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Preschool Dance Party Lesson Plan With Book, Music, and Craft Ideas
This easy-to-use dance party lesson plan for toddlers or preschoolers includes a children's book reading list and several music, movement, and craft ideas, with links to music videos, to make lesson planning a snap.
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14 Must-Read Children's Books for Black History Month
These 14 inspiring children's books for Black History Month feature black characters, real and fictional. You will find dreamers who reach for the stars, poets who speak of hope for the future, and real heroes facing racism and doing hard things.
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16 Children's Picture Books About Dogs for Preschoolers
Children's picture books for dog lovers abound. My not so short list of recommendations includes classic titles and some new modern favorites. You can present these during a preschool story hour or read with children at bedtime!
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The Power of Un by Nancy Etchemendy Book Summary and Review
Nancy Etchemendy writes a compelling drama about the power of sibling love that is realized only in the face of deep tragedy. Only Gib is given an amazing gift--the ability to set straight his youthful failure to take responsibility and undo the biggest mistake of his life. This science fiction...
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Brain Tumor: What to Expect During an Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
After being diagnosed with an unusually large acoustic neuroma, a brain tumor on the auditory nerve, my husband was scheduled for a 14-hour surgery to remove the tumor. This is part three of a series.
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Our Brain Tumor Experience: Diagnosed With an Acoustic Neuroma (Part 1)
Our world was turned upside down when my husband learned that his MRI showed he had a golf-ball sized brain tumor behind his left ear, resting on his brain stem. This brain tumor, commonly known as an acoustic neuroma, turned his life upside down. This is our story of brain surgery and recovery.
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12 Children's Picture Books About Dads for Father's Day
Books about dear old dad are a staple for a Father's Day-themed library storytime or preschool circle time. This selection includes humorous, endearing, and even sentimental titles but they all celebrate fatherhood.
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12 Best Mothers and Mother's Day-Themed Picture Books
My selection of children's picture books about mothers and Mother's Day. Plenty of hugs and kisses in these selections!
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17 Children's Picture Books for Valentines Day: Love, Friendship, and Everything Else
These 17 Valentine's Day-themed children's picture books include stories about love, friendship, and even revenge and reconciliation. The list is geared to preschoolers and early-elementary school ages and could be used at home, school, or for planning a library storytime.
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Being Green: Preschool Books About Earth Day, Environmentalism, and Recycling
Children's books for Earth Day spread the message of preservation and environmentalism in lots of different ways. My list of Earth Day Selections include several that are appropriate for early elementary ages.
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13 Children's Picture Books for April Fool's Day Storytime
Are you looking for children's picture books to read to preschoolers and elementary grades on April Fool's Day? This reading list features tricksters, practical jokes, and general zaniness for fun and laughter.
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Best Children's Picture Books About Trees for Arbor Day and Earth Day
Arbor Day and Earth Day are two holidays in April with a focus on trees, conservation, and caring for the Earth. This list of recommended fiction and nonfiction children's picture books will help supplement your library story hour or preschool circle time with a STEAM focus for the spring.
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23 Read Aloud Preschool Books about Thanksgiving, Turkeys and Gratitude
This curated list of Thanksgiving holiday stories includes a variety of light-hearted turkey tales and more serious books about gratitude and being thankful. Check it out if you're working on preschool or homeschool curriculum planning, or pulling together a fun library story hour.
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23 Children's Picture Books About Frogs and Toads
This children's picture book list includes some delightful fantasy fiction, fairy tales, and science-filled nonfiction books, all about frogs! This book list is a appropriate for Pre-K and elementary school teachers, library storytime, or reading at home.
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Children's Picture Books about Mittens for Story Hour, Preschool Circle Time, or Anytime
These recommended children's picture books all include mittens as a main part of the story. Pick from a Ukranian folk tale, a story of generous secret giving, or a some zany fun with missing mittens. Try out the mitten-themed preschool activities too.
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Children's Picture Books About Baking, Gingerbread and Cookies
During the winter season, a favorite traditional activity is making and eating gingerbread. Use these gingerbread-themed children's picture books to launch a special holiday storytime with some cookie decorating on the side.
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Veronica on Petunia's Farm by Roger Duvoisin: A Book About Bullying
Veronica on Petunia's Farm is an unusual farmyard tale that features the usual farm animals, and a sweet, friendly hippo named Veronica. Use this book in your bullying prevention curriculum.
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Fisher Price Imaginext Sky Racers Airplane Toy Review
Fisher Price Imaginext Sky Racers toys are an durable, well-designed, and don't forget imagination-provoking toy that won't bust the budget. In this review I share my experience purchasing this toy.
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Patchwork History Quilt Tells Family Stories
Heirloom family history quilts are part of my family's tradition. Some suggestions for you to get started on a family history quilt and some show and tell from my family's collection.
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12 Best Children's Book Authors of All Time
This list of top children's authors will give you and your favorite young readers hours of exploring to do! You'll find Eric Carle, Kevin Henkes, Ezra Jack Keats, Gyo Fujikawa, Lois Ehlert, Sandra Boynton, Karma Wilson, and others.
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Children's Picture Books About Monsters for Preschool and Early Elementary Ages
This list of recommended children's picture books featuring monsters will be fun, but not too scary for the preschool and early-elementary aged-readers in your life. Use this themed list for preschool and library storytime planning.
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12 Halloween Picture Books That Are Just a Little Spooky
Halloween-themed children's picture books can help preschoolers prepare for the spooky side of Halloween with plenty of humor. Books about ghosts, witches, bats, kids in costume, and facing fears make up this reading list.
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Pumpkin-Themed Preschool Books With Activity Ideas for School or Home
Pumpkin-themed reading list for your preschool circle time, library storytime, or anytime! Includes fiction, nonfiction, and a few Halloween selections.
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Six Simple Household Skills That Can Save You Big Money
These simple household tasks anyone can learn can save you tons of money every month, and occasionally save on high-cost repairs.
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Snowman and Snow Play Preschool Books and Enrichment Activities
This snow-themed preschool curriculum plan includes recommended children's books, a guided movement activity, and art ideas.
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The Ladybug Game: Preschool Board Game Review
The Ladybug Game by Zobmondo is an excellent choice for preschool girls and boys. The game is easy and fun, and even educational. This is my favorite birthday gift to keep in stock for preschoolers.
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Best Songs and Music for Library Storytime Programs
Looking for the perfect songs to include in a preschool story hour or circle time? These fun, educational songs are readily available and pair well with reading children's books in an educational setting. Read on for some of my favorite songs by performers and from the tradition of children's music.
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Are You New to Band? These are the Accessories You Need for a New or Used Clarinet
A beginning clarinet student needs the right accessories to have a successful experience. Here's what you'll need to keep your new or gently used clarinet in tip-top shape.
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Employee Benefits in Your Total Compensation Package: What You Need to Know
Benefits and incentives offered by an employer can have a significant impact on an employee's overall earnings and financial goals, including 401K, group health coverage, life insurance, stock awards, moving benefits, defined benefit plans, and quality of life benefits.
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Investing and Kids: 33 Kid-Friendly Companies to Study in a Stock Market Portfolio Simulation
Teaching kids about the stock market can be enjoyable and relevant when you follow kid-friendly companies that sell well-known consumer goods and products during a stock market simulation experiment. Corporations that appeal to teens will liven up middle school and high school economics.
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31 Funniest White Elephant Gift Ideas Ever
31 humorous, wacky, surprising, and just plain silly gift ideas to bring to your next white elephant gift exchange.
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The Greatest Gift: The Story of the Other Wise Man Christmas Picture Book
Jewel-toned illustrations by Jackie Morris make Susan Summers' children's picture book adaptation of Henry Van Dyke's classic story "The Story of the Other Wise Man" a special selection for Christmas reading that will become a treasured keepsake.
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The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner: The American West Meets the Twentieth Century
A story summary and book review of the The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner. This novel follows the tragic life and misadventures of Bo Mason, a fortune seeker, dreamer, and abusive husband and father.
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English Dialects: Tricky Pronunciations and How They Know You're Not a Local
English usage may seem like a dry topic but it not only identifies the locals from tourists, it sometimes catches criminals!
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Time to Push, Is There a Doctor In the House? No, Just Wait a Minute...
This story of the birth of my fourth child is a continuation of crazy humor inspired by a life that sounds too weird to be real, but it is!
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Walter the Farting Dog Book: It's a Gas
Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray caused a sensation when this book was first published in 2001. But this book about a farting dog has sold over 1 million copies. Is Walter the Farting Dog really a rip roaring good read?
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Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, a Moving Novel for Teens About Grief
This Newberry award-winning work of fiction is written in a haunting free-verse style. The story of Billy Jo Kelby, a depression-era teen whose tragic experience of loss in the dust bowl gives way to hope that can only come from enduring and surviving insurmountable challenges.
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Attractions for Families in the City of Surprise, Arizona
If you are considering a visit to Arizona, consider putting Surprise on your itinerary. This city has a host of recreational opportunities and upscale comforts and reasonable prices.
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14 Favorite Picture Books for the Christmas Holiday Season
These Christmas-themed children's picture books focus on the peace, love, joy, generosity, family, and community of Christmas.
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I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll and Howard McWilliam
Ethan has a love-hate relationship with the monster under his bed: he loves it when the monster scares him, and he hates it when his monster takes time off and goes on vacation. This scary fairy tale is an enjoyable choice for Halloween season.
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Hello Iowa! My First Impression of My New Midwest Home
First impressions of our fair state, Iowa, also known as the Land of Tractors. Hamburger with a spoon, anyone? Tractor brand loyalty? Quarters required to rent a grocery cart? REALLY NICE PEOPLE? What the heck! Hey this is a humor piece. At least I think it's funny.
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Essay: Happy Trails to You, Arizona
A wistful goodbye to the unique Arizona landscape that fueled my love of the American West for almost 10 years. Happy Trails to Arizona! I wrote this shortly after giving birth to my fourth child and hopping in the car for the long drive to Iowa.
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"The Gingerbread Cowboy" by Janet Squires: Summary and Companion Books
Janet Squires and Holly Berry put a bit of Southwestern flair into the traditional story of the gingerbread man, which spices up preschool and storytime reading.
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It's Pumpkin Time Children's Book Review and Pumpkin STEAM Activities
It's Pumpkin Time! and everything that goes with it, from growing in the garden to harvest celebrations, and even a little bit of Halloween. Read this book as part of an October story hour or preschool circle time, then try some of the pumpkin-themed activities on your own.
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Children's Books About Quilts and Quilting
Children's picture books featuring quilts capture the essence of home, heritage, family, and community. There is nothing quite like the heart-warming story featuring a quilter who lovingly passes the tradition to a younger generation. The children's books recommended in this article feature stories...
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13 Money Saving Tips for Buying Baby Gear on a Budget
You can find inexpensive newborn baby clothing on a tight budget if you know where to look. Here are thirteen tips and strategies for saving money now on new and used baby stuff, and saving money later when your family grows.
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Christmas Children's Book: "An Orange for Frankie" by Patricia Polacco
"An Orange for Frankie" by Patricia Polacco is a children's Christmas story inspired by Polacco's family history. Read my review and recommended companion stories.
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The Gift of the Christmas Cookie by Dandi Daley Mackall, a Christmas Story About the Magic of Giving
This picture book for children and readers of all ages contains a message of sacrifice for self. Use this book set in the Great Depression to combine family cookie baking traditions with a touching realistic Christmas holiday story.
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31 Children's Picture Books for March
This article includes a list of children's picture books arranged thematically for parents, teachers, and librarians. March storytime theme recommendations include Dr. Seuss, frogs and art themes.
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3 House Hunting Strategies When Moving to a New City
The fateful day has finally arrived! After a search that seemed to take forever, you've got a written, signed, and dated job offer from your new employer. Now you need to plan the move, rent or buy a home, and choose a school!
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Ladybug Girl by David Soman and Jacky Davis Children's Book Review
Mimi is Ladybug Girl, and with her favorite ladybug costume and a large dose of curiosity, she explores the world of her back yard when her older brother won't play with her. This book gives us a glimpse of a child on a journey of discovery. Read my review to discover why this is a children's...
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Kids and Money: A Chair for My Mother Story Summary and Book Review
A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams is the story of a resourceful girl named Rosa who saves up her money and buys her mother a very special chair after their family loses everything in a house fire. Related books and links to teacher resources are included with my review and summary.
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34 Children's Picture Books for April: Arbor Day, Astronauts, and Earth Day
April children's book selections for storytime or anytime include topics on Arbor Day and trees, ecology fiction and nonfiction to celebrate Earth Day, and an astronaut theme for the International Day of Human Space Flight.
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Out of the Ocean by Debra Frasier: Children's Book Summary and Review
Debra Frasier’s children’s book Out of the Ocean transports the reader right to the sunny beaches of Eastern Florida for a beachcombing expedition filled with wonder.
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27 Children's Picture Books for May: Flowers, Babies, Teachers Themes
During the month of May, the world outside is growing, blooming, and changing. This curated list of children's picture books you can use in a library storytime or preschool setting includes a mix of vintage and modern books about flowers, new babies, and teachers.
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Children's Picture Books and Preschool Storytime Themes for July
These reading lists feature engaging read-aloud children's books about adventures in the dark for late-evening summertime play, and I Can Do It Myself and Potty Time themes. Use these lists for reading aloud to your children, or preschool circle time or library story hour.
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The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy Book Summary and Review
The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy and Jerry Pinkney is a children's book worth picking up. A 1986 winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award in the illustrtor category, this book has both a charming, realistic story and pictures that evoke family togetherness.
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32 June and Summer-Themed Children's Picture Books for Preschool Storytime
June's recommended storytime ideas are all about summertime fun, bringing vacations to the beach, ocean animals, and trips to the zoo. Over 30 children's picture books will get you started on your summertime story reading.
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Mister Seahorse by Eric Carle Delightful Children's Book Summary and Review
Mister Seahorse tells of a male seahorse's journey through the ocean as he carries his young babies' eggs in a pouch on his stomach and eventually hatches the newborn young. Read my review to learn how Eric Carle's artwork steals the show in this picture book.
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You Might Live in Arizona If
You Might Live In Arizona If... Arizona is a pretty unique place, and especially in Phoenix, at the heart of central Arizona's Sonoran Desert, it gets pretty hot. But it's a dry heat!
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Board Games and Card Games that Help Children Develop Early Math Skills
Playing board games helps children to develop their evolving numeracy skills like counting, sequencing, adding and subtracting, estimation, prediciton, and pattern recognition. Play these games with your kids and help them to develop the mental schema they need to succeed in math and in life.
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Children's Book Classics: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle is one an all-time favorite children's book with predictable text that is great for toddlers and preschoolers. Read my review to learn why this book is more than just another animal naming book.
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Folk of the Fringe by Orson Scott Card Review
Folk of the Fringe by Orson Scott Card is a collection of short science fiction stories set in a post-apocalyptic world where Mormons take care of each other and everyone else. Card plays with various meanings of fringe.
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Children's Picture Books for September: Grandparents, Farm Animals, and Love the Library Themes
Looking for the perfect children's books for preschool or library story hour in September? Grandparents Day, Farm Animals, and books about Reading and Libraries for International Children's Literacy Day and Read a New Book Month are included in this list of children's picture books!
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Stocks 101: What Is a Dividend Reinvestment Plan or Drip?
Dividend Reinvestment Programs (or DRIPS) can turn your stock portfolio into a source of passive income, while saving you money on costly trading transaction fees. Slow and steady, DRIPS use the power of compound interest to grow an initial investment into a money-making machine.
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Stupid Motorists Beware: Gully Washers and Upside-Down Rivers
What happens when more rain falls in one week in Arizona than they usually get in a year? This photo essay shows the flooding that resulted from our torrential downpour in Arizona that caused the Governor to issue a state of emergency. If you've never seen a gully washer, this is what it looks like.
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Do You Trust Retirement Calculators?
What if retirement calculators were measured by boxes of macaroni and cheese? Would they be more realistic than the conflicting ones from more traditional financial planning sites?
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29 Children's Books for February: Pizza, "Love the Bus", Belly Button and Pet Themes
Children's books for preschoolers and elementary students you can use for your February story hour. Topics include belly button books, pizza, and love the bus. There's a mix of books for different ages in this article.
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31 Children's Picture Books for January with Storytime Themes: Lunar New Year, Soup, Bears, Quilts
This curated list of preschool storytime themes for January includes some wonderful books to dispel the mid-winter blahs! Children's picture books arranged thematically to help parents, teachers and librarians with their lesson planning includes Lunar New Year, quilts, bears, and soup themes.
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Kids and Money: Skittles Investment Risk Game to Teach Kids Risks Versus Rewards
Looking for a fun way to teach kids or teens about the concept of investment risk? This game teaches the correlation of risk to return using candies such as Skittles in an easy-to-learn dice game.
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Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann is a proven resource for teaching children to read. This book teaches phonics, decoding, and comprehension skills using the SRA DISTAR method. This book has an astonishing success rate.
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King of Kings by Susan Hill: The Best Christmas Book You've Probably Never Seen
A widower and his adorable dog Jacko find respite from loneliness when they rescue an abandoned infant on Christmas Eve. This heart-tugging children's picture book by Susan Hill and John Lawrence is the best Christmas picture book you've never heard of. Story summary and book review included.
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Why Hope Matters, An Essay About the Power of Believing in a Better, Brighter Future
Can we realistically expect a hopeful future in a world saturated with darkness? Yes!
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Our Experience Using Pediatric Sedation Dentistry With a High Anxiety Child
My daughter's extreme fear of the dentist began with an adverse reaction to novacaine. Eventually we landed with a pediatric dentist, where she was treated using sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry helped our high anxiety child get the treatment she needed when all else failed.
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Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons Children's Book Review
The family-friendly setting for this book about universal family values is packaged in a beautifully-illustrated picture story filled with realistic homey images and some fantasy elements.
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Ode to Toddlers: A Poem About Life With the Terrible Twos
Each time a new child hits the full-bore toddler stage, I stand back and marvel. Being the parent of a toddler can be exasperating and entertaining. Fortunately it's the third time around, and I know how to lock the bathroom door.
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Choosing a User Name and Profile on HubPages
Welcome to HubPages! If you are new to this wonderful online community of writers, you may want to read these suggestions before you set up your account. When you set up your account, you will need to choose a permanent profile name. This profile name is your window to the world, so choose it...
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Fisher Price Little People Nativity Set
The Fisher Price Nativity combines the long-standing popularity of Fisher Price Little People toys with a Christmas nativity. This durable set is made for little hands to hold.
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How to Make Quick and Easy Chicken Soup from Scratch: Cheater's Version
This cheater's guide to making chicken soup from scratch uses canned broth and leftover rotisserie chicken for a fast homemade feast when you just don't have time to go all in.
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How to Write a Readable Online Article
Some writing and formatting tips to help you help your readers get to the key points in your hub easily. This article shares some secrets about adult readers in our fast-paced and information rich world.
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The Red Shoes by Gloria Fowler: Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tale With a Modern Twist
The Red Shoes by Gloria Fowler and Sun Yung Yoo is a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's lesser-known fairy tale, with exquisitely detailed black and white artwork, an engaging art book for kids.
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22 Children's Picture Books for Winter Holiday Storytime
These winter book selections will make your December story hour planning a snap! Motifs include snowmen, mittens, playing in the snow, and gingerbread.
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The Door of Opportunity Is Open, but We Have to Knock
Zig Ziglar made life-changing impact on me when I put to test his ideas of dreaming, believing, and acting. At a key moment in my life, I had to take a leap of faith. This essay is a reflection on the importance of trying, and I share my story with profound gratitude.
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About Art Textiles and the Navajo Weavers Who Make Them in the Twenty First Century
I met her at the Arizona home of a wealthy Navajo "rug" dealer. During our awkward conversation I came face to face with my preconceptions and idealizations, and learned a thing or two about the challenges facing Native American artists.
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Best Clarinets for Beginners: Tips for Buying a New or Used Clarinet
This article offers advice for parents of beginning band students to find a great clarinet at the right price. What distinguishes a quality instrument from a beginner piece? Read on to find out.
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Abilene Cooper Texas High School Marching Band Memories
I was one of 460 kids in my West Texas high school marching band. Yep, you read that correctly. 460 kids. At Cooper High School in Abilene Texas, being a band nerd was not only acceptable, but popular.
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"Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes: A Kids' Book About Bullying
"Chrysanthemum" by Kevin Henkes is a children's picture book about bullying. Explore the story's themes and get discussion questions for your anti-bullying curriculum.
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28 Children's Books for August: First Day of School, Dogs, and Hands and Feet Themes
This themed list of children's picture books for August includes books for a first day of school theme, dog-theme picture books to celebrate National Dog Day, and a fun theme just for younger preschoolers and toddlers about hands and feet that focuses on body awareness.
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The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell, Christmas Story
The Littlest Angel by Charles Tazewell has been in publication continuously for over 75 years, making it one of the most well-known Christmas stories ever published. First published in 1946, it is the story of a young child who struggles to belong...in heaven!
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Easy Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe Using Compact Bosch Mixer
Want to make your own homemade pizza using your stand mixer? Here's my pizza-making technique with tips and tricks and recipes for pizza results that even your foodie friends will envy!
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Children's Christmas Books: "The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado
A review of "The Crippled Lamb" by Max Lucado and Liz Bonham, a children's book with a unique fictional story about the nativity. Add this touching Christmas picture book to your collection.
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Daughter of a King by Rachel Ann Nunes Story Summary and Book Review
Rachel Ann Nunes affirms a young girl's true worth in this luminously illustrated coffee table book with gilded pages. The hopeful Christian message of a girl's value in God's eyes makes it a great gift for young women, as this book is written for teens, not young children.
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Recommended Books for Preschoolers: Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
The latest installment of Anna Dewdney's popular Llama Llama series of books tells the story of little Llama's first day at preschool.
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Should the Children's Book "Tikki Tikki Tembo" Be Taught in Classrooms?
"Tikki Tikki Tembo" by Arlene Mosel is a classic children's book that is the subject of some controversy. This article offers recommendations for using it in your classroom.
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Souperchicken by Mary Jane and Herm Auch: A Children's Book that Promotes Reading
Reading saves the day for some unwitting farm animals in this tale about a plucky chicken named Henrietta. Henrietta loved to read, and her reading abilities really do save the day when the chickens' vacation turns into a trip to the soup factory! Will Henrietta save the day before all of her...
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What is a Cowboy? 10 Types of Cowboys
Cowboys come in many different varieties. The working cowboy and the urban cowboy are worlds apart, with many other flavors in between. Historic photos and artwork depicting cowboys break all the stereotypes and may just blow your mind!
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De-stress Your Holiday Celebration: 15 Simple Ways to Celebrate
Sometimes a simpler, more mindful holiday season is forced by budget, stress, busyness, or grief. Here are some ideas to get you started celebrating the holiday season without a high emotional or monetary cost.
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An Introduction to Collecting Antique Saloon Tokens
An introduction to a fascinating hobby for American Western history enthusiasts or for specialty coin collectors. Saloon tokens, also known as good fors and trade tokens are popularly traded in token collecting and token societies.
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Is Jerome Really Haunted: An Old West Mining Town in Central Arizona
Add some excitement to your Jerome Arizona vacation at this well-preserved historic mining town and ghost town north of Prescott AZ on highway 89 with a small population of resident artists. Besides being perched high on a mountain on the westernmost end of the beautiful Verde Valley, some folks...
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Jerome Arizona Ruins: Tuzigoot National Monument
Tuzigoot National Monument is one of several ruins of the Sinaguan Indian culture in North Central Arizona south of the Grand Canyon.
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Whittling a Walking Stick with an Ol' Timer
High up in the hills of the blue mountains yonder lives an ol' timer by the name of "Toothless Jake" Goldbug. He's a bit of a hermit, and hard to track down, but I was fortunate enough to find him hard at work whittling.
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Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett Summary and Review
This children's book title by the author of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is a raucously funny work of visual humor. Read my review and pair with some similar titles for a fun storytime.
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How to Make Medieval Chain Mail at Home
My husband's hobby is inspired by his love of medieval arms and armor. His quest is to make a hauberk, or chain mail suit, entirely from coat hangers. It is the ultimate in extreme knitting, and a great use for all of those metal coat hangers.
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The Awakening by Kate Chopin: A Sensual and Intellectual Feast and Early Feminist Novel
In The Awakening, Kate Chopin accomplishes complex characterization, a page-turning plot, and a rich sense of place in just a few hundred pages. The novel's portrayal of a 19th century woman's struggle to honor, question, and finally defy society's expectations of womanhood has an ambivalent tone.
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Early Learning: Construction Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers
If play is the work of children, construction toys are unparalleled for their play value. You might call them the ultimate educational toy. Read on to learn more about the different types of construction toys available for toddlers and preschoolers.
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Babies by Gyo Fujikawa Children's Book Summary and Review
Babies by pioneering children's book illustrator, Gyo Fujikawa is a simple, yet elegant early board book that should be on every young child's shelf. Set firmly in the arena of children's classics, this book shows the joy of having a baby around.
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What to Expect When Buying a Bank-Owned Foreclosure Property
Are you about to buy a bank-owned foreclosure property? Learn from our personal experience buying a bank-owned REO home. Here are some additional expenses that can bust your budget or even break the deal.
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The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone Review and Pre-K Lesson Suggestions
The Gingerbread Boy by Paul Galdone is a traditional telling of the classic gingerbread man fairy tale. This article includes a review of the book, a list of Galdone's other books, gingerbread-themed songs and action rhymes, and books that would pair well with this title.
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ImagiNext Spike the UltraDinosaur Toy Review
The designers of the Fisher Price ImagiNext line of toys has pulled out all the stops with Spike the Ultradinosaur, a unique robotic toy designed for preschoolers and their jealous older siblings.
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Using Music for Circle Time and Library Story Hour With Toddlers and Preschoolers
Music is a valuable tool for teaching toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten students, with proven benefits. This article offers tips and advice for integrating music and simple preschool-friendly musical instruments into pre-k teaching and library story hour.
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Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Preschool Music and Movement Story
Making sound effects during a story hour presentation having children join in to make these sound effects is a wonderful way to get children participating. Here is a sample participatory story you can tell that explains why Goldilocks entered the three bears' cottage.
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Christmas Inspiration: White Felt Stockings for Everyone
My grandmother has spent over 60 years making personalized, hand-appliqued felt Christmas stockings for others. This is her story, I hope you will find it as inspiring as I do.
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"The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats Book Review and Pre-K Lesson Plan
"The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats is a Caldecott-medal-winning book about playing in the snow. The lesson plan includes snow-themed songs, a "take a walk in the snow" movement activity, and additional children's picture books to read.
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"Too Many Pumpkins" by Linda White Summary and Pre-K Lesson
Many Pumpkins by Linda White is a delightful children's picture book that deals with realistic themes in a fairy-tale like fashion. Rebecca Estelle doesn't like pumpkins but some are growing in her garden against her will.
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Bosch 400-Watt Compact Mixer Product Review
The Bosch Compact Kitchen Mixer MUM 4420 is a powerful, compact, and versatile stand mixer for small kitchens. I feel it is the best little stand mixer on the market, and it does a lot more than whip and mix.
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Eco-Friendly Halloween Ghost Craft for Cub Scout/Girl Scouts
Looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive Halloween craft for kids? These Scaredy-Ghosts reuse aluminum cans, making them an eco-friendly craft choice. I came up with the design for my daughter's third grade Halloween class party at school.
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Planning a Fabulous, Fun, and Inexpensive Birthday Party for Your 2 to 4-Year-Old
Planning a party for kids of any age can be tricky. But with the tips below, you can have a memorable birthday celebration for your 2- to 4-year-old. It's not as hard as you think!
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22 Ways to Enjoy Animals When You Can't Keep a Pet
Not everyone can have a pet in their home, but that doesn't mean that you can't spend quality time with animals. Here are 22 fun ways to enjoy pets.
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33 Children's Picture Books for November With Positive Messages
Plan a month of November story hours with 33 children's picture books curated into 5 themes: picky eaters, gratitude/saying thank you, turkeys, the Thanksgiving holiday, and sharing. Book summaries are included in each category.
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A Tidal Wave of Information at Your Fingertips
Technical information is doubling every two years. Are you ready?
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Where You Once Belonged by Kent Haruf Book Review with Book Club Questions
In the modern day western by Kent Haruf, Where You Once Belonged is the story of a small town prodigal son, whose return to small town Colorado creates an angry furor. Haruf's narrator reflects on key events that turn a small town hero into a criminal. Check out the book club questions!
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Getting Labor Started, Naturally (Kids, Don't Try This at Home)
You may find yourself trying some unconventional methods to help labor along out of a state of desperation. Eating rye bread? Not too scary. Chased by a rottweiler? Maybe you should pass on that one.
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Why We Should Stand When the American Flag Passes By
Standing up and placing a hand on one's heart when Old Glory passes is a tradition that respects America and her possibilities, and honors service men and women. A reflective essay...
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Censorship: A Parent's Thoughts on The Golden Compass and Other Banned Books
What is the balance between censorship and family standards? Should we encourage children to read books that don't agree with our views on religion, politics, ethics, or public policy? Where does a parent's role begin and end in the media selection process? This article was first published in 2008.
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Famous American Western Artists: O'Keeffe, Dixon, Couse, Fechin, and Farny
Enjoy a visual feast of famous American Western artists. Georgia O'Keeffe, Maynard Dixon, Nicholai Fechin, Henry Farny, and Eanger Couse are featured with sample artwork and a short bio of each artist. Come browse the phenomenal artwork depicted here!
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Famous American Western Artists: Remington, Russell, Catlin, Bierstadt, and Moran
Art of the American West has become an increasingly popular genre during the last century. Here, I discuss a selection of some of the most well-known artists of the 19th-century American frontier.
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Wickenburg Arizona Vacation: Western Art, Cowboys, and Gold
Come spend part of your Arizona vacation in Wickenburg, Arizona, showplace of the American West. This town has so much to offer. Cowboys, gold and silver miners, ranchers, Indians, dude ranchers, and normal people like me call Wickenburg home. Wickenburg's scenery, wildlife, and rich history make...
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Weird Methods I Tried for Turning a Breech Baby Naturally
This is a humor piece, not medical advice.
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"Till We Have Faces a Myth Retold" by C.S. Lewis Book Review
To those familiar with the Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis' novel "Till We Have Faces A Myth Retold" may come as a surprise. This novel written for adults explores the dark side of love and fidelity. This review includes a plot summary and explores themes and characters in Till We Have Faces.
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A Day in the Life - Sonoran Desert Small Town Living
Life in the Sonoran Desert is ruled by the weather. See what a day is like for a young mom in the hot summer temperatures of Arizona.
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"The Grouchy Ladybug" Book Review and Pre-K Lesson Plan
"The Grouchy Ladybug" by Eric Carle is a children's book classic. This thorough review includes a lesson plan for storytime presenters and suggestions for teachers.
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Where the Wild Things Are Children's Book Review and Pre-K Lesson Plan
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak won the Caldecott medal in 1964 and is one of the best-loved children's picture books of all time. My review includes a sample lesson for your preschool or library story hour, craft ideas, and links to more lesson plans.
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"Gregory the Terrible Eater" Book Review and Pre-K Lesson Plan
"Gregory the Terrible Eater" by Mitchell Sharmat teaches principles of good nutrition in a humorous way. This article contains a review of the book and related activities for kids in a Pre-K lesson plan format.
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Snow-Themed Preschool Lesson and Activities for "Snowballs" by Lois Ehlert
"Snowballs" by Lois Ehlert is a whimsical children's picture book containing a family of collage-art snowmen. You'll find songs, crafts, activities, and related books to augment your preschool curriculum.
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Vintage Modern Children's Books: The King With Six Friends by Jay Williams
The King With Six Friends, By Jay Williams, an engaging fairy tale adventure of the out-of-work King Zar and the six friends he meets along the way. This article includes a story summary, review, and critical thinking questions for educators to use with upper elementary grades.
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Devil's Elbow and Heceta Head Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast
Devil's Elbow is a public beach north of Florence, Oregon, on the Pacific Coast Highway. This a MUST stop on any Pacific Coast Highway vacation with a stay over in Newport, Florence, or Yachats. With scenery, tranquility, wildlife, and history, this is the perfect spot to spend a day at the beach.
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Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: Patrick's Point State Park
Nestled amid the temperate rain forest of Northern California on a triangular-shaped peninsula that juts into the ocean is Patrick's Point. This gorgeous California state park is a frugal, fun vacation destination where you can camp in the Redwoods and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean.
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Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Redwood National Park Review
Lady Bird Johnson Grove, near Orick, California, is a great place to see giant, three hundred-foot tall redwood trees in northern Califonia,
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Stock Market Simulations: What They Teach and Don't Teach Kids
Teaching children about the stock market is hands-on way to put math, economics, and reasoning skills to use. However, during stock market simulations, that help people make smart investment decisions in real life. This article describes the pros and cons of stock market competitions while...
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How to Play Canasta: Rules of the Game, Scoring, and Terminology
Learn how to play canasta, a fun, fast-paced tournament-style card game with easy-to-master rules. Use the photos and tables in this article to quickly understand the differences between clean and dirty canastas, how to score bonus points, and easy tips for scoring that will make game play a breeze.
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Should I Refinance to a 15-Year Mortgage?
Is a 15-year mortgage ever a good idea? This article explains how this financial move can help you build equity faster and pay off your home early.
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How to Find Storage Space for Your Grocery Stash
It seems like everyone is trying to save money at the grocery store these days, and stockpiling is one well-known strategy. You may have a stockpile from canning or buying a few extra items at the store. If you don't have a lot of space, these tips will help you store away your year's supply.
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How to Get a Rattlesnake Out of Your Car's Engine and Other Snake Encounters
This is a memoir of sorts, all about snakes I once met. And a few that crawled into my car, and under the mailbox, and onto my plate!
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Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes Children's Book Review
Lilly adores her teacher, Mr. Slinger, but when her new purple purse becomes a distraction in class, drama ensues. A wonderful addition to the Kevin Henkes collection of situational fiction stories.
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My Experience Starting a Home School Preschool Co-op
Starting a cooperative-style home preschool for kids taught by parents is easy if you start with a plan. Here are some suggestions based on my experience participating in a Joy School-type preschool. I cover the need for a charter, practical considerations about teaching, curriculum, allergies, etc.
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Harry and the Terrible Whatzit, a Children's Book About Facing Fears With Pre-K Lesson Plan
In this classic tale by Dick Gackenbach, Harry finds a two-headed monster who feeds on fear down in the basement. But is this book about standing up to a bully a good choice for story hour?
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"Olivia" by Ian Falconer Children's Book Review and Pre-K Lesson Plan
"Olivia" by Ian Falconer is a must-have for your children's book collection. This review and Pre-K lesson plan includes music and movement activities, art suggestions, and companion book titles.
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Hippo Themed Preschool Lesson Plan With Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson
This easy to use Hippo themed preschool lesson plan based on the book Hilda Must Be Dancing includes a short children's book reading list, music, movement, and craft ideas with music video links to make lesson planning a snap.
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"No, David!" by David Shannon Review and Preschool Lesson Plan
"No, David!" is the first in a series of children's picture books starring the author's delightfully naughty alter ego. Included with the article is a sample preschool lesson for an informal preschool or library story hour.
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46 Children's Picture Books that Will Hold Your Child's Attention
Here are 46 engaging read-aloud children's picture books recommended to keep most children's attention. A short description and book covers are included for most of these books.
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How to Find Children's Books To Fit a Storytime Theme or Preschool Lesson
Are you looking for children's books to read aloud at home, in the home school or preschool classroom, or at a library story hour? Here is a comprehensive list of "old school" and online resources for finding just the right book to fit any subject.
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How to Structure Your Preschool Storytime for Maxium Engagement
The basic formula I use for our library's story hour uses books, music, movement, and transitions to create the sense of routine that young children crave. This article includes tips for storytime presenters and preschool teachers based on my experience.
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5 Life Hacks That Will Help Preschool Children Get Ready to Learn to Read
Are you interested in preparing your preschooler to learn to read? Use these five simple life hacks at home home to help get your child ready to learn. I promise! It works!
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Practical Tips for Starting a Preschool Storytime Program at Your Library
Some practical tips for organizing a children's storytime program including finding a host organization, planning a calendar, and other common-sense logistical considerations.
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"The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza" by Philemon Sturges: Summary and Pre-K Lesson Plan
"The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza" by Philemon Sturges and Amy Walrod is an adaptation of the classic Little Red Hen folktale. This children's picture book takes Little Red Hen off the farm and into the city with some zany, beatnik buddies.
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What Not to Say to a Pregnant Woman
This humorous primer will help the well-intentioned well-wishers of expectant mothers to think twice before saying...well, just about anything.
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8 Reasons to Stop Procrastinating and Prepare Your Will Now
Thinking about our demise is uncomfortable. And over half of American adults don't have a will or living trust. Other sources list this number as high as 70%. This article lists eight reasons why you need to stop procrastinating the estate planning process, and prepare a will or living trust now.