Nature Study: Getting Up Close

By Mariah Bruehl,

Nature Study: Getting Up CloseNature is all around us, from the grass that grows between the paving stones near our house to a nearby wooded copse, ripe for exploring.  But how often do we really look closely at the nature that surrounds us, I mean really look.   

It can be easy to think of Nature Study as a thing separate from our lives, a subject like Maths or Spanish; but really nature is a part of us, and studying it should be a simple matter of taking a moment to really look and connect.

Though we love science in our house, I was having a hard time getting to grips with regular nature studies.  I felt that it had to be a beautiful journal slaved over for hours, or the study of field guides to an expert level.  Then I discovered a curriculum called Private Eye that encourages the simple study of the natural world that is all around us.   In order to see nature from a different angle (literally) the ‘student’ uses a 5x magnification jeweler’s loupe, giving them an entirely new perception of objects and organisms they have seen, but never appreciated.

Nature Study: Getting Up Close

While the book that describes the core concepts of the curriculum is wonderful, it really isn’t necessary to have it in order to benefit from this kind of nature study.  All you need is a loupe (available from the Private Eye website, or other science stores near you) and an ample supply of curiosity, something that most children definitely do not lack.  

We have used our loupes out in ‘the field’ (it was an actual field) as well as at home for all sorts of studies.  Mostly I just encourage my boys to stop for a moment when they have found a new treasure, and take a minute to look at it again but through their loupes.  It’s amazing how astonished they are when they see an object through this new, closer perspective.  When looking through the loupe the rest of the world is cut off, allowing them to focus completely upon the newly revealed details the loupe offers up.  From an orange segment they had for snack, to a new snake skin found under the woodpile, they are always fascinated by what they see.  

Nature Study: Getting Up Close

The point of the Private Eye method is to draw analogies between different objects and organisms so that children begin to make connections and patterns.  Asking a few simple questions can help them to draw quite profound connections and help them understand how many of the building blocks of life are present throughout nature.  Ask the child what do you see?  and then, what does it remind you of?   They may notice the way the segment of orange has interconnected smaller segments, just as you might find on a snake skin.  You can wonder together at why that might be, or begin researching to find out!

Once your child has experienced the object up close you may wish to encourage them to draw what they saw.   Older children can write down words that come to mind and begin shaping a poem out of them (this video has some teaching tips and there are beautiful samples of work here).  

It’s truly lovely to produce a piece of art inspired by nature, something to treasure and hold on to.  But most of the time, when we grab our loupes from our nature basket to look at an unusual rock or a piece of wax from our beehives, we just look.  We look, we marvel, we tell each other what we see; and that, really that simple thing, is enough.  

 

10 Books for New Kindergarteners

By Mariah Bruehl,

10 Books for New KindergartenersIs your child starting kindergarten soon?  Are you sobbing as you’re reading this?  Maybe your heart even aches a little.  Let’s face it—the transition into kindergarten is a big milestone for our children.

I had the privilege of teaching kindergarten for 8 years, but being on the other side was a very different experience.  This year, my daughter will be starting first grade (and yes, my heart still aches thinking about another school year), but I’m here to tell you that we survived the first few days of kindergarten.  Was it scary? Yes.  Was it hard to say goodbye? Yes.  Were there tears? A few.  However, we were fortunate enough to have THE BEST teacher we could have hoped for.  When the teacher tears up during kindergarten orientation and thanks you for sharing your children with her, it feels like you’ve won the lottery.

As a former kindergarten teacher, and now former kindergarten parent, I can tell you that the best advice I can give you is to have courage and be brave in front of your child.  If you are nervous, they will know.  If you have negative feelings about the transition, they will pick up on them.  Your child will follow your lead.  Don’t let them see you cry or worry.  Stay positive and tell them how amazing kindergarten will be, how much they will learn, and the new friends they will make.  

I have also found that the easiest way to introduce children to new experiences is through books.  Literature allows children to make connections to characters and talk about their fears and worries.  Books can validate our feelings.

As you prepare to send your kindergartener off into the world, take some together to read these books.  I promise they will help your child (and you) make it through the very first day… and maybe even the second day.

10 Books for New Kindergarteners

 

  1.  How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague

What if a dinosaur came to school with you?  This book is a favorite in our house and always makes us giggle.  Besides being fun to read, it also allows children to think about how to (and how not to) behave when they are at school.    

 

  1. Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!  by Nancy Carlson

In this book, Henry can’t wait to start kindergarten.  He jumps out of bed, eats his breakfast, grabs his school supplies and has lots of questions for his mom.  But when he gets to school and sees how big it is, he starts to have second thoughts.  This is a perfect book to read with your child who may be hesitant to start school.

 

  1.  Timothy Goes to School by Rosemary Wells

Who doesn’t love Rosemary Wells?  Timothy is looking forward to his first day of school, but then he meets Claude who seems perfect in every way.  Timothy’s insecurity creeps in until he finds a new friend who feels the exact same way.  Do you have a child who is a little shy or has trouble fitting into new situations?  Introduce him to Timothy!

 

  1.  The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

If you don’t share any other book with your incoming kindergarten, please share this one!  Chester Raccoon does not want to go to school and leave his mother.  So she kisses his paw and tells him that when he feels sad, he can press his paw to his cheek and feel the warmth of her kiss.  Are you crying yet?  Believe me, you will.  If you are worried about separation anxiety, this will help ease the transition.  It ‘s also a springboard for coming up with your own goodbye routines.  Sniff, sniff.

 

  1.  Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

I still read this to 2nd and 3rd graders every year.   Wemberly worries about EVERYTHING from the crack in the living room wall to whether there would be enough cake at the party.  So when school starts, she has a whole new list of worries.  Read this book and ask your child what their worries are about school?

 

  1.  Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate

This book introduces your child to kindergarten and gives a behind the scenes look into what her teacher may be doing to get ready for the first day!  It’s also an alphabet book.

 

  1.  The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing

A must read as your child is settling into bed the night before his first day.  I won’t give it away, but the ending is adorable and will hit home for parents as well.  I used to read this to my kindergarten parents during parent orientation and usually needed to pass out a few tissues.

 

  1.  Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney

Another book to help with separation anxiety and a child’s fear of being dropped off and left at school.  In this story, little llama is excited to see his new classroom but has second thoughts when it’s time for mama to leave.  He’s worried she may not come back.   

 

  1.  Planet Kindergarten by Sue Ganz-Schmitt

I always buy my children a back to school book, and this is the one I gave to my daughter before starting kindergarten.  I love the review on Amazon: “For one brave boy, kindergarten isn’t just a grade – it’s a destination.”  My daughter was SO thrilled to start kindergarten, and I knew that it was the beginning of her lifelong journey through school.   Kindergarten is definitely an adventure into a whole new world, and this book takes that metaphor to a whole new level.    

 

  1.  First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Do you or your child already have that pit in your stomach?  Although this particular story is about a girl who is starting over at a new school, incoming kindergarteners will relate to having similar feelings of not knowing anyone.  The surprise ending will make you smile, and your child will realize that it’s not just children who experience the first day jitters.

*This post contains affiliate links.

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DIY Games for Kids: Word Mastermind

By Mariah Bruehl,

WordMastermindTitleDo you have a Scrabble® game in your home? If so, put those letter tiles to use with this simple game.

You will need:

mastermind2

To Play:

A – player 1:  secretly writes a 5 letter word with no repeating letters on the blank piece of paper.  (for the photos, I have put the secret word on the wood tile tray.)

☑birds – one letter only

☒nests – two S’s.

 

B – player 2:  using the letter tiles, lays down their guess of a 5 letter word (with no repeating letters).

 

C – player 1:  if any of the letters are in the secret word, player 1 slides down the letter(s) to indicate that the letter is somewhere in their word, but not necessarily in that position.

 

D – player 2:  crosses out the letters NOT in the hidden word on the sheet.  Using the discovered  letter(s) as a clue, player 2 uses the tiles to make another guess being careful not to use the letters now marked on their sheet.

 

E – continue until player 2 guesses the hidden word!

Word Mastermind 2

 

This compact game is great to take traveling or to play on a quilt in the backyard!

 

Water is Water: 3 Experiments for Kids

By Mariah Bruehl,


Water is Water: 3 Experiments for KidsConfession number one, I am a sucker for the water cycle. I’m not sure what exactly entices me about this scientific phenomenon, perhaps because it is something children can see so readily in their own world, but it is something I have always loved teaching. Confession number two, I am even more entranced by picture books. A person’s age does not matter when it comes to picture books. They draw you in with their illustrations, and capture you with their words. Picture books are a simple, beautiful way to teach so many lessons, concrete and abstract. So, when I stumbled upon a new picture book about the water cycle, I may have done a little happy dance.

Water is Water by Miranda Paul uses short rhyming verse to follow water through phases throughout the seasons, states of matter, and the water cycle. The lovely illustrations by Jason Chin are a perfect accompaniment to the story. The icing on the cake is what follows the story, “More About Water”! The author provides a scientific background to each page of the story sprinkling in important vocabulary words.

As it says in the book, “Water moves and changes often – just like children!” The water cycle is a perfect scientific learning opportunity for some playful, active learning. Through the following three easy experiments, you can use a cup of water to show evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. These may be simple experiments, but connecting literature, science, and hands on discovery often gives a more concrete understanding of new concepts. Use the printable to help children delve deeper into their understanding through these connections.

You will only need a few readily available materials to complete all of these experiments:

  • Four cups
  • Water
  • Marker
  • Ice cube
  • Shaving cream
  • Food coloring

Water is Water: 3 Experiments for Kids

Start with evaporation. Place a full cup of water in front of a sunny window. Use a marker to make a line at the beginning water level. Each hour mark the water level and begin to look for changes. As the sun heats the water, it should begin to evaporate. This experiment requires some patience, so while waiting, it is a great time to move on to the next two experiments.

Water is Water: 3 Experiments for Kids

After evaporation we have condensation. When the water vapor reaches the sky it cools to form clouds. Fill a cup approximately two-thirds full of hot water. Take another cup, flip it upside down, and place it on top of the cup with hot water. Then place an ice cube on top of the upside down cup. Condensation will begin to form at the top of the upside down cup, just like a cloud.

Water is Water: 3 Experiments for Kids

Finally, a precipitation experiment. Again, fill a cup almost full with water. On top spray shaving cream as clouds. Then, squirt several drops of food coloring on top of the shaving cream. As the “cloud” becomes heavy, the food coloring will “rain” into the cup.

Once you have read the book and completed all three experiments, use the printable to help children make the connections between the book, what they see in their own lives, and what they viewed in the experiments (click on photo below to print).

WaterisWaterPrintable

If you are looking to extend your activities, there are abundant resources in books and online covering the water cycle. Here are a video, a website, and an app all about the water cycle. You may just find yourself as hooked on the water cycle as I am!

Water Cycle Video

Water Cycle Website

Water Cycle App

 

Drawing Inspiration for Young Artists

By Mariah Bruehl,

Drawing Inspiration for Young ArtistsI have a confession—I’m an art teacher that doesn’t think she can draw. ??!! Now before you think you need to report me to the Art Teaching Officials, I should also say that I primarily teach four year-olds, in an art museum setting, and we spend most of our art-making time on the process rather than the product. So really, it’s the perfect crowd for me to be teaching. But still, there’s a part of me that thinks that I should be better at drawing.

Do you struggle with encouraging your children to draw because you secretly worry that you can’t practice what you preach? Luckily, a young child’s natural curiosity alone is usually enough to encourage her to pick up a pencil or crayon and explore making marks on paper. Your own willingness to explore something new, make mistakes, and try again alongside your child teaches important lessons about individuality, persistence, and self-discovery. But as children get older, they will increasingly become fixated on things “looking right.” And it’s then that us non-drawers begin to quake!

I’m still no expert on the sketch pad, but I’ve found some useful tools that help build my own confidence and work equally well as fun activities for kids.

Drawing Inspiration

  1. Books: Find inspiration in beautifully illustrated books. Drawing from real life is sometimes too daunting (and not practical), but looking at how another artist has successfully rendered an animal, plant, or landscape can give you ideas for how to go about it yourself. Animalium by Jenny Broom and Katie Scott is a lush volume covering the entire animal kingdom. Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman offers gorgeous watercolors of plants, insects, land formations, snowflakes, and more in the style of an anatomy textbook. Maps by Aleksandra and Daniel Mizielinski is perfect for the map-obsessed kid, showing not only outlines of countries, but also detail drawings of animals, famous buildings, natural formations, citizens, food, and flags of places all around the world. Simply open up a book, and start to sketch from the pictures.
  2. Tracing Paper: Use tracing paper to learn in a very concrete way how parts relate to whole, how to arrange objects in space, how to create depth in your drawings and more. Again, books can act as the expert while you or your child takes on the role of apprentice. Understanding how it feels to draw a certain object—how to hold your pencil, how much pressure to apply on the paper, how to move across the surface—takes a combination of perception and muscle memory. Artists throughout time have often learned their craft by first copying the masters. It’s not cheating for us to do the same! I like to first trace from a favorite illustration, then practice again on my own. Once I feel like I better understand the mechanics of drawing a flower or bird, I can branch out and try sketching my own versions. Teacher Tip: With children, I take the time to explain the difference between practicing a skill and copying another’s work.
  3. Coloring Books: Pull out the coloring books! We’re too quick to put the coloring books away once children are elementary school age, but the satisfaction of creating a complete “drawing” doesn’t diminish with age. (In fact, I got distracted while writing this blog post, and just had to finish coloring my frog!) Amp up your drawing game by selecting coloring books inspired by graphic artists and illustrators. The two I have on my desk right now are Natural Wonders: A Patrick Hruby Coloring Book and Charley Harper’s Coloring Book of Birds. Although the coloring pages are obviously meant to be filled with color, they can also act as guided drawing practice.  These two in particular emphasize how geometric shapes can be manipulated to look like everything from foxes and frogs to whales and wrens.

Drawing Inspiration

So grab your pencils and sketch pads, take a deep breath, and dive into drawing with your child!

 

*This post contains affiliate links.

Let it Go! When to Abandon a Book

By Mariah Bruehl,

Let it Go! When to Abandon a Book

I am a list maker, mostly because I find immense satisfaction in crossing things off my list.  Sometimes I actually add something to my list just so I can put a checkmark next to it.  For most of my adult life, I had also been that kind of reader.  Once I started a book, even if it was the worst book I’d ever read, I felt like I didn’t have a choice but to finish it.  I had to cross it off my list.  And of course I couldn’t cross it off my list unless I had completed the whole book, which meant reading every single dull, slow moving, depressing, this-is-not-holding-my-attention-when-is-this-going-to-be-over page.

My epiphany came when I realized that I have never looked my students in the eyes and told them they had to finish reading a book that they were totally disengaged and uninterested in.  Never.   So why on earth was I torturing myself and taking away valuable reading time?  (This is what I call my “Duh” moment, but in the teaching realm it sounds much better if I call it my “A-Ha” moment).

I actually remember the first book I let go.  It was hard, really hard.  I felt like a failure.  But at the same time, it felt good abandoning something that just wasn’t a good fit for me.  I kept the book on the coffee table for a while (maybe to remind me of my guilt) and then after a week or so put it back on my bookshelf.  At that time, I was writing down the titles of books I had read (yup – making a list) so that I could recommend books to friends, and to be quite honest, remember what I had already read.  So when I abandoned this particular book, I was stumped!  Where would I write down the title of this book?  I had read about half of it, but I couldn’t exactly write it down on my “read” list.  It was a serious problem (well, for me it was).

Goodreads literally saved my life.  Now when I let a book go I add it to a virtual shelf I have labeled “Abandoned,” and in the last two years I am not ashamed to say that I have abandoned 10 books.  Many of those books have come to me highly rated by people in my personal reading community, but for whatever reason they just didn’t appeal to me.  I have tried to reread a few of them a second, and yes even a third time, but rarely have I reversed my initial verdict.

So why does this matter?  Well now, I intentionally use my own reading behaviors to inform my teaching.  I teach my students when and why it might be appropriate to abandon a book.  I share my Goodreads list with them, and tell them about the books I have let go.  I tell them that it feels hard to let one go.  Sometimes they beg me to give a book another chance, but they are ALWAYS surprised when I tell them that adults abandon books too.  I share my thinking, and I tell them that abandoning a book does not equate to failure.  I tell them that I wish someone had told my younger self that abandoning a book was an option, because it took me well into adulthood before I even allowed myself to leave a book unfinished.  I teach them when to give a book a second chance, and how to self-select books so carefully and thoughtfully that the chances of them abandoning a book decrease simply because they know how to choose wisely the first time.

So let’s teach children WHEN and WHY it is okay to abandon a book:

  • Too easy
  • Too difficult
  • Not interesting
  • Too confusing
  • About a topic you don’t particularly enjoy
  • Not what you expected
  • Slow moving and hard to get into
  • Don’t like the characters
  • Disappointing sequel
  • Not interested in the genre
  • Too long and you lose interest
  • Doesn’t feel like the story is going anywhere
  • Poor writing style

But let’s also make sure that children know HOW to give a book a chance by:

  • Reading more than just the first few pages.  In the classroom, I tell my chapter book readers that they should read to at least page 50 before making a final decision to abandon.  For early chapter book readers, I tell them to read at least two chapters.  Sometimes books that start out slow turn out to be great reads!
  • Talking about the book with a parent, teacher, or classmate who has read it.  Readers may need help clearing up early confusions about complex characters, unfamiliar settings or plot twists.  Once children understand these elements, and have a context for reading, they may be more willing to continue reading it independently.  Let them know they can stop and have conversations about the book as they read!  Readers are not alone.

And most importantly:

  • Help children build their reading stamina.  Children must have structured reading time.  Some readers choose lengthy books (think Harry Potter) only to abandon them because they lose interest.  Reading takes practice, and children who aren’t able to sit and read for longer periods of time may be more likely to abandon books.  Encourage children to read a little more each day!
  • Beware of children who abandon books often.  This is usually a red flag that they are not making good first choices and may need support in learning how to self-select just right books (See earlier post: Selecting Just Right Books for Your Reader at Home).  If children are finishing books too early, browsing but never making a final selection, or never seem to read a book all the way through, then take some time and find out why!  

We certainly don’t want children to get into the habit of abandoning book after book, but we do want them to know that abandoning books is an authentic reading behavior.  Hey, even I do it a few times a year.

Follow me on Goodreads (Nicole C.) to see what I’m reading and what I’m letting go.

 

 

7 Ways to Encourage Summer Reading

By Mariah Bruehl,

7 Ways to Encourage Summer Reading

Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to take stock of how our children’s summer reading is going. It’s so important to soak in all of the sights, sounds, and experiences that the summer season holds, yet by incorporating some fun reading routines into your daily rhythm, you can ensure that your child will head back to school without having had the dreaded summer slide.

With this in mind we compiled seven simple ways for you to keep your family engaged in meaningful reading experiences throughout the sunny summer days…

7 Ways to Encourage Summer Reading

Clockwise from top left: 

Playful Learning August Book Clubs

Summer Reads Bingo

Selecting Just Right Books for your Reader

Summer Reading in a Box

Enjoy a Picture Book Project Together

Make a Pocket-Sized Library List

Enjoy!

To help the process along, we are offering a Summer Reading Flash Sale with 20% off of our August Book Clubs!

August Book Clubs
Offer Ends Wednesday, July 29, 2015

 

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Outdoor Math Games

By Mariah Bruehl,

Outdoor Math GamesSummer is often when we all want to be outside to enjoy the sun, play with friends and explore nature. Fun in the sun can also coincide, playfully, with keeping up our math skills. The games and activities below can be played both outside and inside. The key is that they are portable and can be enjoyed in both environments.

 

Bracelet Fact Game:

Materials: pipe cleaners, colored tape or thin post-it notes

This activity helps children to remember basic facts in an area of your choice. Help your child or group of students decide on facts to practice (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division). Start with five to learn and practice. These should be facts that the child knows how to figure out but needs to gain in recall speed.

 

Activity: To play this as a game with two players, have each player play with the same facts on their bracelet. One player keeps the facts on the questions and the other player turns hers’ over to the answers. The first player asks a question or gives an answer and the other player locates it on her bracelet. For example, if player one calls out 5 + 5, the second player finds the answer 10 on her bracelet and calls it out. Starting with the answer is fun too, where the answer of 10 is called out and the other player locates the question 5 + 5. Children can also play on their own by quizzing themselves and checking answers.

Outdoor Math Games

Beach Ball Facts:

Materials: large beach ball, sharpie pen

This game can be played with as little as one player to a whole large group of players.  Before playing write math facts on the spaces of a beach ball. Choose facts based on your child’s needs. To play alone, the player simply tosses the ball up in the air, catches it, and answers the question closest to him on the beach ball. If playing with other children, the ball is tossed back and forth and each player answers the question closest to him when he catches the ball. This game is easy to take with you and can be used in all different subject areas by simply changing the questions.

Outdoor Math Games

I Have, Who Has Card Game

Materials: I Have, Who Has card set (click on photo above to download)

This is another game that can be taken anywhere but does require a group of children. To play, pass out each child one or two cards, depending on size of group, and have them figure out the answer to their questions. Have students form a circle and the player with the start card begins. Students play until the player with the end card plays. Encourage children to answer quickly so that it becomes a fast paced, quick recall, game.

 

Hopscotch Counting or Facts

Materials: sidewalk chalk, and flat small sticks

I just taught my own children the game of hopscotch and we played for hours. In this version, it is played the same way as the original with a little twist in the labeling of the boxes. Instead of labeling each square with numbers one through ten, have your child practice skip counting. We labeled boxes by 2’s and 3’s to practice but you could decide on something different. Another fun idea is to start the first number higher, maybe 22, and then count by 2’s. Your boxes would be labeled: 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40. Facts can also be written in the boxes with or without the answer. You could make boxes labeled 1+1 = 2, 2+2 = 4, etc. and have your child say the facts as he/she moves through the box.

 

Link: http://www.wikihow.com/Play-Hopscotch

 

Have fun!

 

3 Wildcrafted Herbs for Summer Days

By Mariah Bruehl,

3 Wildcrafted Herbs for SummerIn our part of the world summer is in full swing.  Despite my best intentions for a stress free summer I find we have a packed schedule of farm work, a garden that demands attention, fun trips out with friends, summer activities and the regular list of chores to do.  Summer days are wonderfully long but can be tiring too.

When I feel a bit below par, or when I notice my kids are looking a little ragged round the edges, I turn to our herbal allies to help boost us up and set us on the right path again.  As well as my own herb garden, I regularly turn to nature’s herbs too; they are a wonderful source of nutrients and don’t put a strain on the family purse.

If you are wondering what I mean by natures herbs, in short it’s weeds.  There are many wonderful wild plants that can be harvested and used safely in our own homes, boosting our health and costing nothing but time.  A nature walk can turn into an opportunity to stock your tea cupboard or medicine cabinet with wonderful tastes and uplifting nutrients.

At this time of year there is an abundance of wild plants available, many are at the peak of their power so it’s a great time to collect and store a little extra for later months.  There is nothing more wonderful than opening a jar of dried herbs in the middle of winter, and drinking in the sweet scent of the summer breeze when summer itself is long gone.

Here are 3 of my favorite herbal allies, easily found in hedgerows and even gardens right now.

3 Wildcrafted Herbs for Summer

Nettle

Also known as Stinging Nettle, this amazing plant is packed full of nutrients.  It’s green leaves are full of iron and even vitamin C, the perfect pick me up on a hot summer day.  Even the seeds can be dried and used, sprinkle them on cereal in the same way you would with flax seed.

To collect you’ll need to be wily.  They’re not called Stinging Nettle for nothing and the stings can be quite sore.  Wear thick gloves (rubber gloves are great) when you snip these plants and then put them in an airy place to dry, out of direct sunlight.  Use as a refreshing tea with a dab of local honey to help fight allergies and restore the nervous system.

3 Wildcrafted Herbs for Summer

Plantain

It makes sense to follow Stinging Nettle with Plantain, as this is the perfect remedy should you find yourself stung!  Plantain leaves can be crushed and the juice rubbed right  on the sting to pain relief.  You can also make a simple tincture by filling a jar with the chopped leaves and then add brandy or vodka until the jar is full.  Leave for 6 weeks or longer and then strain.  The resulting tincture will work wonders on any bites or stings you many collect on your summer adventures.

3 Wildcrafted Herbs for Summer

Red Clover

This familiar and attractive ‘weed’ can be found in many a lawn or border.  Instead of getting rid of it we should be collecting it!  This is a really fun one to collect with the children, get them to gently snip off the purple flower heads and then dry them in a single layer in a dry place, out of direct sunlight.  Both fresh and dry flowers make a wonderful, uplifting tea that is particularly soothing for women.   If you have swollen feet, pop clover tea in a footbath and relish it’s calming power.  It nourishes and much as it calms and couldn’t look prettier in a jar in the pantry.
Once you introduce wild plants to your children, you’ll be amazed at how each outing turns into a learning experience.  You are also teaching your children that nature is their ally and helping them become their own healers too.  So before you mow your lawn this summer just double check, you may want to collect your medicine first!

The Power of Wordless Picture Books

By Mariah Bruehl,

The Power of Wordless Picture Books

A few months ago, I was at home perusing a stack of books that I was planning to share with the students in my 2nd/3rd grade classroom.  My kindergarten daughter peeked over my shoulder and nonchalantly said, “Mommy, is that a think book?” The question confused me, but I knew I needed to dig a little deeper because I could see her wheels spinning.  So I asked her to explain what she meant by think book.  She replied, “Well, because you have to think about what’s happening.” My first thought was yes, you have to think about what’s happening every time you read a book. It was then that I glanced down and realized I was reading a wordless picture book.  Now it was starting to make sense.  In her mind, reading a wordless book meant some serious thinking must be involved.  After all, there was no text to relay a message or in essence tell the story. This three-minute exchange with my daughter got me thinking about the power of wordless picture books.

Over the years, I have had many students tell me that wordless books are for children who cannot yet read. Their exact words are usually something like this: “those books are for babies because they don’t have any words.” So clearly, parents and educators have a responsibility to set the record straight and show students the beauty, and power, of wordless picture books. Perhaps my daughter can also help spread the message about these think books.   

In my opinion, wordless picture books are even more difficult to “read” than other picture books. In order to comprehend a book in this genre, children must be thorough observers and read with a very careful and thoughtful eye. Wordless picture books push the reader to summarize, make inferences, interpret and evaluate visual information, ask questions, and make connections without any support from the written word.

Young readers (pre-emergent, emergent, and early readers) can use wordless picture books to learn how the illustrations support and often drive a story. They can learn how to retell a story in their own words, which encourages creativity, imagination, language play, and vocabulary development. Wordless books also provide an easy entry for young readers to be the authors and illustrators of their very own stories. So many times we, as adults, forget just how vital pictures are to a story. Wordless books become a perfect model for explaining the significance of creating high quality illustrations and for inspiring young artists.

Older readers (fluent and transitional readers) learn how to think more deeply and critically about plot elements, the interaction among characters, cause and effect, the tone of the story, and the intended theme. These readers can add words to support the illustrations and author their own version of the story. The illustrations can become engaging writing prompts or a vehicle for making precise observations and perceptive inferences. Again, all of this learning happens without any textual support from the book.

As I was writing this post, I began browsing my own bookshelves to see which titles I might like to recommend to all of you. What I realized was this: I own A LOT of wordless picture books! I pulled all of them off the shelves and laid them out in front of me.  Then I took a moment to reflect why, over the years, I have been drawn to these books. I picked up Bluebird and remembered how my heart ached for the little boy when the other children were teasing him.  I reread Journey and remembered how it took my breath away when I turned the page and saw the little girl sailing toward that immense castle in the sky. I opened the pages of Flora and the Flamingo and giggled watching Flora mimic the movements of the flamingo – she so badly wanted to be friends. These books create true, heartfelt moments for the reader. They make us laugh, and cry, and sometimes feel at peace. All without one… single… word.  I think that’s pretty powerful.

Teaching with wordless picture books will:

  • Develop vocabulary and oral language development
  • Foster observation and critical thinking skills
  • Improve writing skills
  • Build reading comprehension skills
  • Enhance understanding of story elements (character, setting, plot, theme)
  • Promote creativity and imagination
  • Model the importance of high quality, detailed, and meaningful illustrations
  • Serve as an inspiration for a child’s own art work

Check out these wordless picture books (they’re some my personal favorites):

Looking for something to do with these books?  Try these fun activities!

  • For early readers, draw speech/thought bubbles on post it notes and write down what characters might be thinking or saying in the story.  Place the post it notes directly on the pages of the book as you read.
  • Use Post It notes to enhance observation and critical thinking skills as well as teach your students how to ask questions and make inferences.  Copy and enlarge key illustrations in the story.  Before you read the book, display these illustrations or hand them out to pairs of students.  Encourage students to use the post it notes to make observations (I see), ask questions (I wonder) and make inferences (I think) about what is happening in the illustration. As you read the book, students will naturally be drawn to these particular pages and will begin piecing together the story, asking questions, and building comprehension.
  • Ask readers to look through the illustrations and write down the story in their words.  Depending on their age and ability, have students draft strong leads, introduce characters, describe the setting, relay the sequence of events, use transition words, and consider word choice.

I’d love to hear how you use wordless picture books in your homes and classrooms!

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