The rewards of being an integral part of your child's schooling are long-lasting

Last week I had an opportunity to speak at a Parent Participation Preschool. It was a real pleasure to visit the school and meet the parents. The PPP format includes regular parent education workshops and I was invited to speak about children's books and how we can help prepare young children for reading.

This morning I was in my ten year old's classroom, helping the children with a sewing project. They are making button blankets and needed help threading needles and stitching buttons. There were three moms in the classroom, two of us are former Parent Participation moms. My experience has been that both our boys (almost) expect mom to be around the school, driving for field trips and helping where needed because mom was involved from the start. For kids whose parents were in the preschool classroom, it is only logical that they become involved in the elementary school. When considering a preschool, I urge you to make parent involvement a priority. I know it is much easier to drop off your child at preschool or school but the rewards of being an integral part of your child's schooling are forever.

A Fantastic Family Holiday in Southern California

We have just returned from a terrific holiday in Southern California. In early November my husband and I surprised our two boys. With suitcases packed, coaches and teachers notified, newspaper stopped, etc., we waited until after school to let them know that they would be boarding a 7:30 p.m. flight. It was a tough secret to keep. I don't know how many times I almost said the wrong thing. Anyhow, this is the second time we have surprised them like this. Our view is that we want them focussed on school right up until departure time. No goofing off the day of departure. We also needed a good sleep the night before as my younger boy had a (groan) 6 a.m. hockey practice the day we left.

They were thrilled and we all headed off to Disneyland. What a terrific spot for a family holiday. We had a great time. Unlike some vacations where mom and dad try to balance their interests with those of the children - and try to entertain kids day after day, we think Disneyland strikes a perfect balance. We all enjoyed the park thoroughly and laughed together.

We have been there a number of times with and without children. My eldest was just 2on our first trip. He is twelve now. Our priorities have shifted away from wading pools and Fantasyland toward thrill rides, pizza by the pool and late nights. I couldn't recommend the trip more highly.

When did you start reading to your infant? Take part in our poll

So, when did you begin reading to your baby? I began when my eldest child was six months old and haven't quit yet (he's now twelve years old!) I never got into reading to my unborn children nor did I try with newborns. Please answer our survey -- when did you begin reading aloud?

Bright, Bold and Dimensional Nursery Rhymes for Baby

Barbara Reid, a Canadian illustrator who works with Plasticine and found objects, is acclaimed for many, many books. My personal favourite is Subway Mouse. It tells the tale of a young mouse who longs to escape the subway and discover Tunnel's End.

Ms. Reid has now created a new board book edition of Sing a Song of Mother Goose. Featuring fourteen nursery rhymes, as one would expect, the illustrations are delightful: bright, bold and dimensional. An excellent choice for very young children.

For additional background information, Ms. Reid's website has loads of news about her books and the various techniques she uses.
Sing a Song of Mother Goose at Amazon.ca

Next time you visit the library with your child...

Next time you visit the library with your child, here are some of our not-to-be missed family favorites you might like to 'check out'... These are the books that will stay on our shelf for a very, very long time.

Allen, Nicholas

The Queen’s Knickers - Might be difficult to find but well worth the hunt. Who knew the Queen had such a variety of knickers? A pair for every occasion!

Beaumont, Karen

I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! - Fun illustrations show us just how far a determined artist can go. Who can blame mom for trying to hide the paints? This child paints everything!

Blades, Ann

Back to the Cabin - My boys still gravitate toward this gentle summertime book. Mom drags her reluctant children to the cabin for a vacation without electronics (and then drags them away when it is time to go home). Lovely.

Cronin, Doreen

Click, Clack, Moo Cows that Type - Apart from the fact you will have to explain what a typewriter is, this is a not-to-be missed treat for the whole family.

Gay, Marie-Louise

Stella, Fairy of the Forest - One of my favorite picture book depictions of the relationship between a brother and sister. Don't miss Stella and Sam.

Goodman, Peggy

Bernard’s Bath - What to do when a baby elephant refuses to take a bath. Really good fun.

Hedderwick, Mairi

Katie Morag Delivers the Mail - Katie Morag is another delightful character. Ah, it would be wonderful to visit her island in Scotland.

Lawson, Julie

Whatever you Do, Don’t Go Near that Canoe - Who can resist climbing into a canoe for an evening paddle? Before long the children are enjoying a rollicking hot dog roast with a raucous band of pirates.

Shannon, David

No, David - Your child will love to watch poor David as he tries to be good.

Van Alsburg, Chris

The Polar Express - The movie is great - the book is even better.

Martin, Bill Jr.

Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom - Really good fun and especially appropriate for youngsters who are starting to be interested in letters and the alphabet.

Martechenko, Michael

Matthew and the Midnight Tow Truck - Every boy's dream. A midnight experience like no other.

Numeroff, Laurie

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - A classic!

Rathburn, Peggy

Officer Buckle and Gloria - Terrific illustrations help to tell a dog-gone good tale.

Reynolds, Peter

The Dot & Ish - Good for children and great for their parents - especially those who have given up on being artists.

Van Dusen, Chris

A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee - A favourite of mine because the story is captivating and the illustrations are terrific. This sort of book is great for children and enjoyable for parents

When Choosing a Book to Share with Baby, Have a Look at the Poetry Shelf

When choosing a book to share with baby, have a look at the poetry shelf. Sharing poetry with young children will introduce rhythm and rhyme, create wonderful memories and start your child on the path to reading success.

Snuggle up, give your child her favorite toy or blanket and enjoy...

What Will We Do with the Baby-O?
Rhymes and songs collected by Thero Heras, illustrated by Jennifer Herbert
A brightly illustrated picture book for very young children and their caregivers. What Will We Do ... includes ten songs and rhymes to share with babies and toddlers. Sheet music is included along with suggestions for clapping and bouncing. Good fun!

Lavender’s Blue A Book of Nursery Rhymes 50th Anniversary Edition
Compiled by Kathleen Lines, Pictured by Harold Jones
Originally published in 1954, this is a definitive collection of nursery rhymes. It was a runner-up for the international Hans Christian Andersen Medal, and it won a Carnegie special commendation. It was also listed as an American Library Association Notable Book and it received a Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1960. It has the look and feel of the original book. A lovely gift for new parents.



What Will We Do With the Baby-O? at Amazon.ca
Lavender's Blue : A Book of Nursery Rhymes at Amazon.ca

Celebrating Daddies and All They Do

Matching books to occasions is one way to help our children connect books and their own experiences. If you are planning to celebrate Father's Day on Sunday, I hope you will include a special book in your plans. For a very young child, might I suggest The Very Best Daddy of All? Rich, evocative illustrations introduce offspring and daddies from the animal kingdom. Children will enjoy discovering the many ways animals provide for and nuture their offspring. As well, we witness the many wonderful ways human daddies express their love.

The Very Best Daddy of All at Amazon.ca