: I Spy With My Binoculars

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 5-9 years old). Pair it with “Luna’s Map” by Danielle Fisher for a Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, pattern recognition, and visual processing (practiced during the Story Time)
Motor Skills: drawing shapes, cutting, and glueing (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: friendship, courage, independence (learned in “Luna’s Map”)

Materials: 

• Color Markers, Crayons, or Washable Paint

• Construction Paper or White Paper

• 2 Toilet Paper Rolls

• Pencil and Scissors

• Glue or Double Sided Tape

• Washi Tape (optional)

• Yarn and Single Hole Puncher

Step One: 
*Cut the Construction Paper to the length and width of the toilet paper roll (so you’ll be able to roll the construction paper around the toilet paper roll for full coverage). You can also use washable paint, washi/duct tape, or just color the outside of the toilet paper rolls.
*Decorate Paper BEFORE attaching it to toilet paper roll. You can use crayons, flitter, stickers, etc.

Step Two: 
*Attach the construction paper to the Toilet Paper Rolls. I put a strip of double sided tape on either end of the backs of my construction paper rectangles but using glue will work just as well. If you use glue, allow for dry time before moving on to step three.

Step Three: 
*Use Washi Tape or another strip of construction paper to connect to two toilet paper rolls. I used washi tape but to be honest, it was challenging and didn’t come out as well as I’d hoped. If I was to do the craft again, I’d try glueing the two toilet paper rolls together (along the sides) first and then use the washi tape/ strip of construction tape more for the visual effect.
*Once you’ve connected the two toilet paper rolls, use a single hole punch on the both of the barrels (on the outside). Tie one end of the yarn to either hole to create your neck strap.

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Sleep Sleep My Baby : Kids Lullaby Sing Along

For Child Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

In Bendy Bookworm Yoga motion sing along song for kids, children will move-to-learn as they practice the following developmental skills-
Educational Skills: visual processing (mirroring movement), ASL
Motor/Physical Skills: crossing the midline, wrist fine and gross motor skills from mirroring movement Emotional Skills: comfort and rest

Lyrics :
Sleep, sleep, my baby (self hug)
Sleep, sleep, my love (self hug)
Fall asleep my little dove. (“flap wings”)
Dream of the ocean, dream of the stars (ASL waves, ASL star)
Rest your head in my strong arms

Sleep, sleep, my baby (self hug)
Sleep, sleep, my love (self hug)
Fall asleep my little dove. (“flap wings”)
Dream of the whales, dream of the fish (ASL whale, ASL fish)
Don't forget to make a special wish (hands to Anjali Mudra)

Sleep, sleep, my baby (self hug)
Sleep, sleep, my love (self hug)
Fall asleep my little dove. (“flap wings”)
Dream of the mountains, dream of the trees (ASL mountain, ASL tree)
You will always, always, be with me.

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Quack Quack Quack: Kids Duck Song

For Child Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

In Bendy Bookworm Yoga motion sing along song for kids, children will move-to-learn as they practice the following developmental skills-
Educational Skills: visual processing (mirroring movement), memorization, spatial awareness ("up high/ down low/ in the middle")
Motor/Physical Skills: crossing the midline, wrist flexibility
Emotional Skills: confidence, silliness, imagination

Lyrics (Tune- Do Your Ears Hang Low):
Wave your hands up high (wave hands above head)
Wave your hands down low (wave hands low)
Wave your hands in the middle (criss cross arms across midline)
and wiggle just so (wiggle fingers)
Stick your elbows in the front (hands to shoulders, touch elbows in front/at midline)
Stick your elbows in the back (hands stay at shoulders, draw elbows behind)
Bring your hands to your sides (twirl wrists before bringing them, palms facing out, to sides)
and Quack Quack Quack

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If this Book was a Pose: All Tied Up

Bendy Bookworm Yoga for Kids Pose: All Tied Up
Cowface Pose with Eagle Arms or Gomukhasana with Eagle Arms

Physical movement promotes children’s education. When you add a kids yoga pose to the reading experience, you're creating a physical memory of the book which promotes the learning process. Read the book, try the pose, and watch how movement and play supports a child’s education!

Move to this book with me:

Toddler brains are wired to use slow, stretched out, musical sounds to build early brain connections and memorization skills. While this Polar Bear song, from the Bendy Bookworm Video “A Polar Bear in Snow”, is JUST FOR FUN, watch how quickly your child will have the words AND the hand motions memorized! You can use this sing song principle by teaching a rhyme or song to help them learn something new, retain the information, and later recall it.

Sing Along to the Bubblegum Song with me:

Make a Cat craft with me:

Craft Activities for Kids: Cat

For Children Ages: 4-8 years old

Reading stories aloud together is a great way to educate at home. The bonding experience builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. Adding a craft builds 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 cat craft. Pair it with “On Account of the Gum” by Adam Rex for a Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, pattern recognition, and visual processing (practiced during the Story Time)
Motor Skills: coloring, cutting, and glueing (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: patience, inventiveness, humor

Materials: 

• Color Markers, Crayons, or Washable Paint

• Two Paper Plates

• Construction Paper or White Paper

• Pencil and Scissors

• Glue/ Hot Glue Gun (with adult supervision)

• String

Step One: 
*Color two paper plates using washable paint, tissue paper, makers, or crayons.
I choose to paint my cat brown to match the cat in the story.

*When the paper plates are dry, cut one in a spiral pattern.

Step Two: 
*Cut out 4 cat paws legs out of construction paper or white paper and color to match the paper plates. You can use a similar shape as mine (shown in the picture) or cut out your own variation of cat paws!
*Cut out 1 nose, 2 yellow eyes, and 2 cat ears. You can use a similar shape as mine (shown in the picture).

Step Three: 
*Glue it all together!

WANT TO PRACTICE MORE LITERACY, MOTOR, AND COGNITIVE SKILLS THROUGH
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Hug Yourself: Kids Motion Meditation

Hug Yourself: Kids Motion Meditation
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

In this motion meditation for kids video, children will move-to-learn as they practice the following developmental skills-
Motor/Physical Skills: crossing the midline, shoulder/neck stretch
Emotional Skills: self-love, compassion, affection

Directions:
Reach your arms out wide, parallel to the ground.
Wiggle the right fingers, across the body, to touch the left shoulder.
Wiggle the left fingers, across the body, to the touch the right shoulder.
Hug yourself.
Turn the head to the left shoulder and kiss the right hand.
Turn the head to the right shoulder and kiss the left hand.

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Kids Groundhog Song

Groundhog Children’s Song
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

In this video, children will practice mirroring motion, memorization, and prediction.

Groundhog Song (Tune: MMM AHH)
Lyrics-
Blink. Blink. Groundhog opened his eyes one day.
Blink. Blink. Groundhog opened his eyes.
Blink. Blink. Groundhog opened his eyes one day.
And he went to look outside.

Shine. Shine. Sun was extra bright and warm that day.
Shine. Shine. Sun was extra bright and warm.
Shine. Shine. Sun was extra bright and warm that day.
Groundhog went to look outside.

But he didn't just run outside, did he? Nooo....

We know Groundhog peeked his nose out first.
Peeked his nose out first. Peeked his nose out first.
We know Groundhog peeked his nose out first.
And what do you think he saw?

Want to sing and move with me LIVE?
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Snowball Fight: Kids Motion Meditation

Snowball Fight: Motion Meditation
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

In this video, children will move-to-learn as they practice the following developmental skills-
Educational Skills: memorization, repetition, focused attention
Motor/Physical Skills: body part recognition, moving isolated body parts
Emotional Skills: releasing pent-up feelings, using motion to re-focus

Want to move with me?
Watch a Bendy Bookworm Video NOW:

Yo Te Amo Children's Song

Yo Te Amo Song: A bilingual love song
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

In this video, children will have an opportunity to express feelings of love and learn about language. It introduces cultural awareness, expresses love, and uses the power of melody to help your child learn the words, retain the meaning, and recall the emotional connection.

It’s also perfect for those children that prefer to show affection through words instead of touch!

Lyrics:

Yo te amo, yo te amo
All day long I’ll sing this little song to you.
Yo te amo, yo te amo
Darling

I love you! I love you, I love you
All day long I’ll sing this little song to you.
I love you, I love you Darling I love you!

Add in additional languages for the words "I love You"
French: Je t’aime, Je t’aime
All day long I’ll sing this little song to you.
Je t’aime, Je t’aime Darling I love you!

**The lyrics are by Uncle Ruthie Buell.

Want to Sing “Yo Te Amo” with me?
Check out my next FREE Live Story Time Class:

If this Book was a Pose: Polar Bear

Bendy Bookworm Yoga for Kids Pose: Bear Pose
Upright Seated Angle Pose or Urdhva Upavishta Konasana

Physical movement promotes children’s education. When you add a kids yoga pose to the reading experience, you're creating a physical memory of the book which promotes the learning process. Read the book, try the pose, and watch how movement and play supports a child’s education!

Move to this book with me:

Toddler brains are wired to use slow, stretched out, musical sounds to build early brain connections and memorization skills. While this Polar Bear song, from the Bendy Bookworm Video “A Polar Bear in Snow”, is JUST FOR FUN, watch how quickly your child will have the words AND the hand motions memorized! You can use this sing song principle by teaching a rhyme or song to help them learn something new, retain the information, and later recall it.

Sing the Polar Bear Song with me:

For more move-to-learn videos for your toddler, click the button:

Let’s go on an adventure!

“Let’s go on an adventure!”: A felt video for practicing balance.
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

In this Mini Adventure video, we bring out our Bendy Bookworm Adventure Felt Kit and use them together!!

Children will move-to-learn through yoga as they practice the following developmental skills-
Cognitive Skills: Auditory processing (listening and following directions), Visual processing (mirroring movement), and Matching
Motor/Physical Skills: Balance, Balance, Balance
Emotional Skills: Resilience

Want to purchase your own Bendy Bookworm Felt Kit?

Black History Month: Books For Children

Welcome to Black History Month!! Now is the perfect opportunity to open your home to the incredible accomplishments, discoveries, and undeniable influence the African American culture has had on America. USE this time to showcase talent, creativity, and genius! Investigate, learn, and admire their history and their impact!

Teach your children inclusivity and empathy by ALWAYS adding new ideas into 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 Black authors to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to enjoy stories that celebrate Black talent:

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly and Laura Freeman
For Ages: 4-8 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

A Night Out with Mama by Quvenzhané Wallis
For Ages: 4-8 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
For Ages: 4-8 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

I Promise by LeBron James
For Ages: 4-8 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Welcome to the Party by Gabrielle Union
For Ages: 18mo.- 4 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes
For Ages: 3-7 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Rise!: From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus
For Ages: 7-10 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell
For Ages: 7-10 years old
For Purchase: The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard
For Ages: 4-8 years old
For Purchase: 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!

Why I stopped using "Mommy" and "Daddy" in Story Time

This Vlog is for Librarians, teachers, any adults that are educating diverse groups of children:

In this video I talk about exclusive language we use without thinking. When educating or caring for diverse groups of children, it is important that we are hyper aware of the language we choose in order to make ALL children feel welcomed, safe, and accepted.

FOR MORE TIPS AND TRICKS LIKE THIS ONE, SIGN-UP FOR MY EMAIL LIST
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Indoor Activities with Kids: For the Birds

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 “Luna’s Map” by Danielle Fisher for a Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, pattern recognition, and visual processing
Motor Skills: drawing shapes, cutting, and glueing (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: friendship, courage, independence

Materials: 

• Color Markers, Crayons, or Washable Paint

• Construction Paper or White Paper and Crayons

• Paper plate

• Pencil

• Scissors and Glue

• Optional: Googley Eyes, Feathers, Glitter, Etc.

Step One: 
*Paint or color the paper plate.

Step Two: 
*Draw a diamond on a piece of orange construction paper (or white paper and then color orange) for the bird’s beak.
*Cut out the diamond and fold across. Cut out about 6 other strips of colored construction paper (or white paper and then color the strips in) for the bird’s tail feathers.

Step Three: 
*Once dry, fold your paper plate in half.
*Glue on googley eyes (or draw your own), the tail feathers, the beak, and any other additional decorations you want to add to jazz up your bird (I added feathers)!!

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The Rainbow Song

The Rainbow Song: A song video intended to teach the color order of the rainbow.
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

Want ways to make "Luna's Map" interactive? Use this song when you reach the page with the rainbow spread across the sky!!

In this video, children will learn through song as they practice the following developmental skills-
Cognitive Skills: color order, memory storying and retention

Lyrics:
First comes red and orange too
Bright, bright yellow
Green and blue
Purple ends the pretty rays
Mostly seen on rainy days
First comes red and orange too
Bright, bright yellow
Green and blue
...And don't forget PURPLE!
Adapted slightly from Jbrary's version.

The Bubble POP Song

Bubble POP Song: A move-to-learn song intended to target developmental skills.
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

Want ways to make "Luna's Map" interactive? Use this song when you reach the page with fish splashing in the water!!

In this video, children will move-to-learn through song as they practice the following developmental skills- Cognitive Skills: counting, auditory processing (listening and following directions), visual processing (mimicking movement)
Motor/Physical Skills: coordination, moving hands back and forth across the midline, AND creativity when you do The Fish Craft together!

Lyrics:

1 Little Red Fish swimming in the water
Swimming in the water, swimming in the water
1 Little Red Fish swimming in the water
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, POP!

2 Little Yellow Fish swimming in the water
Swimming in the water, swimming in the water
2 Little Yellow Fish swimming in the water
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, POP!

3 Little Purple Fish swimming in the water
Swimming in the water, swimming in the water
3 Little Purple Fish swimming in the water
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble, POP!

The 5 Green and Speckled Frogs Song

5 Green and Speckled Frogs Song: A move-to-learn rhyme intended to target developmental skills.
For Ages: 18 months- 8 years old

Want ways to make "Luna's Map" interactive? Use this song when you reach the page with frog eyes peeping above the water!!

In this video, children will move-to-learn through song as they practice the following developmental skills- Cognitive Skills: counting, auditory processing (listening and following directions), and visual processing (mimicking movement)
Motor/Physical Skills: coordination
Emotional Skills: resilience (make a mistake and keep going)

Lyrics:
5 green and speckled frogs
Sat on a speckled log
Eating the most delicious bugs
Yum Yum
1 jumped into the pool
Where it was nice and cool
Now there are 4 green speckled frogs
Glub Glub (continue counting down to 0 frogs)

Holiday Season: Books for Kids

We have made it to the last month of our calendar, December! The month of lights, baking, and holiday music. One of my absolute favorite months in the entire year: I love the decorations, smells, and maybe even some flurries. December also means more holidays. It means making soup (or hot chocolate) and reading books while wearing thick socks.

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 Holiday Season and explore celebrations in all communities!

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

The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper
For Ages: Kindergarten - 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Nativity by Cynthia Rylant
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

There's an Elf in Your Book by Tom Fletcher
For Ages: Preschool- 2nd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

How to Hide a Lion at Christmas by Helen Stephens
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

I Got the Christmas Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale by Eric A. Kimmel
For Ages: Preschool- 3rd grade
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Ninth Night of Hanukkah by Erica S. Perl
For Ages: 3 years old and up
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!

Holiday Season: Books for Tweens

We have made it to the last month of our calendar, December! The month of lights, baking, and holiday music. One of my absolute favorite months in the entire year: I love the decorations, smells, and maybe even some flurries. December also means more holidays. It means making soup (or hot chocolate) and reading books while wearing thick socks.

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 Holiday Season, exploring celebrations in all communities!

Winterhouse by Ben Guterson
For Grades: 4-7
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Doldrums and the Helmsley Curse by Nicholas Gannon
For Grades: 3-7
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell
For Grades: 3-7
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
For Ages: 5-9
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Wildwood by Colin Meloy
For Grades: 3-6
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu
For Grades: 3-7
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

COLDER WEATHER KEEPING YOUR TWEENS 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: 3 Ways to Rainbow

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 “Luna’s Map” by Danielle Fisher for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, pattern recognition, and visual processing
Motor Skills: drawing shapes, cutting, and glueing (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: friendship, courage, independence

Materials: 

• Color Markers or Crayons

• Paper plate

• Pencil

• Scissors and Glue

• Colored Tissue Paper

• Optional: Glitter, cotton balls, construction paper

Step One: 
*Cut paper plate in half (to make a half circle). Draw 5 semi-circle lines for each rainbow color.

Step Two: 
*Color in each stripe. I used colored tissue paper, but feel free to use crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, etc.

Step Three: 
*Attach color stripes behind paper plate.

Option Two: 
*Glue cotton balls to paper plate half to make a cloud.

Option Three: 
*Use crayons and construction paper to turn paper plate half into a sun.

Have you heard the Rainbow Song? It’s a cognitive song that teaches order and the colors of the rainbow! Listen to it HERE!

WANT YOUR OWN COPY OF LUNA’S MAP FOR MORE ADVENTURES?
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