Another Bunch of Summer Crafts

Summer is just made for crafts, don't you think? Of course, summer is also for running around, being silly, finding great books, doing nothing, swimming, exploring... the list is endless. Here are some more summer craft sites to check out. 

50 Summer Crafts for Kids from The Long Thread

Summer Crafts from Disney Family Fun

Summer Crafts, Activities and Worksheets from Enchanted Learning

Summer Arts and Crafts for Kids from Amazing Moms

Summer Arts and Crafts for Kids from Yahoo Voices

Summer Crafts for Kids from All Kids Network

Summer Crafts for Kids from Squidoo

I'm thinking we may need another set of summer crafts later this summer. Do you have any I can check out? Write them in the Comments Box!

Gail

Writing for Reluctant Readers: Guest Post by Artie Bennett

Today’s post is from Artie Bennett, author of The Butt Book and Poopendous! two popular books for young readers. Artie tells us about his books and how they have sparked a love of reading in children, including reluctant readers.

Writing for Reluctant Readers

Artie Bennett

When Gail asked if I’d like to contribute an essay on literacy—and specifically, the role my books play in promoting it—I jumped at the chance. For after all, without books in our lives, our imaginations would be stunted and our lives infinitely poorer.

It was the poet Emily Dickinson, the belle of Amherst, who wrote: “There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away.” How true that is. She herself led a reclusive life, barely venturing outside. But because she read voraciously, she could travel, in her fashion, to the ends of the earth.

I was an eager reader as a boy. I was weaned on Dr. Seuss’s books and made my merry way through them all. I can still recall the delicious thrill that On Beyond Zebra! brought, for that’s where I wanted to go—to the outer limits of the imagination. And the fact that some reviewers have compared me, favorably, with the maestro himself . . . well, that’s as wondrous a tribute as I could ever have hoped for.

My children’s books, The Butt Book and Poopendous! (which is newly out), have immense appeal to children, especially reluctant readers. In fact, reviewers have called The Butt Book a “gateway book,” one that shows youngsters how much fun a book can be. It’s been said that my books can spark a lifelong love of reading. And accelerate a budding one.

I write in verse, and I love the challenge that this poses. I’ve played with the patterns and included a “chant” in each of my books. In Poopendous!, we have “Rabbit pellets, raccoon tubes, owl whitewash, and wombat cubes!”

Youngsters are instantly drawn to rhyming books. Nursery rhymes are among the earliest things we learn. They exercise our developing minds and help us acquire language skills. And when parents read rhyming books to their children, the emotional bond deepens. It’s not uncommon for youngsters at my readings to recite a verse just after I have, for they can’t wait to try it out.

People may ask why I’ve chosen to write about butts and poop. Did I have some—ahem—posterior motive for doing so? Or perhaps a poopensity for the topic? I’ll tell you the truth. Although I’m a grown man who should know better, I still find these things greatly amusing. In fact, if you go to my website, ArtieBennett.com, you’ll find pages of fascinating butt and poop trivia, synonyms for both, a classic butt joke, and more. These matters are a source of unending delight to youngsters.

At a recent festival, a small boy happened to notice The Butt Book and made a hasty beeline for it. But he pulled up short and looked back at his mom, who said, “It’s all right for you to look at The Butt Book.” I was absolutely tickled to witness that.

There’s also an element of sweetness that underlies my books. Whenever I’m reading The Butt Book and I come to the verse “An eagle’s butt soars high above. A teddy bear’s is filled with love,” it never fails to elicit sighs from the audience. Reviewers have remarked about how charming and adorable the books are, and never gross, vulgar, or offensive.

I’ve personally witnessed The Butt Book’s transformative effect. The very first time I read it aloud, a gloomy Gus of a boy, one who rarely laughed or even smiled, guffawed as he leapt about with each verse. It was an astonishing sight to see. When I finished reading, he instantly cried out, “Again!” So I now recommend a large dose of The Butt Book or Poopendous! therapy for the child in need of a pick-me-up. Doctor’s orders. And I’ve had many parents tell me that their child won’t go to sleep without the nightly reading of my book. I apologize for the disruption.

Teachers have responded with enthusiasm to my books. One popular teachers’ website, Teach with Picture Books, posted, “I honestly love The Butt Book as a simple read-aloud. It’s one of those read-alouds that is its own reward, and it’s a book that kids will eagerly read on their own again and again.”

Knowing that The Butt Book and Poopendous! are playing their small part in getting youngsters excited about reading fills me with an unquenchable joy. And giving the gift of laughter to children is a satisfaction beyond words, even words like “poopendous!”

Many thanks to Artie for giving us a glimpse into the world of a children’s book writer. And here’s another good thing – Artie has generously agreed to send a copy of Poopendous! to one lucky person who comments on today’s blog. Yay!

Gail

Another Dozen Summer Books

There are so many books that are just right for summer! Here are another dozen books. 

FICTION

 Camp Babymouse by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Babymouse always makes me laugh. This time, she’s at summer camp and it’s not going well. In fact, she’s doing nothing right and her cabin mates can’t stand her. Will they win any of the competitions?

 Young Cornrows Callin Out the Moon by Ruth Forman, illustrated by Cbabi Bayoc

Not every fun summer is at camp or in lazy backyards. This book is a lively poem about summer on the streets of South Philadelphia. we don have no backyard / frontyard neither / we got black magic n brownstone steps…

The illustrations are as wonderful as the poem.

 Summer Beat by Betsy Franco, illustrated by Charlotte Middleton

This book begs to be read aloud. Clickity-clack (skateboard), swish swoosh (hammock), bizzle-bzz (bumblebee), fwit fwit (spitting watermelon seeds)… It really sounds like summer.

 Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert

If you are already a fan of Ehlert’s books, you can picture the big, bold illustrations. Ehlert takes us step-by-step through ordering bulbs and seeds, planting them and watching them grow. This is an oldie but goodie.

 Little Cloud by Eric Carle

Laying on your back and watching clouds is a terrific summertime activity. Maybe you’ve seen clouds that look like trees and sharks and sheep?

 Mr. Putter and Tabby Clear the Decks by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Arthur Howard

Ever feels so bored you are itchy? That’s how Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby feel. They ask their friend, Mrs. Teaberry and her dog Zeke to help. Adventure awaits! This is an early chapter book.

 Amanda and the Really Hot Day By Jean Van Leeuwen, illustrated by Ann Schweninger

It’s a really hot day and Amanda Pig looks for ways to deal with the heat. This is a great book for one of those days when it’s so hot, all you can do is still under a tree and read a book. It’s part of the Oliver and Amanda Level 2 Reader series.

 Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer by Megan McDonald, illustrated by Peter. H. Reynolds

Judy’ parents are going to California without her, and her best friends are gone for the summer. And who is this Aunt Opal who’s looking after Judy and her brother, Stink? This in NOT going to be a good summer! Or… maybe it will?

 Annie and Snowball and the Book Bugs Club by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Suçie Stevenson

Annie wants Henry to join the summer reading club at the library with her. At first Henry is not too crazy about the idea but Annie has some great reading-in-good-places ideas. This is a Ready-to-Read Level 2 book.

 Super Duck by Jez Alborough

I think summer is a great time to fly kites and Duck agrees. In fact, he is so enthusiastic, he becomes Super Duck. His friends Sheep, Frog and Goat are not so sure he's all that super, but in the end...

NONFICTION

 Pop! A Book about Bubbles by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, illustrated by Margaret Miller

Summer is perfect for blowing bubbles and this book is all about blowing bubbles. It tells about the science of bubbles and gives a recipe for a bubble mixture (it has corn syrup in it!).

 Cool Theme Parties: Perfect Party Planning for Kids by Karen Latchana Kenney

Hoping to have a theme party this summer? Well, this book may be just what you need to make it perfect. It covers the basics, invitations, party favors, food and activities. Of course, you don’t need to do everything it suggests, but it will definitely give you some ideas.

I hope these books get you started on a summer of reading fun. Do you have other suggestions? Write them in the Comments Box!

Gail

A Bunch of Summer Crafts

With your extra time for fun this summer, wouldn't you like to try some new crafts? Here are a bunch of sites with all kinds of craft ideas. Believe me, there are a lot of craft ideas here!

Summer Crafts from Kaboose

Summer Crafts for Kids from DLTK

Summer Camp Arts and Crafts for Kids from Kinder Art

Kids' Summer Crafts from Martha Stewart

Kids Fun Summer Craft Ideas from Apples 4 the Teacher

Summer Crafts for Kids from Activity Village

Tell me about your wonderful crafting adventures in the Comments Box!

Gail

Several Super Summer Reading Tips

Summer is coming! Summer is coming!

Summer is a great time to bring home the message that reading is fun. It’s a time for reading just what you want, rereading favorites as often as you like, discovering new information and listening to great stories in a leisurely way. It’s a time to leave homework (not my favorite) and reading instruction behind. It’s all about reading pleasure and practice. Just let it flow…. Some of today’s tips are repeats from last summer, some are new ones. Click here for Monday's book post on summer books.

• Be a reader yourself Show your kids that you value reading by reading yourself.
• Read aloud, read aloud, read aloud! Be creative – read alouds aren’t just for bedtime. Try between chores, while waiting for appointments, dinner to be done, food in a restaurant, waiting in line at the beach…
• Write stories and plays This is a time for creativity, not writing instruction. If your child wants help, he’ll ask, otherwise, let it be all about ideas.
• Write letters Letters can take all forms: emails, postcards, letters, paper airplanes… Try designing your own stationery and postcards. Create a box or bucket of fun writing materials – paper, cardstock, markers, fancy pens and pencils, glitter… Send to: friends, relatives, authors, experts…
• Allow your child to choose his books Summer is for fun! Sure, we want to learn too, but fun comes first.
• Help your child select books at a comfortable level See Matching Books to Readers.
• Don’t limit summer reading to books Try magazines (click here and here for suggestions), brochures, comics, directions, maps, atlases, cereal boxes...
• Read a book and watch the movie together This works for movies in theaters and movies you rent or get from the library.
• Reread your favorites Summer is a great time to read old favorites, either independently or as a read aloud. Maybe create a shared book list of everyone’s favorite kids’ books. Then trade books!
• Check out reading programs at your library Many local libraries have summer programs. Some schools do, too.
• Board Games Many games have a reading component, and even if they don’t, play them anyway because they’re fun!
• Motivate summer reading This site has some ideas. 5 Ways to Motivate

Here is a book that I just discovered.

Show Me How: Build Your Child's Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking by Vivian Kirkfield

This book is great! It gives a brief description of 100 picture books, then gives a craft and a simple recipe to go along with each book. Although the book is recommended for ages 2-5, I think this book would offer all kinds of family fun for older kids.

Resources used to compile this list:

PBS Parents

Reading Rockets

North Shore Pediatric Therapy

NCLD 

Education.com

Living Montessori Now

Teach Preschool

In the upcoming weeks, I'll have lots of summer activities that involve reading.

I have to say it again: Summer is coming :)

Gail

Several Super Summer Reading Tips

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

For some of you, summer vacation has already started. For others, it starts next month. I say, it's never too early to be thinking about summer! Here are some good books to get you started...

FICTION

 A Real Cool Summer by Martha Rodriguez, illustrated by Joey Rodriguez

It's the hottest, most boring day of summer vacation. What will the kids do to turn their misery around? This book makes me smile and it might give you some ideas!

 It’s Summer by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Susan Swan

There are so many things to do in summer: watch ants, make mud houses, catch fireflies… The text is fun to read and the cut-paper illustrations are quite nice. In the end, there are lots of summertime activities.

 Carl’s Summer Vacation by Alexandra Day

I admit I have to pretend I’m not a mom when I read this book. Watching the little girl go off with Carl, without an adult, makes me rather nervous. But… she does stay safe and have wonderful adventures!

 Lunch Lady and the Summer Camp Shakedown by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

I really like the Lunch Lady graphic novels series. This time the Lunch Lady and her student sidekicks, the Breakfast Bunch kids, are out to solve the mysteries at summer camp. What is the swamp monster? How can they defeat it?

 Take the Mummy and Run: The Riot Brothers are on a Roll by Mary Amato

The Riot brothers, Wilbur and Orville, are into games, jokes and mysteries. They are constantly on the move, thinking up new goofy stuff to do. They hate that their cousin Amelia is coming to visit until they find out she’s as crazy as they are. I like a lot of things about this book: it’s funny, plus there’s large print (not just for little kids!), short chapters, lots of silly stuff and a bunch of games in the back. If you like this one, check out the other books in the series.

 The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes: The Best is Yet to Come by Anne Mazer

Abby Hayes lives in a family of smart and busy kids. In this story (one of a series), she thinks the summer before middle school will be filled with lazy days with her friends. That is, until her mother’s friend shows up with her bratty daughter. Abby is stuck with babysitting misery. This story switches between regular storytelling and pages from Abby’s journal.

 Mrs. Dole is Out of Control! by Dan Gutman

AJ is graduating from second grade. In most schools, this is not a big deal. But for the president of the PTA at AJ's school, it’s time for fireworks, a petting zoo and all kinds of hoopla. So do you suppose anything will go wrong?

 The Summer Visitors by Karel Hayes

The summer visitors are a family visiting their summer home. They do all the summer things: sit on the porch, have picnics, fly kites, take out the boat… They think they are alone but not really. A family of bears is enjoying the summer right along with them. This nearly wordless book is great fun.

NONFICTION

Summer by Kay Barnham [sorry, no link available]

This book tells about hot weather and fun activities that take place during June, July, and August. It also explains the reasons for our seasons. In the end there are directions for making a scrapbook. The photos are clear and colorful.

 Looking Closely Through the Forest by Frank Serafini

First you see just a piece of a forest thing. Guess what it is. Then turn the page and see if you are right. Although not all the photos in this book were taken in summer, the pictures really make you want to get to the forest. And really look.

 Summer Wonders by Bob Raczka, illustrated by Judy Stead

Although it’s nice to have great photos of summer, this book has great paintings. Each painting is a celebration of summer. The text is simple but perfect. Be sure to read it aloud!

 If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian, illustrated by Barbara Hirsch Lember

I LOVE this book! It tells about all kinds of rocks: skipping, chalk, climbing, worry… And it tells about them in a way that makes me want to rush right out and find each one of them. A perfect summer book.

Need more summer book ideas? Check back next Monday!

Gail

Websites for Young Scientists

Sean Connolly’s books about science experiments caused me to check out science sites for kids. If science is your thing (and even if it isn’t), then check out these sites. 

Amusement Park Physics

Funology: Weird Science

How Stuff Works

Cool Cosmos: Infrared Zoo

The Science Explorer

Discovery Kids: Science

Looking for some good books for summer? On Monday, I'll have a dozen for you!

Gail