I Like Picture Books and I Cannot Lie

One of the things I miss most about teaching my own class is reading aloud to kids. It would be fascinating to know the actual amount of hours I have read books aloud in my entire teaching career. When I was pregnant, my own personal children got to hear my voice ALL.DAY.LONG. as I read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, and The Magic Hat by Mem Fox.

The rhythm, cadence, and magic we find in picture books does so many great things for children. Reading aloud models fluent, passionate reading, it builds classroom community, it provides children with mentor texts they can emulate in their own writing, and it builds context for the rigorous content and complex social situations that kids must tackle on a daily basis.

Who was Sojourner Truth and why does she matter? 

Let's read a book about her.

Why do I need to understand probability? 

Let's read a book about it.

What is the effect of sunlight on plants?

Let's read a book about it.

How can a poem and a caring teacher change a student forever?

Let's read a book about it.

I've tried to be sneaky and get into classrooms as much as I can to read to kids. Readingrockets.org is a great website with lots of information for parents and teachers about the power of reading. Regarding read alouds, it says, "Reading aloud is one of the most important things parents and teachers can do with children. Reading aloud builds many important foundational skills, introduces vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading, and helps children recognize what reading for pleasure is all about." 

Isn't reading for pleasure really what it's all about?

For more information on the magic of reading aloud to children, check out the Ten Read-Aloud Commandments by Mem Fox. She's my literacy idol, introducing me to Radical Reflections, Tough Boris, Where is the Green Sheep, Reading Magic, and countless others that my kids have heard over and over and over.

Have you read to a child today?

Magical reads...

                    

Target Vinyl Wall Decals

Yesterday I was alone at Target. Alone. I may or may not have stayed for 2 hours. It’s not really relevant. Anyway, I was strolling through the aisles (did I mention my kids weren’t with me?) and I ended up on the hardware aisle, with Goo Gone, drawer pulls, and painter’s tape (which they now make in zebra print, if you ever need some- you’re welcome). I came across these pretties:

Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear vinyl wall decals

Dr. Seuss decals

How fun! I have the Seuss bulletin board set, but the decals would probably work on our red cabinets. I switched to Dr. Seuss décor last year, and I can’t really justify changing just yet, so I may have to add these to my wishlist! Any new Target finds I need to know about?