Storytelling is an important part of children’s play in nature. It is at the core of how they come to understand their outdoor experiences. Listening closely to the stories can reveal much about the child’s awareness, understanding and connection to nature. My favorite picturebook depiction of the child in nature is the classic Wild, Wild… Read More
“One World, Many Voices: Living Montessori’s Legacy” , Edison, New Jersey… Read More
“The read aloud is an absolutely magical and profound tool for inspiring, motivating and engaging readers of all ages.” – Pam Allyn, Founder, Lit World Wednesday, February 24, is World Read Aloud Day – an annual awareness day for literacy that brings global attention to the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories. It is… Read More
The lists of read-aloud suggestions found on this website include many nature titles that can be described best as creative nonfiction. What is it? In a nutshell, creative nonfiction employs the literary techniques of fiction; creative structure, art and design; and the facts. The facts are “dressed” in an engaging writing style and/or creative visuals… Read More
I’ve always found a certain therapy in reading to children – just break open a good book, read aloud and watch the world’s ugliness melt away – at least for a few minutes. So I thought I might begin the new year with a book recommendation to counter the ugly intolerance that is so much… Read More
As a picture book lover of the genus hoarder, I advocate for classroom read alouds by finding curricular tie-ins to make reading authentic children’s literature an everyday part of the Montessori experience; but, honestly, some picture books are so fantastic (or in this case, magnificent), they secure their place in the classroom, no strings attached.… Read More
Just as the picture book narrative offers a meaningful context for learning language concepts, structures and vocabulary; so, also, picture book art can provide a rich teaching tool for presenting the basic elements of art – line, shape, form, color and texture. Picture book illustrations are often the child’s first exposure to art. Since story… Read More
Do Unto Animals: A Friendly Guide to How Animals Live, and How We Can Make Their Lives Better by Tracey Stewart (Author), Lisel Ashlock (Illustrator) Publisher: Artisan (October 20, 2015) Short Description: The more we know about the animals in our world and the better we care for them, the better our lives will be.… Read More
Reading Picture Books with Children: How to Shake Up Storytime and Get Kids Talking about What They See by Megan Dowd Lambert (Author), Chris Raschka (Foreword), Laura Vaccaro Seeger (Contributor) Publisher: Charlesbridge (November 3, 2015) Short Description: The Whole Book Approach is an interactive approach to storytime that was developed in conjunction with the Eric… Read More
“Oral and Written Pathways to Self-Expression” Columbia, Maryland… Read More