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Monday, October 31, 2016

November Inspirations for Read Aloud Campaign 2016




November Inspirations


Who will be the lucky recipient of your vocal gift?

Your son, daughter, niece, nephew
Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa
A friend, student, infant, toddler, preschool age child
Someone recovering from an illness, a hospital patient
A resident of a memory care home


How will you share your reading talents?

Read a book, magazine article, newspaper, or letter
Sing some or all of the words for any of the above
Gather the reading materials to present in a special tote bag, basket, or gift box you plan to leave after you read to someone


When will you make time to Read Aloud?


Admittedly this can be a bit tricky.  It helps to have a designated weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly plan if you wish to share with those who are confined to their homes or hospital.  It gives everyone something to look forward to on a regular schedule.
For your children, perhaps you can plan to read before bedtime.
If daily scheduled readings are challenging, try every other day or three times per week.  Something is better than nothing.  
You might also enjoy my post on "book less" storytelling.  This type of reading can be done in the car, on a trip, and during your daily trips as you run errands.  Check out this post:



Where will you be inspired to Read Aloud?


The best part of reading is that you can do this anywhere!  There are so many options to create portable, creative, and flexible opportunities.  Some places you can read aloud:

Grocery Store
So many labels and signs

Church
 (when you read prayers, respond to clergy prompts, and sing songs in the hymnal)  That counts as Read Aloud moments!

Home
Right after dinner, quiet time during or after baths, before bedtime
(You can find water proof books!)

Outside
Take books to the park, to a sports event, and in the car



Why is it important to share these moments?

Reading Aloud gives children (and adults) the opportunity to hear variations in vocal tones, recognize the subtle nuances of emotion, and expand their view of the world by listening to various interpretations of a story.  The same story can have a different meaning and impact just by switching who reads the book.  So it's O.K. to hear the same story over and over again.  Just try changing up who reads it.  (Or you can practice using different voices, cadence, and inflection as you read the story.)


What will you Read Aloud this month?

Where to start on this one?
So many options!



I'm working on a list right now.  I have just discovered some pretty talented writers who have recently published.  So...

Your list of recommendations will be ready to go soon with some extra bonus reads just for grown ups.  (Because you deserve to have someone read to you too.)  Can't wait to share!

Happy November 1st!


Thursday, September 15, 2016

Fabulous Fall Moments ~ Cozy, Snuggle Time Books

"Fall" ing in Love with Books


The weather is beginning to show signs of Fall.  Today I saw the hints of red and orange emerging on the leaves.  Trees blow in the wind and the evenings become twinged with cool air.  Jackets in the early morning and late evening offer welcome comfort as they wrap us in warmth.

I love the idea of cuddling up on the sofa with a solid book.  I need to feel the pages, touch the words, and inhale the scent of paper.  It is especially fun to read to children.  Books come in all shapes, sizes, and topics.  Illustrations add depth to a story and invite even the most stressed adult into the magical world of adventure that fills the pages.  

Here are a few recommendations to encourage snuggle time with your little ones.  You might even find that older children will listen or sit close (trying to be invisible and too cool to sit next to a sibling).  My current reading of "The BFG" by Roald Dahl with the 4th grader (age 9) seems to be enjoyed by the 14 and 11 year old too.  The idea is to find a comfortable space and begin reading.  The rest is magic.




 Adorable illustrations that show how Mouse and Minka explore the beautiful colors and textures of Fall.  Their adventures help them learn about this wonderful time of year, with it's cool air and crisp leaves.









Three friends search for colorful leaves.  You may be inspired to go on your own leaf hunt once you read this tale.













 Please also check out this awesome site I found today!  Lots of great book recommendations for your Infants and Toddlers!










Hope your Fall will offer many moments of exploration, adventure, and cuddle time with your children.  






Pumpkin Graphic Attributed to: 
 c.Reflections Beneath the Poetz Tree



You are invited to explore:
World of Writer Mom
http://worldofwritermom.blogspot.com 




Sunday, July 24, 2016

Beginner's Guide to Creating Book Loving Babies


Summer is a great time to encourage read aloud opportunities. When can a child learn to love books?  Here are a few tips.



Graphic Attributed to: https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13669127_1234360563263031_164377082092508712_n.jpg?oh=e5484781143003d881f45b16b5d2c170&oe=5823A213



The following was first posted on
 03/06/2014  Here are excerpts:

There are so many ways you can enhance your infant's love for books.  From the moment you learn that your parenthood status has been activated, you can begin to consider what your library will look like. Perhaps you will dream of sharing ideas with your child.  You might imagine what it will be like to talk to your baby and cuddle up on the couch to read a story. 

Here are a few ideas as you begin to establish a very special family tradition. This tradition may help you build a solid foundation for your future reader.  

1. Start a "favorite" book list and add it to your registry request prior to baby's arrival.  

2. Let family and friends know that you are interested in beginning your family library.  

3. Visit book stores and look in the book section at local shopping centers to see what catches you eye.  

4. Attend a story time and talk with other parents to find out what their children love to read. 

5. Have a "Memory Recall" session with family members: parents, siblings, grandparents, aunties and uncles.  What books did you enjoy during your childhood? What books can be passed along from their childhood?

6.  If you were not exposed to literature as a child, what are your hopes for your little ones regarding reading?

7.  Look on line to find resources that provide recommendations and book reviews.  Parenting blogs are also a fun way to connect with other families who read to their children on a regular basis.  They will give you links for reading campaigns and opportunities to bring the world into your home.  Just open a book to explore the possibilities.




Friday, July 22, 2016

Books, Books, Baby!






 Favorite Selections

 
Graphics Attributed to: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51CjUFIxq5L._SY483_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg


Review by Baby's Books and Bubbles, Oh, My!

This hard back book includes adorable, colorful illustrations and textures for sensory exploration.  It can be found on amazon and is reasonably priced depending on which edition you select.  The size makes it easy to toss into a back pack, purse, or diaper bag for a quick trip to the store or doctor's office.  They are easy for babies to hold while in their car seats for road trips long or short.  Simple pictures and words leave opportunities for you to expand on explanations and make up your own stories too! Add a few props (plastic or plush fish, squeaky toy octopus, etc..) to create an interactive story time. 

We'd love to hear your recommendation for great, portable summer reads!



Wednesday, July 13, 2016

FREE Summer Read Aloud Campaign Book Marks - Spanish

Summer Reading is Simple...15 minutes a day
Read Aloud Campaign
Join the Fun! 


http://www.readaloud.org/downloads/summer2016_bookmark_SP_5_up.jpg

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

FREE Summer Read Aloud Campaign Book Marks!


 
Summer Reading is Simple...15 minutes a day
Read Aloud Campaign
Join the Fun! 


Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Five Reasons to Read Aloud ~ Summer Campaign 2016

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ONE
This is one way to share time together at the end of your day and facilitate communication with each other. Start this while children are young so that as they grow you can expand the topics of discussion according to their developmental needs. 




TWO
Children who are read to on a regular basis are more likely to become early readers.  They may even have a better attention span  when they enter school than non-readers.



THREE
Books give children the opportunity to explore ideas,  places, and concepts that will enhance their understanding or different cultures.



FOUR
Exposure to various styles of writing teaches children that words have a rhythm and cadence that combine to express feelings, ideas, and intentions.  Adding voices to characters and your own interpretation of the text helps your child visualize a story and learn to draw inferences.  You can ask questions as the story progresses such as, "What do you think will happen next?" and "Why do you think the character did that?"


FIVE
Books teach children to search for references outside of their own scope of knowledge.  Selecting a non-fiction book where you also learn new and interesting facts demonstrates how valuable it can be to conduct research.  Children need to observe that even adults enjoy learning and expanding their repertoire of interests.
                          








                                                                                                                                                                  



Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Read Aloud 15 Minutes - Summer Campaign 2016

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13626404_1220297398002681_4895328845282088028_n.jpg?oh=797461fae685ba47c20770b2ef2ddebf&oe=58317FAC 

The following post was originally written 2 years ago for Summer 2014 Campaign.  It's worth repeating.  Hope you enjoy it!





Happy Baby! Happy Summer! Happy Reading!


I am so happy to know that several of my Face Book Friends have recently given birth to new babies to cuddle, love, nurture, and share family traditions. Some are experienced teachers and others come from families where books were a part of their lives.  But even if you were not exposed to literature as a child, you have a perfect opportunity to introduce this wonderful tradition to your babies! 

Books encourage a love for words.  Literature facilitates how we learn new concepts, increases vocabulary, and  exposes us to differing viewpoints.  As a child, reading allowed me to fantasize about travel, relationships, and my future adventures.  I learned about different cultures and value systems outside of my circle of knowledge.  Books helped me grow and explore.

I have fond memories of story times. My parents took turns reading an assortment of Golden Books, Classical Treasures, and an assortment of short stories and poems from the Children's World Book Encyclopedias.  Summer Times were glorious opportunities to check out a tower of books from the library.  I looked forward to my dad's weekly library visits with me and my five siblings.

I devoured all genres and pushed myself to see how many pages I could turn over each day before I had no choice but to close my eyes from exhaustion.  Summer Times were my personal challenge and I could easily deplete my selections for the week in record time.  I took my books in the car, to the park, and while I sat outside basking in the warmth of the Virginia Beach sun. 

Books hold a special place in my heart, so naturally I decided to develop this blog site in an effort to share this love.  I signed on to be a Partner for "Read Aloud 15 Minutes" because I believe this campaign has value.  

I remember taking my daughter to work with me when she was four months old and I had some office work to accomplish.  I placed a blanket on the floor near my desk and put her on her tummy with books fanned out around her.  She loved looking at the books as she practiced lifting her head.  Her smiles and coos indicated that she was captivated by the illustrations.  That was her introduction to books in addition to her nightly story time.  My Administrative Assistant walked in and remarked, "Gee, you're starting early with her." 

Here are a few hard back books to get you started with your baby's "tummy time" on a blanket.  When baby gets fussy, try turning the pages or rearranging the books.  You can add a few soft toys for reaching too.  When you notice baby getting tired or looking away, then it's time to pack up until next time. 

Summer Time is a great time to add books to your baby bag, backpack, or picnic basket.  Books are pretty portable.  Take a couple to baby's doctor's appointments, church, grocery store, or car ride.  Don't be surprise if baby falls asleep with her/his favorite book while seated in baby bouncy chair or car seat.  It can be relaxing!



Happy Baby! Happy Summer! Happy Reading!
Recommendations

Baby's First Animals Book - Hardback - 9781409500001 - Stacey Lamb
Orchard Book of Nursery Rhymes for Your Baby - Hardback - 9781408304587 - Mary Ann Hoberman
Buenas Noches, Bebe! / Good Night, Baby! (Soft-to-Touch Books) (... Cover Art
Este no es mi conejito...
Good Morning Baby: Padded Board Books (Hardcover) ~ Jo Foord (Au... Cover Art
Babies, Babies!
Global Babies/Bebes del Munco
Ok, Ok.  I could go on and on with my favorites.  I'd love to hear your selections so I can feature them here!  Please add your reviews in the comments section of this blog.  Congratulations on the newest addition to your family!  I am so thrilled for you!  Happy Thursday!   (Note for 2016:  Today is Tuesday, so Happy Tuesday!)

Monday, June 27, 2016

Summer Reading Book Recommendations for Expectant Parents



http://www.readaloud.org/downloads/summer2016_umbrella_SP.jpghttp://www.readaloud.org/downloads/summer2016_umbrella.jpg

Reflections Beneath the Poetz Tree
(Parenting Observations, Insights, and Inspirations)
    is a proud outreach partner.  

Baby's Books and Bubbles, Oh, My!  
    is under the RBTPT "umbrella" along with other blog sites.  
We invite you to check them out.


















Summer Time Parenting

Summer offers the perfect opportunity to explore new books, ideas, and surroundings.  The best (and sometimes the most challenging) part of parenting occurs when children "push"  or "nudge" us out of our comfort zone.  Sometimes these moments occur organically when our children show an interest in something new, whether that is an activity or point of view.  Other times, we become inspired by something we read or hear about in our community.  Books offer a way for us to expand our world view, research what our community has to offer, and see life from the perspective of someone besides ourselves.  It is only by opening our eyes to what is happening in our world that we can begin to effectively evaluate, contemplate, and inspire change. 


http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781846432750_p0_v2_s192x300.jpg



Graphic Attributed to:
http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781846432750_p0_v2_s192x300.jpg

This book was listed on Barnes and Noble's site located at:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waiting-for-baby-rachel-fuller/1103440751?ean=9781846432750

You will also find a list of other books that help prepare siblings for the arrival of a new baby in the family.





http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781608683499_p0_v2_s192x300.jpg


Graphic Attributed to:
http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9781608683499_p0_v2_s192x300.jpg

This book was listed on Barnes and Noble's site located at: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-dog-happy-baby-michael-wombacher/1120173568?ean=9781608683499

Michael Wombacher is a dog trainer who has worked with expectant dog owners to prevent problems between dogs and children.  This book illustrates Wombacher's twelve-step process for how to help your dog prepare for baby's arrival.





https://books.google.com/books/content/images/frontcover/f3rEAwAAQBAJ?fife=w300 Graphic Attributed to:
https://books.google.com/books/content/images/frontcover/f3rEAwAAQBAJ?fife=w300

This book was listed on Google Play's site located at:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=f3rEAwAAQBAJ&source=productsearch&utm_source=HA_Desktop_US&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=PLA&pcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1&gl=US&gclid=CJHj3e6RyM0CFUpzMgodvR4Inw&gclsrc=ds

This book illustrates everyone who has kisses for baby.  Labeled with Spanish words to identify family members and how much they love baby.
Available as a Nook Book at:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/besos-for-baby-jen-arena/1118167100?ean=9780316257510




http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9780763673932_p0_v4_s192x300.jpgGraphic Attributed to:
http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9780763673932_p0_v4_s192x300.jpg

This book was listed on Barnes and Noble's site located at:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/las-fresas-son-rojas-petr-horacek/1118328696?ean=9780763673932

This book labels fruits and their bright colors in Spanish.  It is
beautifully illustrated and even shows what happens when some
of the colors are mixed together.  A fun book for Infants and Toddlers.






http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9780763640910_p0_v1_s192x300.jpgGraphic Attributed to: 
http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/9780763640910_p0_v1_s192x300.jpg    

This book was listed on Barnes and Noble's site located at:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/so-much-trish-cooke/1103789125?ean=9780763640910


This book demonstrates the importance of extended family in a child's life when visitors arrive to share fun times and laughter.  Helen Oxenbury's illustrations depict warmth and humor to accompany Trish Cooke's heartwarming story. 







https://www.1dental.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/j0423034.jpgA Place for Infants
by: M.B. Varville-Rodriguez
 
Coming Soon in 2017
A Resource Book for Parents, Infant Teachers,& Program Directors

You are invited to take a peak. Submission Guidelines are available if you have insights, inspirations, and concerns to share.  If your ideas are accepted for publication, you will receive a FREE copy and an additional copy for your program or child care center. 

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Summer Time "Read Aloud" Campaign 2016


Here are a few recommendations for
 Summer Reading 2016















Hi everyone!  Thanks for stopping by to check out the latest post!  I've missed writing here and have been busy working on 2 books.  You are invited to check them out!


1. "Four-Ninety and Holding" (Fiction for adults)
           Excerpts from each of the first 5 Chapters can be viewed 
     
   
2.   "A Place for Infants" (Non-Fiction)  Excerpts from Intro and 
      Chapter One can be viewed at:
    http://aplaceforinfants.blogspot.com/2016/06/a-place-
    for-infant-work-in-progress.html



I absolutely love to do research. Weird, huh?  But I consider this type of research more like a "treasure hunt" for the most amazing, interesting, and easy to access sites.  The best part is sharing what I find with my readers!  Here is a sample of what I found for you today.  Hope you enjoy these treasures and will let me know what you find too.  Happy Summer Time Reading!















Treasure #1"Jump Into A Book"
Multi-Cultural Books
Books that Celebrate Diversity 



Comments from
"Baby's Books and Bubbles, Oh, My!"



This author site is beautifully illustrated, well organized, and easy to access.  There are many book recommendations from this author, who has published children's literature. We highly recommend that you check it out and enjoy Valerie Budayr's collection of stories that you will enjoy as much as your children!  




  
Treasure #2 "Common Sense Media"
"We rate, educate, and advocate for kids, families, and schools"






Comments from
"Baby's Books and Bubbles, Oh, My!"
 
This site provides reviews for movies and books as well as recommendations for books that are perfect selections for summer reading.  There are sections for: Reviews, Family Guides, and Special Needs apps.




I look forward to finding more awesome reading sites for you to help with your Summer Reading   Selections!  "Baby's Books and Bubbles, Oh, My!" (Under the umbrella of "Reflections Beneath the Poetz Tree") is a supporter and community outreach representative for the "Read Aloud" Campaigns throughout the year. You are invited to check out my other blog sites too:




Reflections Beneath the Poetz Tree












The Mother Freakin' (Parent) Hood



Dynamically Balanced Parenting ~ Our Ever Changing Adventures