I don't know about you but I love read aloud to my kiddos. I've read to them since before they were born and we haven't slowed down yet. (Check out our February and March read aloud lists.) However as many of you know, kids don't love to sit still for long or ever. So, over the past few years I've found ways to keep them quietly engaged nearby while I read and it works. Quiet time activities and reading aloud can be done simultaneously! Now that Miss B is in Kindergarten, our read aloud time … [Read more...]
Mom’s Choice Phonics App for Preschoolers
I'm always on the look out for fun, engaging, and yet educational apps that will strengthen the skills we are already working on without feeling like work. I think that's the hardest part for me, I find what seems like the perfect app, it matches what we need to work on, checks off all my boxes, but then my kids hate it. Goodbye, see ya! I don't have space on my phone for an app that no one likes. However, I was so glad when Miss B immediately fell in love with the Read with Fonics app. … [Read more...]
Nory Ryan’s Song Literature Unit
Welcome back to Literature Units with Live Love Learn Gracefully. This week's unit is based on Nory Ryan's Song by Patricia Giff. In trying to branch out of my World War II slump, I stumbled across this gem. This novel would be fun to read around St. Patrick's Day as you learn all about the Irish culture. This novel will take you deep into Ireland in the 1800's. Through this unit you will learn about life in Ireland, the Potato Famine, Immigration, hardships, and about an amazing young girl, … [Read more...]
Why Is Middle School Lit So Important?
I can't really explain my fascination with Middle School Literature. I mean when you tell people you teach Middle School their response is normally, "You must be crazy." Well, that is probably true, but what I've learned as a Middle School teacher is that you have to really love what you teach. Some of the most amazing teachers have two things in common, they are passionate about what they teach and they are passionate about their students. For me, I love the idea of helping kids learn to … [Read more...]
