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
Our Farm – By the Animals of Farm Sanctuary Author: Maya Gottfried Illustrator: Robert Rahway Zakanitch Short Description: Inspired by and about the non-human residents of Farm Sanctuary – a national animal rescue and advocacy organization Genre: Children’s book of illustrated poetry Published: February 9, 2010; Knopf I am very pleased to make “Our Farm… Read More
“Pathways to a Peaceful School”, White Plains, NY… Read More
2015 Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA… Read More