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.

Magical Story Time: Do You Believe in Unicorns

This story time is a Magical Melodies/ Bendy Bookworm mash-up; a mix of music, story time, and yoga! We've combined forces for a story time extravaganza of all the developmental skill practices I teach through yoga and storytelling AND all the fun crazy song and dance joy that Mr. Chris brings.

A move-to-learn yoga video intended to target developmental skills. In this video, children will practice-

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, auditory processing (listening and following directions), and visual processing (mimicking movement)
Motor/Physical Skills: coordination, muscle isolation, and balance
Emotional Skills: challenge and achievement…. oh and some plain silliness

Want to purchase “Do You Believe in Unicorns” by Bethanie Deeney Murguia? Click HERE!

ADD BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA INTO YOUR CHILD’S ROUTINE. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME AND PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Storytelling Improves Language Development

A few years ago I was deeply impressed by “The Word Gap” study; the idea that language development PRIOR to entering school was super important to the educational success of a child. I even wrote posts about it and shared it as proof that language development started AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE and it was key for the home environment (especially in those early years) to promote language learning.

Jump off the top rope and into a trove of WWE GIFs featuring your favorite WWE moments, matches and Superstars - past and present - including John Cena, The Rock, Roman Reigns, The Ultimate Warrior, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, "Macho Man" Randy Savage and more!

Yeah, I got it a little wrong…. because the thing is, that study used the disparities of socio-economics to determine a child’s potential (not cool) by setting one language bar for ALL children (oh boy). Wrong, wrong, wrong! So yes, I disagree with the study and it’s overall findings.

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

BUT here’s the thing: LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (of ANY language) is a wonderful asset to educational success. Because … the knowledge anyone has about a topic is based on the vocabulary of that information (Marzano & Pickering, 2005). Know the language, know the subject.

So how does this relate to my toddler?

Discover & share this StarTalk Radio with Neil deGrasse Tyson GIF with everyone you know. GIPHY is how you search, share, discover, and create GIFs.

Now I’m not saying that simply knowing the words in a textbook means I know the subject the textbook is written on. But think of it this way- if a toddler KNOWS the words, “street” “car” “safe”; they can better understand the direction, “Danger! DO NOT GO NEAR THE STREET!” and later “Look both ways before you cross the street”. Know the words, know the subject.

Language development can grow based on a child’s experience with language through “language opportunities”. These opportunities are everywhere in their life (the playground, Daycare, play dates, and any moment spent with you)! The key to language opportunities is not scheduling them but recognizing that they naturally occur constantly, like anytime you:

READ with your child: reading books aloud (and not shying away from books that include words that are more than one or two syllables… sure they may not know them UNTIL you teach them). Every picture book flipped through or read provides opportunities for hearing new, UNIQUE words.

SPEAK to your child: Use words that are more than one or two syllables in conversations with our babies/toddlers, engage in FULL conversation with babies. They are sponges! Recently my friend said, “We only get dumber as we get older”… unfortunately it’s true, children are able to learn and retain at an extremely high level. Never assume that because your infant doesn’t have the mouth muscle, they don’t have the brain power!

INTERACT with words with your child: Specifically with language; point out objects and name them, define words, play with words: sing songs and recite rhymes, etc. Interacting with words and language takes it from the abstract of seeing the letters in a book and cements it into their memory; creating and building their own vocabulary bank.

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

Storytelling with your child engages all three principles: Read, Speak, Interact! Storytelling provides children with language opportunities where they are able to hear AND play with words. This is what makes story telling such an integral part of Bendy Bookworm Yoga (and language learning in general)! It’s NEVER one single thing that promotes language learning… but ALL the things. Bendy Bookworm Yoga creates an actively engaged environment where your toddler INTERACTS with storytelling; we read aloud (so children can hear the words spoken), we learn new words, and we move to engage our whole bodies in order to tell the story. Bendy Bookworm Yoga teaches literacy with the WHOLE body using storytelling to facilitate the Read, Speak, Interact principles that promote language development.

WANT TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD’S LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT? ADD BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA TO THEIR ROUTINE. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

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!

Reading Best Practices for Kids Studying at Home

Back to School 2020 is looking different than in years past.  It’s looking more like Back to the Dining Room Table 2020; Back to Virtual Learning 2020.  I know this isn’t ideal for some children, but I want to point out that others might actually be excelling.  All children learn differently; some learn through reading (visual), some through hearing (audio), and some through experiencing (tactile).  Ideally we want to teach through a bit of all these methods but virtual learning obviously makes that more challenging.  I want to point this out because while some children may struggle without the classroom atmosphere and the in person interaction, others may actually like learning virtually. 

via GIPHY

Just like how not all children learn the same, not all children read the same!  This is an important distinction to make; providing your child space to explore different reading materials and methods may be the difference between cultivating a love of reading or not.  I always ask parents to question what the motivation is:

To work on reading skills simply for word count or page count?

Or to build imagination?  To find enjoyment and be entertained?

If you find yourself pushing your child into “challenging” books, ask yourself why?  Chances are they are already receiving age and skill appropriate material in school (they’ve got the word count and SAT words covered).  I’m going to let you in on a little secret… Your child can learn imagination, empathy, and comprehension while reading AND enjoying it- you just have to give them permission too.  I have one more little secret for you: just because they CAN read that 500 page book with High School level words DOESN’T mean they should (or have any emotional understanding of what they’re actually reading).  

via GIPHY

These “Best Practices” are similar to the flexibility of learning methods mentioned above; one may work extraordinarily well in your home while another… just doesn’t.  But my hope is that these Reading Best Practices for Kids Studying at Home will help them to continue to enjoy learning AND reading, even if it looks a bit different.  Give them a try:

via GIPHY

1. Reading Scales- re-reading books is to readers as practicing scales is to a pianist.  A few years ago a tutor once gave me this example: “Just because you can make Thanksgiving dinner, would you want to every single night?”  Just because a child can read at a certain level does not mean that they want to or need to read every book at that level (or higher).  So often I see parents picking out books with their kids and I hear, “that’s too easy for you, pick something harder”  or “you’ve already read that one, pick something new”.  And then they complain to me that they can’t get their kid to read!  If YOU’RE not cooking Thanksgiving dinner every night, don’t make them. (If you are, PSA: Mac and Cheese is delicious too!).  Let them reread books they love as many times as they want!  Let them read the easy ones! Because these books are the scales of reading.  These books will foster the love AND prepare them for the challenge books.  I read “A Day with Wilbur Robinson” every chance I get!

2. Add on Activities- Now this one is easier to do with younger children but I do it with my older kiddos too (a crafting Teen will even be down for a really great theme DIY).  There are millions of possible craft ideas on Pinterest that make theme crafting super easy.  Pick a book, do a craft.  For the younger children (early literacy: 18 months- 5 years old) this helps with vocabulary building and memory.  We read about an elephant, we make an elephant out of a paper plate (Elephant Craft and Story Time).  Learning and remembering: ELEPHANT.  With your Kindergarten- 1st graders, it promotes imagination and understanding of more abstract concepts.  We read about friendship, we explore what it means to be a friend or thinking about your friends (Nobody Hugs a Cactus Craft).  With older ones, the activity could be more creative: an opportunity to build a life connection to the book OR just a positive association (creating an experience that is tied with the book in memory).  I.E. Once for Dias de Muertos, we read Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega and then made Mason Jar Lanterns. 

   PRO TIP: TRY TO KEEP THE ACTIVITIES FUN NOT LESSONS.  Children get enough lessons; you don’t need to turn it into a learning experience, just let it be fun, creative, playful, and maybe even a bit messy!  **For More Story Time and Craft Ideas Click HERE!

3. Read Aloud Together- Don’t underestimate reading aloud and its influence on an early reader.  Before your child begins to read, reading aloud promotes language development and vocabulary word bank (hearing how words are said and learning new ones).  Both of which have a significant influence on the learning process.  Once a child does begin reading, reading aloud is still important.  Allowing them read to you helps them practice the words they already know, sounding out new words, and also working the speech muscles to improve pronunciation.  It also provides moments to practice comprehension (as you talk about what you’re reading). Giving them a break and reading TOO them is super beneficial as well; this is less about skill development and more about emotional support.  Reading to a child at any age,  creates a place where they can rest and enjoy books while receiving attention and affection (a bonding experience).    Yes, I love being able to read books on my own… BUT I truly believe that my love of reading began with the books my mom read to me as a child, the story times at the library, the books the school librarian read, and the chapter books my mom continued to read as I got older.  There’s a reason we continue to enjoy audiobooks, being read too is wonderful.  Don’t forget the influence reading to a child of any age will have on them! 

4. Read for Fun Means READING FOR FUN- Okay I know not every school assignment is going to be a great book.  Some books are torture.  Which makes it that much more important to make sure that any reading done outside of schoolwork is strictly for the love.  I teach my kids the Double-Your-Age-Rule: I ask them their age and then we double it.  Then I say, “Okay here’s my rule- You have to read (agex2) pages before you decide if you hate it or not.  Some books take a little getting into before they get good.  BUT if you get to that page and still hate it, CLOSE IT.  STOP reading.  And come back to the library.  We’ll find a new one to try.  There are waaaaay too many amazing, mind blowing books to ever read one that you don't like, when it’s supposed to be for fun.”  They love this rule because they are finally being given permission to hate a book AND it gives them hope that the right one is out there.  I think sometimes kids read one or two books they don’t like and they think, “Books suck.”  But when they’re told, “Yeah.  Some books do suck” they get excited to find the ones that don’t.  P.S. Sometimes the only books that don’t suck are graphic novels and comic books!  

via GIPHY

PLUS GUESS WHAT? I’M HERE TO SUPPORT THE READ ALOUD PROCESS!!!
JUST HIT PLAY TO ANY OF MY BENDY BOOKWORM VIDEOS AND YOUR CHILD WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Using Kids Yoga to Combat Screen Fatigue

We are now on day 10,736 (ok I have no idea how many days but you get my point) of the global pandemic, Covid-19.  Many of us having been working in front of screens… okay so maybe some of us always did work in front of screens but it seems like now all we do is look at screens, no?  Our children are heading into the new school year which will continue to be fully virtual or some form of virtual/in person hybrid.  Maybe you’re feeling a little bit of parent guilt about all the screen time? I get it, it has been A LOT of screen time.  But here’s the thing…. STOP that guilt immediately!! 

#1. We are in a pandemic.

via GIPHY

#2. We are using this fantastic technology (which we are super lucky to have available to us, by the way) that allows us to engage and teach in a way that would have never been possible even just a few years ago… so instead of feeling guilty, let’s all take a minute to be a little bit in awe!

via GIPHY

#3. There IS a huge difference between screen entertainment (video games, cartoons, youtube videos, etc.) and screen ENGAGEMENT! If your child is watching something educational, engaging, and interactive it is a learning experience.  It is necessary AND purposeful! So don’t be so quick to lump all screen time into the same category. Of course, there is even a place for screen entertainment (like when you really really really need a minute or 50).  Let’s be clear screen time like Coyote Peterson Brave Wilderness , Circle Time with Ms. Monica Circle Time with Ms. Monica , or Bendy Bookworm Yoga Bendy Bookworm Yoga (shameless plug), etc. are intentionally developed to educate and entertain; let your child learn and go give yourself a minute to answer some of those work emails that just keep coming in (it’s never ending, am I right?!?)

Okay okay so say you are okay with educational screen time but you’re looking at a foreseeable future with virtual school again and you’re thinking back to last spring and already reaching for the wine….

via GIPHY

I get that too. I have had screen fatigue.  I have turned off my phone for full days…. FULL DAYS… and I’m a millennial.  So I’m not going to pretend like screen fatigue isn’t a thing. And I’m not going to tell you it isn’t going to happen.  What I am going to suggest is: Yoga/ Movement CAN help your little ones handle their screen time.  What I’m suggesting is a few Yoga tricks that you can have in your Back 2 School- BUT Still At Home -And Trying Not To Hit The Bottle At 10AM- Toolbox.  So without further ado:

#1. If they still have some Zoom learning ahead but they are 100% unable to focus, you need a fast movement intervention!  Click off the screen, take a “bathroom break” (or maybe introduce the movement break idea to your teacher), step away from the screen and give your kid 5 minutes of Yoga Games, try:

Yogi Says- Just like “Simon Says”: call out a pose and have your child mirror the pose BUT only if Yogi Says.

Try these Yoga Games for 1st-3rd Graders or these Yoga Games for 5 year olds

OR

Sun Races (this is ideal for slightly older children, let’s say 6ish and up)- See who can do a Surya Namaskar faster.  I usually start this out slow; reminding the children of the sequence of poses and then we speed it up.  A simple race but effective in getting their heart rate up, getting their fidgets out, and releasing some pent up energy.  

#2. When they’ve had enough of using their eyes; they’re done reading and watching to learn.  Let them use their eyes for fun.  Here’s the thing switching from screen to books might work for some children but chances are they just don’t want to sit still anymore, try:

Walk and Name (this is ideal for kindergarten and first graders).  Go on a walk and play a little “I spy”.  When they identify the object, practice it’s yoga pose! (i.e. bird pose) This is a great way to play, move, and work on  vocabulary recall and word bank building! 

#3. When you want to target a deeper level of focus and concentration (maybe before a test or harder assignment) and they are just tapped out, try:

Motion Meditations such as Finger Taps and Clap and Rub:

The truth is we don’t know how long school will have a virtual element to it.  But the good news is, with these Bendy Bookworm Yoga tricks, you’ll be prepared to combat the impending screen fatigue AND teach your child some skills to have in their own Back 2 School- BUT Still At Home -And Not Old Enough To Hit The Bottle- Toolbox.

NEED TO ADD MORE MOVEMENT TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY? 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!

Bendy Bookworm Motion Meditation: Finger Taps

In this video, you will learn how to calm energy in stressful or emotion packed moments. The Finger Tap Motion Mediation is great for releasing focusing attention and finding stillness.

A move-to-learn yoga video intended to target developmental skills. In this video, children will practice- Cognitive Skills: counting
Motor/Physical Skills: coordination and dexterity
Emotional Skills: stillness and emotion awareness

NEED TO ADD MORE MOVEMENT TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY? 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!

Bendy Bookworm Yoga Games: Sun Races

In this video, you will learn how to teach Sun Races. Whether it’s time for a movement minute or the start of your kids yoga class, this exercise is perfect!. Sun Races are a great for releasing pent up energy and refocusing attention.

In this video, children will move-to-learn through yoga as they practice the following developmental skills-
Motor/Physical Skills: strength, coordination, and flexibility
Emotional Skills: silliness and being a good sport

NEED TO ADD MORE MOVEMENT TO YOUR CHILD’S DAY? 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!

3 Yoga Poses for Quarantine Quiet Time

Is cabin fever turning your children into crazies? As each week passes we seem to be simultaneously struggling AND adapting; that means that there are moments when your children are overflowing with built up energy and emotions.  While there should be moments for being LOUD, for tons of movement, and for wild release, your child will also benefit from calm, quiet moments; to settle in and rest.  Hopefully these poses will engage certain muscles to create a release of some built up, frustrated energy and guide them to find some moments of peace: 

2 Options for Tree Pose.

Have your child start by standing strong with both of their feet planted firmly on the ground.  Direct them to begin to place more weight on their left foot (balancing on the left foot).  As they bend their right knee and bring the sole of the right foot to rest on the inside of the left ankle (for now, keep the right toes anchored on the ground).  As they gain confidence in their balance, they can begin to raise their right foot higher: first to the inside of the left calf and then all the way up to rest on the inside of the left thigh.  Have them fix their gaze gently on one, unmoving point in front of them as they reach their arms overhead (like the branches of a tree).  Repeat on the opposite side.   

Forward Fold with Clasped Fingers

Start with your child standing up with their feet parallel and about hip-distance apart.  Have them bring their hands together behind their back and interlace their fingers.  Direct them to take a deep breath in and look up at the sky. Then release into a forward fold; bending at the waist and letting gravity drop their head towards the ground.  Once in forward fold, help them reach their interlaced fingers up towards the sky, pulling the fist up and away from their ears. 

Rabbit Pose with Clasped Fingers

Have your child start this pose by sitting on their heels.  Next, have them lace their fingers behind their back (as they did for the forward fold).  Direct your child to slowly lean forward until they are able to gently rest the top of their head on the ground in front of their knees.  Help them to reach their interlaced fingers up towards the sky and away from their ears.  When they want to come back up, have them lower their arms first, before slowly returning to their original kneeling position.

More Movement may also help release some of the pent up energy and emotions! Why not have your child try one of my weekly Kids Yoga on Zoom Classes?

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!