Ladybug On the Move: Extension Activities

Today I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Swap. You’ll find me posting over at Bringing the Sunshine about an art project you can play with inspired by Good Dog, Carl, and I’m excited to welcome Kris from Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers to wise owl baby:

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a good book with a child. That enjoyment can be made even more special with extension activities that help the story come to life for him or her.

One of my kids’ all-time favorite books (and mine, too!) is Ladybug on the Move, by Richard Fowler. We discovered this gem during our local library’s story time when my oldest (now almost 17) was a preschooler.

Part of the fun of this visually-appealing book is the die-cut ladybug that is included. She comes out of her little clear pocket on the front cover so that she can take the journey in and through – literally – the pages of the book with the reader.

Ladybugs – and insects, in general – are such a high-interest topic with kids that it’s easy to come up with lots of fun related activities to move the story off the pages of the book. First, explore facts about real-life ladybugs with your child using a book such as Are You a Ladybug, by Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries (the whole Backyard Books series is incredibly well-done).

Enjoy some fun and tasty ladybug snacks together, such as:

·         Ladybug cupcakes

·         Ladybugs on a stick

·         Apple ladybug snacks

Enjoy making ladybug-themed crafts:

·         Variety of ladybug craft ideas

·         Adorable ladybug rock (be sure to scroll down to look at the ladybug salad idea)

·         Ladybug paper plate puppet

·         Ladybug (or insect) sensory box (this links includes lots of other great ladybug-themed ideas)

You can even order live ladybugs to observe for a little while or catch your own and observe them in a ladybug habitat.

Have you done any fun ladybug crafts or enjoyed any unique ladybug snacks lately? Do you have any great resources for more ladybug extension activities?

Visit Life Your Way to see all of the Ultimate Blog Swap participants!

7 Books to Give a One-Year-Old

What do you give a one-year-old on her or his birthday? A book, of course!
These seven books are bound to become favorites for any tiny tot. They're just right for short attention spans and budding senses of humor, and they have room to grow with the lucky little sophomore.

We're Going On A Bear Hunt written by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury. This book can be read or sung; Oxenbury's timeless charm illustrating the delightful lyrics are a shot of sunshine.

Belly Button Book! by Sandra Boynton. One-year-olds often get excited about identifying a few body parts, and what's cuter than a toddler's belly button? Boynton is (always) hilarious, and the words transition well into play.

Yummy Yucky by Leslie Patricelli. As one-year-old diets (hopefully) expand, and mouthing (if you're lucky) begins to be the less-frequent form of object study, this book is a fun way to identify what's good to eat, and what to keep out of that curious mouth.

Is Your Mama a Llama? written by Deborah Guarino, illustrated by Steven Kellogg. This classic book explores animal mamas. One-year-olds are often just starting to look beyond their nucleus at the world, and this book reinforces categorization skills in a heartwarming, animal-focused form.

 

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell. Doesn't it seem that going to the zoo is a rite of passage for the under-twos? There are zillions of zoo books, but this is an award-winning lift-the-flap book that will be reached for over and over again.

In the Town by Roger Priddy. Lift-the-flap books are exciting to one-year-olds practicing their fine motor skills. One-year-olds are busy building associations all day (and night), but this bright, real-world shadow book (or any of the others in the series) won't feel like work to anyone.

Sergio Makes a Splash! by Edel Rodriguez. All the exploration in the big, wide world can start to give famously bold one-year-olds a few fears. Sergio, an Argentinian penguin, is an endearing example of how to overcome fears and enjoy life, in cheerful, popping illustrations.

In case you missed it:
7+ books to give at a baby shower (or anytime!)

For All Babies and the People Who Love Them

I have a mild obsession with hearing birth and adoption stories. I read stories on blogs, I ask my friends for the long version and how they felt, and I reminisce about the ups and downs, the terror and gratitude and peace I felt when my own daughter joined my family. My two favorite picture book stories of family growth are:

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose Lewis, illustrated by Jane Dyer. Lewis says it best (on her website), "I received so many heartfelt letters from all kinds of families who understood '...Crazy Cakes' was not just a story about adoption, but about falling in love with a child no matter how he or she comes to be part of your family."

On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman. The illustrations are fascinating, and the poem celebrates the entrance of a soul into a world with a grace that makes anyone tear up.

When I read or hear family growth stories, I imagine that visceral and spiritual moment when a mother or father feels, 

I will love you always. I will protect you, and teach you, and delight you, and I will send you out into world with all my love and worry pinned to you.

Not every family's story is happy, and no family says it is easy. Sometimes, a baby comes to the world with challenges, or leaves the world far too soon. A baby needs parents who will love always, but a baby also needs people who pass in and out to give a moment of health, or happiness, or comfort.

In honor of your baby, your mother, your father, and the people who have lifted your burdens, lift the burdens of babies born sick, or too soon, by donating to March of Dimes. I am a volunteer for March of Dimes: March for Babies because the research and work they fund makes a real and tangible difference to the half million babies born prematurely each year, and allows for all babies to have the best chance to go home healthy.

Happy Mother's Day! Thank you.

Living in a Picture Book

My mom was telling me about a book she read as a child, in which she pictured herself living. She can't remember the name of the book, but she remembers feeling right at home in that fantasy.

Have you ever imagined yourself living in a picture book? 

1. Angelina Ballerina (toy house) [illustrated by Helen Craig, written by Katharine Holabird]

2. Cat in the Hat crashes that house [by Dr. Seuss]

3. Peter Rabbit's tree burrow [based on original by Beatrix Potter]

4. Fancy Nancy house [illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, written by Robin Preiss Glasser]

5. Curious George's urban balcony (picture from the TV show) [PBS show based on books by H.A. and Margaret Rey]

I'm partial to Curious George's lifestyle--an apartment in the city and a monthly weekend stay in the country.

Do you live in any spaces inspired by book illustrators or authors? I'd love to take a peek!

3 Gifts to Thank Teachers

Happy May Day!

I love May! It is full of fun holidays: May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, loads of birthdays, and Memorial Day. 

And a week from today (May 8th) is National Teacher's Day--did you know? I picked a few gifts especially for your favorite teachers:

 

Teacher Vintage Dictionary Pendant Necklace by kraftykash 
The New Yorker Book of Teacher Cartoons
a book for the classroom, such as Blue Chameleon by Emily Gravett
 
 
Who are your favorite teachers? And why?