My seven month old twin boys are in the beginning stages of crawling. We've got belly crawling, backwards crawling, and rocking on all fours. They're seeking out their own tiny sliceof independence. Knowing this stage was coming I thought...God help us they'll be mobile soon! I'll admit it's a little scary but exciting too. So what do any new parents do? Childproof up the ying yang. We started with those annoying outlet covers, and then...GATES! More blockades, latches, covers to follow. Independence, but with limits. :)
Childproofing holds no guarantees as everyone knows to keep your child out of harm's way. I imagine the day I'll most certainly see two toddlers running in opposite directions. (I picture that happening at the beach.) By then I may have figured out how I'll clone myself to be in two places at the same time...or not. Bottom line, I want safety and protection in place and I'll do everything I can (sans cloning) to put preventions in place. Once again, independence-but with limits.
One month ago today, I dove head first into the pool of social media to devote more time into what I have a true passion about, teaching students to be successful readers and to love reading too. In a way I was learning how to take my passions for the first time and become mobile. Out of the confines of a classroom and at my laptop in my kitchen (in my pajamas), I practiced moving forward. Only difference was-no gates, latches or outlet covers. Just me and my humble opinions took off on a journey. So far, it's been nothing less than a tiny victory.
1. I've finally launched this blog which affords me the chance to write, write, and write! And as we all know the more you write the better writer you become.
2. I've opened my Facebook page www.facebook.com/TheReadingTutorOG which has helped me connect with friends and new faces. Finding new information to post is enjoying and a little addicting.
3. Twitter is surprisingly my new fav. Following like-minded and not so like-minded people from all over the world connects me in a way I never knew was possible.
4. My Teachers Pay Teachers online store http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Emily-Gibbonshas allowed me to share my resources with other teachers that want quality materials that will support all kinds of learners. So often teachers are wrapped up in their day to day routines, in a classroom and it can seem solitary at times. TPT allows new windows to open up filled with fresh ideas.
Becoming mobile along with my newbie crawlers has been an exciting journey. Creative juices are constantly developing and I love it. My boys inspire me for they show me how to look at life with boundless possibility.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Dad Did The Read Alouds
"Read it again Daddy." How many nights did my father hear these four little words? It was the bedtime routine. After a bath we'd curl up on the couch. Most of the time, it was books I had heard so often I had memorized them. I was a huge fan of the repeated read. (See my previous post about why you should reread those old favs.) I'm sure my Dad was probably thinking when will she ever get tired of hearing these? Or maybe sad at the idea that one day I wouldn't want him to read to me anymore. (That day did come sadly, but not for awhile.)
This morning I came across http://yano.co.uk/ 's link for the top ten books for Dads to read aloud. http://yano.co.uk/yano-reviews/book-reviews/
Instantly I was transported back to my living room couch, in my jammies, books in hand, ready to pass them to my father to read. What a basket full of memories to last a lifetime of Dad reading to me and doing ALL the voices. I can still here them in my head. And I know from experience it isn't about all the money we spend on things for our kids, it's the time we spend with them that truly matters. Dad read every night, no matter what. So...here is a list of the top ten books I had my Dad read to me. Maybe it'll inspire you to read to your kids more often, call your dad, head to a library or local book store or just make time for them. Cheers to books!
10. Frederick's Alligator by: Esther Allen Peterson- No one believes that Frederick has a baby alligator in a shoebox under his bed. Great imagination here. Best line from the whole book? When the alligator comes out of the egg it says, "yonk, yonk."
9. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs by: Judi and Ronald Barrett- I've heard the movie isn't anything like this book...and I'm glad! The Barretts team up to write about an amazing land-Chewandswallow. Illustrations are vivid. The whole book just appeals to the senses.
8. Helga's Dowry by: Tomi dePaola C'mon, a troll love story? What's not to love? I would crack up laughing at the antics of Boulder Helga and Tree Inga. Helga was too good for Lars!
7. Arthur's Pen Pal by: Lillian Hoban Arthur's got some pretty strong opinions about what girls and boys can and can't do. (What big brother doesn't?) Paired with his little sister Violet, they have the usual sibling disputes. I won't tell you ANYthing about his pen pal!
6. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry: . OK- I've heard this book easily over a hundred times, and I still appreciate each character and the little rhyme that accompanies them. Good choice for the holidays along with sharing and reusing!
5. Any Berenstain Bear books by Stan and Jan Berenstain! I loved the Bear family. Coupled with some realistic themes and humor, there was always a nice lesson to learn in the end. (Messy Room really spoke to me back then)
4. Uncle Remus Tales- Who doesn't love a good trickster tale? These stories are classic! Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, Brer Fox came alive when Dad read these. He had a special voice for each one of them.
3. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper There's a train that carries toys and candy? Where can I get a ticket?! And then it breaks down? This little book has a compelling plot for kids. Plus, you have to love that message of persistence and determination.
2. Oliver Button Is A Sissy by: Tomi dePaola- Another dePaola fav. There's something so comforting about his illustrations. Oliver ends up being a star tap dancer despite what the bullies say or do. Hooray!
And #1. (Drumroll please....) The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton! Hands down, this is my favorite illustrator of all time. Gorgeous details on every page, even the endpapers.Virginia wrote lovely stories for her two boys and this Caldecott winner is a beauty. The little house is stuck in the middle of progress, but time cannot erase the love she holds.
Thank you for traveling with me down memory lane. My own boys will be hearing these books over the next few years. (We're still in the board book department.) And of course, thanks Dad for reading to me every night no matter what. xo
** Feel free to add your favorites, share stories, comment on my books, etc.
This morning I came across http://yano.co.uk/ 's link for the top ten books for Dads to read aloud. http://yano.co.uk/yano-reviews/book-reviews/
Instantly I was transported back to my living room couch, in my jammies, books in hand, ready to pass them to my father to read. What a basket full of memories to last a lifetime of Dad reading to me and doing ALL the voices. I can still here them in my head. And I know from experience it isn't about all the money we spend on things for our kids, it's the time we spend with them that truly matters. Dad read every night, no matter what. So...here is a list of the top ten books I had my Dad read to me. Maybe it'll inspire you to read to your kids more often, call your dad, head to a library or local book store or just make time for them. Cheers to books!
10. Frederick's Alligator by: Esther Allen Peterson- No one believes that Frederick has a baby alligator in a shoebox under his bed. Great imagination here. Best line from the whole book? When the alligator comes out of the egg it says, "yonk, yonk."
9. Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs by: Judi and Ronald Barrett- I've heard the movie isn't anything like this book...and I'm glad! The Barretts team up to write about an amazing land-Chewandswallow. Illustrations are vivid. The whole book just appeals to the senses.
8. Helga's Dowry by: Tomi dePaola C'mon, a troll love story? What's not to love? I would crack up laughing at the antics of Boulder Helga and Tree Inga. Helga was too good for Lars!
6. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry: . OK- I've heard this book easily over a hundred times, and I still appreciate each character and the little rhyme that accompanies them. Good choice for the holidays along with sharing and reusing!
5. Any Berenstain Bear books by Stan and Jan Berenstain! I loved the Bear family. Coupled with some realistic themes and humor, there was always a nice lesson to learn in the end. (Messy Room really spoke to me back then)
4. Uncle Remus Tales- Who doesn't love a good trickster tale? These stories are classic! Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, Brer Fox came alive when Dad read these. He had a special voice for each one of them.
3. The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper There's a train that carries toys and candy? Where can I get a ticket?! And then it breaks down? This little book has a compelling plot for kids. Plus, you have to love that message of persistence and determination.
2. Oliver Button Is A Sissy by: Tomi dePaola- Another dePaola fav. There's something so comforting about his illustrations. Oliver ends up being a star tap dancer despite what the bullies say or do. Hooray!
Thank you for traveling with me down memory lane. My own boys will be hearing these books over the next few years. (We're still in the board book department.) And of course, thanks Dad for reading to me every night no matter what. xo
** Feel free to add your favorites, share stories, comment on my books, etc.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
HUG!
Hug by Jez Alborough basically has 3 words in it. But the word used the most is...you guessed it, HUG! I found this little gem years ago and fell in love with it instantly. You might say I wanted to give it a hug and say, "Where have you been?" I've given it as gifts a bunch of times. I've read it aloud to kids and adults. If you have put your hands on a copy-please do!
So why the post about Hug? My seven month old twins have recently learned to do just that...hug. They hug me, they hug Daddy, one even started hugging the other. MAJOR cuteness beyond your imagination. I consider this a T.V. (tiny victory!) for my boys. They haven't even gotten the pleasure of a good ol' HUG read aloud and I'm super impressed. They're learning how to respond to requests and show affection too. What a proud Momma day for me.
We learn in this life how to respond to each other's requests in so many ways. We could answer promptly, take action, offer advice, ignore, even chide. Hopefully a need is fulfilled.
How do we fulfill a struggling reader's needs? Do we know what warning signs to look for? Do we know what resources to offer? Are we responding to a child's request to be learn even when they may not be announcing it. Many times a struggling reader will express zero interest in reading. They'll find the task to be an exhausting chore. Every teacher can think of a child that fits that description.
Today I leave with an important list of warning signs for recognizing dyslexia. If a child you know has 3 or more of these warning signs it may be a good time to speak with their teacher. It just might be the first step to helping them become a successful reader. http://www.bartonreading.com/pdf/Dys%20warning%20signs.pdf And just like my boys learned to respond to me and each other, we too can respond to our students needs. Have a week full of T.Vs!
So why the post about Hug? My seven month old twins have recently learned to do just that...hug. They hug me, they hug Daddy, one even started hugging the other. MAJOR cuteness beyond your imagination. I consider this a T.V. (tiny victory!) for my boys. They haven't even gotten the pleasure of a good ol' HUG read aloud and I'm super impressed. They're learning how to respond to requests and show affection too. What a proud Momma day for me.
We learn in this life how to respond to each other's requests in so many ways. We could answer promptly, take action, offer advice, ignore, even chide. Hopefully a need is fulfilled.
How do we fulfill a struggling reader's needs? Do we know what warning signs to look for? Do we know what resources to offer? Are we responding to a child's request to be learn even when they may not be announcing it. Many times a struggling reader will express zero interest in reading. They'll find the task to be an exhausting chore. Every teacher can think of a child that fits that description.
Today I leave with an important list of warning signs for recognizing dyslexia. If a child you know has 3 or more of these warning signs it may be a good time to speak with their teacher. It just might be the first step to helping them become a successful reader. http://www.bartonreading.com/pdf/Dys%20warning%20signs.pdf And just like my boys learned to respond to me and each other, we too can respond to our students needs. Have a week full of T.Vs!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Turn Your T.V. ON!
What? A teacher asking you to turn your tv on?! No, not quite. I mean turn your tiny victories (T.V.) on. What small things have you accomplished that have made your day a little better? Creating my facebook page and finally mustering up enough courage to blog are mine. Consider this your spot to turn your T.V. on and post. I'd love the message of tiny victories to spread!
Presently, I'm amazed at the wealth of information there is to sort through on a daily, no make that hourly basis. Feeling a little scattered, even a bit naive as a result. (You may get that impression after reading my posts sometimes.) Much like choosing the right produce at the supermarket, how do I sort through and select the best (or shall we way the freshest?!) information to pass along to people? Sometimes it's a timely photo, a page of tips and strategies, a video or even an event. Surely you've come to read my blog to gather some new information, not wonder how many diapers I change for twins in a day. (it's a lot, yes I stockpile boxes of diapers in my attic, we'll leave it at that) How do you other bloggers do it?
I leave you today with a link to the author Annie Murphy Paul. She has graciously taken it upon herself to "follow" me on Twitter, for which I am thankful, especially after setting up my account just days ago. Something about her "helping people understand how we learn and how we can do it better." sparked my interest. Maybe after reading her latest book, Brilliant, The New Science of Smart I'll have better strategies for passing along my daily produce to all of you! In the meantime, check out her site and blog.
And so I'll end this short post in the words of a certain well meaning dance instructor trying to teach my then soon to be husband and I how to slow dance in front of our wedding guests, "The less time you're out there the better." (we then changed our choice of music promptly.) Thanks for liking, following, subscribing, etc! :)
T.V.!
Presently, I'm amazed at the wealth of information there is to sort through on a daily, no make that hourly basis. Feeling a little scattered, even a bit naive as a result. (You may get that impression after reading my posts sometimes.) Much like choosing the right produce at the supermarket, how do I sort through and select the best (or shall we way the freshest?!) information to pass along to people? Sometimes it's a timely photo, a page of tips and strategies, a video or even an event. Surely you've come to read my blog to gather some new information, not wonder how many diapers I change for twins in a day. (it's a lot, yes I stockpile boxes of diapers in my attic, we'll leave it at that) How do you other bloggers do it?
I leave you today with a link to the author Annie Murphy Paul. She has graciously taken it upon herself to "follow" me on Twitter, for which I am thankful, especially after setting up my account just days ago. Something about her "helping people understand how we learn and how we can do it better." sparked my interest. Maybe after reading her latest book, Brilliant, The New Science of Smart I'll have better strategies for passing along my daily produce to all of you! In the meantime, check out her site and blog.
And so I'll end this short post in the words of a certain well meaning dance instructor trying to teach my then soon to be husband and I how to slow dance in front of our wedding guests, "The less time you're out there the better." (we then changed our choice of music promptly.) Thanks for liking, following, subscribing, etc! :)
T.V.!
Friday, March 1, 2013
Tiny Victories
Why is this blog called Tiny Victories? We all have major events that are life changing. They shape us into new people entirely sometimes. But day to day we get down on ourselves. The old "can't see the forest for the trees" line rings true. So what keeps us going? The little successes do. I call them tiny victories. I've have some pretty challenging trials in my life. Some were downright uphill battles. It was the tiny victories that kept me on the path. (journaling too) When I first became a Mommy to twin boys it was things like, I bathed them and they didn't hate it, or I learned how to make my own baby food that made my days feel just a little more positive. I wrote them down, and they're validated. Hey, who doesn't love to feel validated?!
Children need tiny victories too. I've worked with hundreds of children ages >1-12 over the years. This blog is written for them. It's for their parents seeking ways to help them succeed. It's for teachers looking for resources to help their students.
Today I checked out www.readingrockets.org again. What an amazing resource for kids, parents and teachers. It's endless! I put a widget on my blog directing you to resources for struggling readers.
So, I found this little gem on reading rockets and put it on my facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheReadingTutorOg Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss' wife shares inspiring stories about the famous author. His first children's book was rejected 27 TIMES before getting published! Furthermore, I learned from Audrey that Random House rarely edited his books at all! Read Across America day beginning tomorrow, (and it's Dr. Seuss' birthday) why not get in the spirit and watch this video! It solidified for me why I've loved his books. Check it out at http://bcove.me/uvwzfetr
Finally- If you like this blog, please subscribe to it. You can share some of your own tiny victories with me. Thank you and Happy Friday!
Children need tiny victories too. I've worked with hundreds of children ages >1-12 over the years. This blog is written for them. It's for their parents seeking ways to help them succeed. It's for teachers looking for resources to help their students.
Today I checked out www.readingrockets.org again. What an amazing resource for kids, parents and teachers. It's endless! I put a widget on my blog directing you to resources for struggling readers.
So, I found this little gem on reading rockets and put it on my facebook page, www.facebook.com/TheReadingTutorOg Audrey Geisel, Dr. Seuss' wife shares inspiring stories about the famous author. His first children's book was rejected 27 TIMES before getting published! Furthermore, I learned from Audrey that Random House rarely edited his books at all! Read Across America day beginning tomorrow, (and it's Dr. Seuss' birthday) why not get in the spirit and watch this video! It solidified for me why I've loved his books. Check it out at http://bcove.me/uvwzfetr
Finally- If you like this blog, please subscribe to it. You can share some of your own tiny victories with me. Thank you and Happy Friday!
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