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	<title>Busy Mommy Media&#187; Language Skills</title>
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	<description>Surviving Motherhood One Mess at a Time</description>
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		<title>Top Dr. Seuss Themed Activities</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2012/03/top-dr-seuss-themed-activities/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2012/03/top-dr-seuss-themed-activities/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:55:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. Seuss]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. Seuss crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Literature themed activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Read Across America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Writing activities for kids]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Today is Dr. Seuss's Birthday and, to celebrate, it's Read Across America Day. We're enjoying the day by having a "book day" as my kids are calling it. Dr. Seuss books are strewn all over the floor and my budding writers are coming up with all kinds of interesting stories of their own.
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/themed-preschool-book-storage/' rel='bookmark' title='Themed Preschool Book Storage'>Themed Preschool Book Storage</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/valentines-day-treats-linky/' rel='bookmark' title='Valentine&#8217;s Day Treats (Linky)'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Treats (Linky)</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/' rel='bookmark' title='Valentines Day Crafts for Kids (Linky)'>Valentines Day Crafts for Kids (Linky)</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679805273/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0679805273"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13777" title="amazon" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/amazon.jpg" alt="Oh the Places You'll Go" width="230" height="252" /></a></p>
<p>Today is Dr. Seuss&#8217;s Birthday and, to celebrate, it&#8217;s Read Across America Day. We&#8217;re enjoying the day by having a &#8220;book day&#8221; as my kids are calling it. Dr. Seuss books are strewn all over the floor and my budding writers are coming up with all kinds of interesting stories of their own.</p>
<p>One of the first books I read with each of my kids when they were born was <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679805273/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0679805273">Oh, the Places You&#8217;ll Go!</a> I have great memories of sitting in my rocking chair during my maternity leave with my first son and reading him the musical words of Dr. Seuss.</p>
<p>Dr. Seuss books are a great way to help young readers fall in love with reading from the very beginning. We frequently use the early readers as our kids are learning how to read and they love all the fun illustrations and great nonsense words.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ve created <a href="http://pinterest.com/busymommymedia/dr-seuss/">a Dr. Seuss Pinboard</a> with some of our favorite Dr. Seuss themed activities and designs. After looking through a few of these projects, I kind of want to plaster my walls with Dr. Seuss quotes.</p>
<p>Here are a few of our favorite Dr. Seuss themed activities:</p>
<h1>Dr. Seuss Hats</h1>
<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/148759593911102492/" target="_blank"><img style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-width: 0px;" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/148759593911102492_HFT2rgG1_c.jpg" alt="" width="388" height="242" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://fancyfrugallife.blogspot.com/2011/07/dr-suess-all-about-me-cat-hat-snacks.html">fancyfrugallife.blogspot.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/mjshafer2000/" target="_blank">Marti</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<h1></h1>
<h1>Printable Dr. Seuss Bookmarks</h1>
<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/73816881361898733/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/73816881361898733_jrCRiBSM_c.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="502" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.somewhatsimple.com/2011/09/printable-bookmarks-bookplates.html">somewhatsimple.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/karenvanorman/" target="_blank">Karen</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<h1></h1>
<h1>One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish</h1>
<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/256775616223823176/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/256775616223823176_JyVqv7pV_c.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="240" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://www.mydeliciousambiguity.com/2011/03/dr-seuss-snack-and-food-ideas.html">mydeliciousambiguity.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/kpolkadot/" target="_blank">Kelly</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<h1></h1>
<h1>Dr. Seuss Graph</h1>
<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/19492210856707014/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/19492210856707014_5f1V2WfV_c.jpg" alt="" width="553" height="738" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d1D9c88U1QE/TW79OAn3r5I/AAAAAAAAAO0/Y4OluinPxdE/s1600/IMG_6852.jpg">lh6.googleusercontent.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/craftypita/" target="_blank">Lupita</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<h1></h1>
<h1>Thing 1 and Thing 2 Handprint Craft</h1>
<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/163607398932572697/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/163607398932572697_wwA4qQrq_c.jpg" alt="" width="191" height="288" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://frogsbeesundertheseas.blogspot.com/2011/06/theme-thursday.html">frogsbeesundertheseas.blogspot.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/trishalynne/" target="_blank">Trisha</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<h1></h1>
<h1>Dr. Seuss Writing Activity</h1>
<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/9922061648537465/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/9922061648537465_MiuFOozu_c.jpg" alt="" width="247" height="320" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://reallyroper.blogspot.com/2011/02/dr-seuss-writing.html">reallyroper.blogspot.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/ritamariano/" target="_blank">Rita</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<h1></h1>
<h1>Dr. Seuss Dart Game</h1>
<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171136854559583435/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/171136854559583435_KWG9dNSK_c.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="400" border="0" /></a></div>
<div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">
<p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://party.tipjunkie.com/cat-in-the-hat-dart-game/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TipJunkieAllSites+%28Tip+Junkie+%7E+Creative+Inspiration%29">party.tipjunkie.com</a> via <a style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com/ibkajun/" target="_blank">Jo Ann</a> on <a style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" href="http://pinterest.com" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p>
</div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong> What are your favorite Dr. Seuss themed projects?</strong></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/themed-preschool-book-storage/' rel='bookmark' title='Themed Preschool Book Storage'>Themed Preschool Book Storage</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/valentines-day-treats-linky/' rel='bookmark' title='Valentine&#8217;s Day Treats (Linky)'>Valentine&#8217;s Day Treats (Linky)</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/' rel='bookmark' title='Valentines Day Crafts for Kids (Linky)'>Valentines Day Crafts for Kids (Linky)</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How to Make a Laminated Alphabet</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/how-to-make-a-laminated-alphabet/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/how-to-make-a-laminated-alphabet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:01:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early literacy activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[laminated alphabet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[letter recognition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool language activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool language skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool literacy]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[One of the most effective tools I have for teaching my kids letter recognition has been a simple laminated alphabet.
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/make-a-preschool-alphabet-wall/' rel='bookmark' title='Make a Preschool Alphabet Wall'>Make a Preschool Alphabet Wall</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/alphabet-childrens-poster/' rel='bookmark' title='Alphabet Children&#8217;s Poster'>Alphabet Children&#8217;s Poster</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make a Laminated Preschool Name Tag'>How to Make a Laminated Preschool Name Tag</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-13599" title="laminatedabc" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/laminatedabc-300x250.jpg" alt="How to Make a Laminated Alphabet" width="300" height="250" /></p>
<p>One of the most effective tools I have for teaching my kids letter recognition has been a simple laminated alphabet. This cost me under $5 to put together and we&#8217;ve used it for numerous activities, from <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2011/10/dough-letters-early-literacy-activity-for-preschoolers/">making play dough</a><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2011/10/dough-letters-early-literacy-activity-for-preschoolers/"> letters</a> to tracing over each letter with a white board marker.</p>
<p>This is so easy to make and it&#8217;s perfect whether you&#8217;re a homeschooling mom or a mom of a preschooler who needs a bit of letter recognition practice. We use this all the time to keep my 4 year old occupied during the day so I can work with the older kids.</p>
<h1>Supplies</h1>
<p>The materials you need to make this are simple.</p>
<ul>
<li>Computer Paper</li>
<li>A Clear Font &#8211; You wan&#8217;t one that preschoolers can easily recognize so avoid anything too fancy</li>
<li>1 <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000093L0I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000093L0I">Loose Leaf Ring</a> &#8211; This can be any size you want</li>
<li>Hole Punch</li>
<li>The Ability to Laminate &#8211; You can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010JEJPC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0010JEJPC">use a laminator</a> for this if you have one. I just took my printed pages to a school supply store and paid a few dollars for them to laminate the pages for me. In a pinch, you can slide each page into a sheet protector and put the entire thing in a 3 ring binder.</li>
</ul>
<p>That&#8217;s it!</p>
<h1>Instructions</h1>
<p>Find a font that will work for your preschooler. I wanted something that emphasized the correct starting and ending points for each letter so my kids could practice correct letter formation. I have <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag/">some font recommendations here</a>, but if you have a favorite, any font will do.</p>
<p>Increase the font size so that each letter is as large as it can be and fits one letter to a page. Once you have formatted your letters the way you want them, print the entire alphabet.</p>
<p>At this point, you&#8217;ll laminate your alphabet pages. If you don&#8217;t have a laminator, most school or office supply stores will do this for you for a very small fee. This will come back to you in several large sheets. You&#8217;ll need to cut them apart and then trip around the edges.</p>
<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/laminatedabc2.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13600" title="laminatedabc2" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/laminatedabc2-300x199.jpg" alt="Laminated Alphabet for preschoolers" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>Put your alphabet pages in order (this is a great activity to do with your preschooler!) then be sure they&#8217;re lined up evenly. You may need to trim some extra edges if you missed any at this point.</p>
<p>Use a hole punch to put a hole in the top, left hand corner of each page. I improvised and used a 3-ring punch. You&#8217;ll probably need to do this in several smaller stacks.</p>
<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/laminatedabc3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-13601" title="laminatedabc3" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/laminatedabc3-300x199.jpg" alt="laminated alphabet" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p>Put all the pages onto your loose leaf ring and your laminated alphabet is done!</p>
<p><strong>Some of our favorite activities to do with this are:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Trace the letters with your finger</li>
<li>Trace the letters with a dry erase marker</li>
<li>lay <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GL1DJ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000GL1DJ0">Wikki Stix</a> over the top of each letter</li>
<li><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2011/10/dough-letters-early-literacy-activity-for-preschoolers/">Make dough letters with play dough snakes</a></li>
<li>Take the pages off the ring and put them in alphabetical order</li>
<li>Pick a letter and find objects around the house that start with that letter</li>
<li>Use a dry erase marker to draw pictures of objects that start with each letter on the each letter page</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How would you use your laminated alphabet?</strong></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/make-a-preschool-alphabet-wall/' rel='bookmark' title='Make a Preschool Alphabet Wall'>Make a Preschool Alphabet Wall</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/alphabet-childrens-poster/' rel='bookmark' title='Alphabet Children&#8217;s Poster'>Alphabet Children&#8217;s Poster</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make a Laminated Preschool Name Tag'>How to Make a Laminated Preschool Name Tag</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Must-Have Products for Early Readers</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/must-have-products-for-early-readers/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/must-have-products-for-early-readers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[basic reading skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beginning readers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early readers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning to read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[products for early readers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching kids to read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching preschoolers to read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching reading skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tools for early readers]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Check our our must-have products for early readers.
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<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/06/tools-for-reluctant-readers/' rel='bookmark' title='Tools for Reluctant Readers'>Tools for Reluctant Readers</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/10/bringing-up-baby-the-yellow-brick-road-to-early-literacy/' rel='bookmark' title='Bringing Up Baby &#8211; Early Literacy for Infants'>Bringing Up Baby &#8211; Early Literacy for Infants</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/reading-a-frugal-hobby/' rel='bookmark' title='Reading: A Frugal Hobby?'>Reading: A Frugal Hobby?</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/readerspin.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13345" title="readerspin" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/readerspin-150x150.jpg" alt="Must-Have Products for Early Readers" width="150" height="150" /></a>I love new readers. It&#8217;s so much fun to watch as kids grasp concepts that they once thought were well beyond their reach. Reading opens up so many things to kids and reading ability will play a huge role in your child&#8217;s future academic success.</p>
<p>As a former teacher and a homeschooling mom to 3 kids, I have found a few favorite products over the years that I think are essential for teaching basic reading skills. Each of these products share one thing in common &#8212; they make reading a fun experience for the child and help increase skill level.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZAKUT2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B004ZAKUT2"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13241" title="amazon" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/amazon6.jpg" alt="Lakeshore Magnetic Letter Tiles" width="126" height="126" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZAKUT2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B004ZAKUT2">Letter Tiles</a></h1>
<p>Letter tiles are the first thing I pull out when I have a beginning reader. They can be used for the very basics, from identifying letters and their sounds, to more advanced skills like building words or creating simple sentences.</p>
<p>My favorite set of Letter tiles is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZAKUT2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B004ZAKUT2">one made by Lakeshore Learning</a> because they are magnetic, which makes them easy to use on any magnetic surface (and makes it harder to lose them) and they are nice and chunky so even younger kids can manipulate them without a problem.</p>
<h1><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439845009/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439845009">Bob Books</a></h1>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439845009/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439845009"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13337" title="amazon" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/amazon1.jpg" alt="Bob Books" width="134" height="134" /></a>I&#8217;ve always heard everyone rave about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439845009/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0439845009">Bob Books</a> for early readers. Now that I&#8217;ve tried them, I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why I didn&#8217;t buy these when my oldest son was learning to read. We bought sets 1 and 2 for my 6 year old son a few months ago (and have since bought every other set in the series) and I cannot say enough good about them. The way they teach reading is just so logical and getting kids reading full books right away builds so much confidence that they quickly learn to love reading.</p>
<p>My 6 year old is constantly asking to read his Bob Books with me and I constantly hear him say, &#8220;I am SO good at reading&#8221;. It makes my heart happy to watch as he really develops a love of reading and now it isn&#8217;t uncommon to see him pull aside his younger brother and show off his new reading skills by reading a few Bob Books to him.</p>
<h1><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CBHTGA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000CBHTGA">Magnetic Poetry for Word Play</a></h1>
<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13336" title="amazon" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/amazon.jpg" alt="Magnetic Poetry for Kids" width="126" height="126" /> Remember how much fun magnetic poetry was on the fridge in your college apartment? It&#8217;s even more fun for new readers who can sound out some words but may not be able to put a sentence together on their own. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CBHTGA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000CBHTGA">Magnetic Poetry has a great line of magnetic words for kids</a> and they come in several different reading levels.</p>
<p>I came across an older version of these while looking for something to make writing fun for my older son and was thrilled to discover the first words version for my new reader.</p>
<p>We keep a magnetic wipe board up in our family room because it&#8217;s great for all kinds of activities and my 6 year old loves to sit with this magnetic word set and build his own sentences. It&#8217;s a great confidence builder and he really enjoys all the silly sentences he can come up with.</p>
<p>For younger kids, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00003JATS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00003JATS">Magnetic Poetry makes a large letter version</a> that&#8217;s appropriate for kids ages 3 and older.</p>
<p>Rusty and Rosy Reading Softward</p>
<h1><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JQV9LG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003JQV9LG">LeapFrog TAG Reading System</a></h1>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JQV9LG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003JQV9LG"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13338" title="amazon" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/amazon2.jpg" alt="Tag Reading System" width="147" height="147" /></a>One of the biggest issues I see with early readers losing motivation is that they want to read, and they want to read NOW. When learning to read takes longer than they think it should, kids get frustrated and decide that it&#8217;s too hard. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003JQV9LG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003JQV9LG">The Tag Reading System from LeapFrog</a> is a great way to keep up the momentum and get kids reading right from the very beginning.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ve loved the Tag reading system so much that we have 3 of them, one for each kid, and those were all products that we purchased on our own (i.e. the company didn&#8217;t send us a single one). We&#8217;ve gotten a ton of use out of our Tag systems and one of my favorite things about them is that they use real books, many of them old favorites.</p>
<p>We started our youngest on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U5R200/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001U5R200">Tag Jr.</a> when he was only 2 and it&#8217;s been one of his favorite toys from the very beginning.</p>
<h1><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618750428/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0618750428">Audio Books for Kids</a></h1>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618750428/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0618750428"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13339" title="amazon" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/amazon3.jpg" alt="Audio Books for Kids" width="144" height="144" /></a></p>
<p>The most important thing you can do to help an early reader is help him develop a real love for learning. If a child loves to read, then learning to read will come naturally. There are some great audio books for kids available, or you can make your own by recording your voice reading some of your child&#8217;s favorite books.</p>
<p>Audio books allow kids to read whenever they want to and are a great alternative to T.V. time when mom needs to get something done or perfect for a road trip activity. My 6 year old would go nuts for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618750428/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0618750428">this set of audio Curious George books</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1><a href="http://store.waterfordlearning.com/products/Rusty-and-Rosy-Reading-Software.html">Rusty and Rosy Reading Software</a></h1>
<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rustyandrosy.jpg"><img class="alignleft" title="rustyandrosy" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/rustyandrosy-267x300.jpg" alt="Rusty and Rosy Reading Software" width="105" height="118" /></a>For early readers, repetition is just a part of the game. Learning each letter and the sounds that they make is an essential first step to reading but nothing about that has to feel repetitive when there are so many great options out there to make learning to read fun.</p>
<p>The Rusty and Rosy Reading Software is an adaptive program that helps teach your child all the basics they need to read in a way that feels more like a game.</p>
<h1><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375851569/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375851569">Dr. Seuss Books</a></h1>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375851569/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375851569"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-13341" title="amazon" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/amazon4.jpg" alt="Dr. Seuss Beginning Readers" width="144" height="144" /></a>I&#8217;m a firm believer that books for kids should be fun and no one does that better than Dr. Seuss. With so much fun word play going on, it&#8217;s hard for kids not to be drawn into the classic Dr. Seuss books and many of the early readers are easy enough that kids can start reading them on their own right away.</p>
<p>I read Dr. Seuss to my kids from the time they were tiny babies because the books themselves are so timeless that I still enjoy reading them. I love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375851569/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0375851569">the Dr. Seuss beginning book collection</a> because it has so many favorites that are prefect for new readers.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What are your favorite products for early readers?</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/06/tools-for-reluctant-readers/' rel='bookmark' title='Tools for Reluctant Readers'>Tools for Reluctant Readers</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/10/bringing-up-baby-the-yellow-brick-road-to-early-literacy/' rel='bookmark' title='Bringing Up Baby &#8211; Early Literacy for Infants'>Bringing Up Baby &#8211; Early Literacy for Infants</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/reading-a-frugal-hobby/' rel='bookmark' title='Reading: A Frugal Hobby?'>Reading: A Frugal Hobby?</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Dough Letters &#8211; Early Literacy Activity for Preschoolers</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2011/10/dough-letters-early-literacy-activity-for-preschoolers/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2011/10/dough-letters-early-literacy-activity-for-preschoolers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:55:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sensory Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[activities for preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alphabet and preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early literacy activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homeschool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[letter recognition for toddlers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[play dough recipe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool language activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sensory activities for preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sensory activities for toddlers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small motor skills]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busymommymedia.com/?p=11515</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones that appeal to preschoolers the most. This early literacy activity is one that we turn to over and over again because it's always such a hit and it does a great job teaching letter recognition in a hands-on way. 
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-literacy-art-yarn-letters/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Literacy Art &#8211; Yarn Letters'>Preschool Literacy Art &#8211; Yarn Letters</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-sensory-activity-salt-writing/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Sensory Activity &#8211; Salt Writing'>Preschool Sensory Activity &#8211; Salt Writing</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-alphabet-activity-letter-b-mask/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Alphabet Activity &#8211; Letter B Mask'>Preschool Alphabet Activity &#8211; Letter B Mask</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 5px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fdough-letters-early-literacy-activity-for-preschoolers%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2011%2F10%2Fdough-letters-early-literacy-activity-for-preschoolers%2F&amp;source=busymommymedia&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/doughletters.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11517" title="doughletters" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/doughletters.jpg" alt="Play-Doh Letters" width="245" height="245" /></a>Sometimes the simplest activities are the ones that appeal to preschoolers the most. This early literacy activity is one that we turn to over and over again because it&#8217;s always such a hit and it does a great job teaching letter recognition in a hands-on way.</p>
<p>A while back I made a laminated alphabet, with each letter taking up a full 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. Once my kids have mastered writing their own name using the <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag/">laminated name tag</a> we move onto learning how to write the rest of the letters of the alphabet and the laminated letters are perfect for this because they can be used in so many different ways.</p>
<p>To make your own laminated alphabet, you just need to find a font that works for your kids. I have <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag/">a few font recommendations here</a> but feel free to use any font that you like.  Type out the alphabet in a word processing program giving each letter it&#8217;s own line, then increase the font until each letter is large enough that it takes up the full page (Watch out for wider letters like &#8220;w&#8221;. You may need to decrease the font for wider letters individually).</p>
<p>You can buy a decent laminator for under $30. I don&#8217;t have one so I just took my stack of papers to a school supply store and they laminated it all for me for only a few dollars.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-11518 aligncenter" title="doughletters2" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/doughletters2.jpg" alt="Early Literacy Activities for Preschoolers" width="160" height="240" /></p>
<p>I have all boys &#8212; very active boys &#8212; and I&#8217;ve found that sensory activities are a great way to not only help them understand a concept but sensory activities also do wonders for calming my kids down when they&#8217;re wound up. This activity teaches letter recognition and also helps preschoolers practice small motor skills.</p>
<p>We frequently pull out this early literacy activity for my nearly 4 year old during our homeschooling day because it keeps him occupied while the older boys work on other subjects.</p>
<h1>Supplies Needed</h1>
<ul>
<li>Laminated letters (or you can print one letter on a page and slide each page into a clear sheet protector)</li>
<li>Play Dough (for a fun holiday twist try our <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/gingerbread-playdough/">gingerbread play dough recipe</a>)</li>
</ul>
<h1>Activity Instructions</h1>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Show your toddler or preschooler how to make snakes from the dough.</li>
<li>Place the rolled dough on top of the lines in order to form the letter.</li>
<li>Repeat with each letter of the alphabet.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Variations</h2>
<div>
<ul>
<li>As your preschooler masters this activity, you can add in the lowercase letters, numbers, or talk about the proper place to start when forming each letter.</li>
<li>Put your laminated alphabet on a ring so it&#8217;s more portable and turn it into the perfect travel activity by swapping out the play dough for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GL1DJ0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=217145&amp;creative=399369&amp;creativeASIN=B000GL1DJ0">Wikki Stix</a> (they don&#8217;t get ground into fabric and carpets the way dough does).</li>
</ul>
</div>
<p><a href="http://tipjunkie.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.tipjunkie.com/images/TipMeTuesdayButton1.png" alt="Tip Junkie handmade projects" border="0"/></a></p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-literacy-art-yarn-letters/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Literacy Art &#8211; Yarn Letters'>Preschool Literacy Art &#8211; Yarn Letters</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-sensory-activity-salt-writing/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Sensory Activity &#8211; Salt Writing'>Preschool Sensory Activity &#8211; Salt Writing</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-alphabet-activity-letter-b-mask/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Alphabet Activity &#8211; Letter B Mask'>Preschool Alphabet Activity &#8211; Letter B Mask</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Use a Little Creativity to Encourage Your Child to Read</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2011/06/use-a-little-creativity-to-encourage-your-child-to-read/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2011/06/use-a-little-creativity-to-encourage-your-child-to-read/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 08:54:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Writer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids and reading]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids magazines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raising readers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reading skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reading tips for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reluctant reader]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busymommymedia.com/?p=10173</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As an author of a children’s book, I’ve met many parents who lament their child’s lack of interest in reading.  Invariably, I’m asked for any tips on how to get him (yes, it’s usually a boy) to sit down and read for more than three minutes.  There is no formula to building a love of books because every child is different and, frankly, some kids are naturally inclined toward sitting quietly and getting absorbed in a story.  Other, more easily distracted kids, can barely sit long enough to eat a plate of macaroni much less peruse pages covered in type.
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/10/a-wild-read/' rel='bookmark' title='A Wild Read'>A Wild Read</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/11/to-read-or-not-to-read-john-marsdens-hamlet/' rel='bookmark' title='To Read or Not to Read? &#8211; John Marsden&#8217;s Hamlet'>To Read or Not to Read? &#8211; John Marsden&#8217;s Hamlet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/10/free-books-from-busy-mommy-media/' rel='bookmark' title='Free Books from Busy Mommy Media'>Free Books from Busy Mommy Media</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fuse-a-little-creativity-to-encourage-your-child-to-read%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2011%2F06%2Fuse-a-little-creativity-to-encourage-your-child-to-read%2F&amp;source=busymommymedia&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/boyreading.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10177" title="boyreading" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/boyreading-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>As an author of a children’s book, I’ve met many parents who lament their child’s lack of interest in reading.  Invariably, I’m asked for any tips on how to get him (yes, it’s usually a boy) to sit down and read for more than three minutes.  There is no formula to building a love of books because every child is different and, frankly, some kids are naturally inclined toward sitting quietly and getting absorbed in a story.  Other, more easily distracted kids, can barely sit long enough to eat a plate of macaroni much less peruse pages covered in type.</p>
<p>One of the keys to encouraging a child to read is to understand what most interests him or her.  And, if reading a book is akin to punishment then parents need to find creative ways to introduce the habit into the child’s daily life.  For mom and dad, it may be as simple as broadening their definition of “reading”.</p>
<p>Here are some tips for turning a reluctant reader into a motivated one:</p>
<ul>
<li>Investigate kids’ magazine subscriptions.  Does your child like the outdoors?      Technology? Video games? There is a magazine for almost every      subject.  In my home, we have four      kids’ subscriptions that range from arts and crafts to video games, to      LEGO building.  Each time the      magazine arrives in the mail, the boys spend at least an hour perusing it      and sharing information with one another about what they learned.</li>
<li>Carve out some time during every week (or day depending on the      age of child) to sit together and read.       For a younger child, this would include reading together.  For an older child, it might mean      sitting in the same room with him while he reads and being available to chat      about it.  This works especially      well for non-fiction books that offer interesting facts that are easy to      share.</li>
<li>Take note of the times when your son or daughter is reading      something other than a book.       Trading cards count as reading, as does reviewing video game      instructions, knock-knock jokes, and online information.  Although it doesn’t seem important to      you, it shows that he or she is actually interested in reading – just not      necessarily in the typical narrative books.  And, better yet, take an interest in      what the child has selected. It may help you find that perfect book that      initiates a reading spree.</li>
<li>Go to the library with the kids.  Give them free reign to get whatever      books they like (even if you know they won’t read them!)  This is one of the only places where      kids can get whatever they want for free.       Regardless of whether or not the books get read, this experience –      if done regularly – helps build a “good” feeling about books and can be      the start of a long and wonderful relationship.</li>
<li>Ban the screen sometimes.       If reading is in constant competition with video games, TV, iPods      (you get the point), why should a kid read?  Combine screen-free days with an      ever-available stack of books from the library and eventually something is      going to get read.</li>
<li>Kids ask loads of questions every day: Why is the sky      blue?  What does procrastinate      mean?  Where do gorillas live?  We can’t possibly answer them all! But a      parent can help a child find the answer by looking in a book or searching      online.  Building a child’s      inquisitiveness and encouraging him or her to seek out answers will      inevitably lead to more reading.</li>
<li>When a new movie is coming out that interests your son or      daughter, buy the book beforehand.       Encourage your child to read the book first or, better yet, agree      to take him or her to the flick only after finishing the book.  Considering that most kids’ shows are      based on great books, this tactic offers a lot of reading selection.</li>
</ul>
<p>Providing ample opportunity for a child to read is key to nurturing a lifelong love of books.  And, don’t forget… kids, more than anything, look up to their parents.  If they see Mom and Dad reading (not facebooking) regularly, they’re more likely to do the same.</p>
<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/bwcloseup.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-10176" title="bwcloseup" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/bwcloseup-233x300.jpg" alt="" width="140" height="180" /></a>Danielle Bileski is the author of <a href="http://dannyinanewfangledworld.com/">Danny in a Newfangled World</a>. The first in a new series that chronicles the adventure of a boy in cyberspace for kids 7-11 years old. She blogs about raising kids in the digital age at <a href="http://porridgereport.com/">Porridgereport.com</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/10/a-wild-read/' rel='bookmark' title='A Wild Read'>A Wild Read</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/11/to-read-or-not-to-read-john-marsdens-hamlet/' rel='bookmark' title='To Read or Not to Read? &#8211; John Marsden&#8217;s Hamlet'>To Read or Not to Read? &#8211; John Marsden&#8217;s Hamlet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/10/free-books-from-busy-mommy-media/' rel='bookmark' title='Free Books from Busy Mommy Media'>Free Books from Busy Mommy Media</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Preschool Activity &#8211; Calendar Concepts for Preschoolers</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2011/01/preschool-activity-calendar-concepts-for-preschoolers/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2011/01/preschool-activity-calendar-concepts-for-preschoolers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:24:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Math and Science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calendar activities for preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[calendar concepts for preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[correct writing form]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early writing skills for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to teach preschoolers to hold a pencil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[letters and numbers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new years activities for preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pre-writing activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool calendar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool math skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool small motor skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool sorting activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool writing activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool writing center activity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching preschoolers the days of the week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching preschoolers the months of the year]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busymommymedia.com/?p=8160</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Learning the days of the weeks and months of the year is an important skill for preschoolers, but with a little bit of repetition and some fun activities, it is easily mastered. This simple preschool activity will help preschoolers practice writing their numbers, learn left to right correspondence, and become familiar with important calendar concepts.
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/early-writing-skills-teaching-preschoolers-to-hold-a-pencil/' rel='bookmark' title='Early Writing Skills &#8211; Teaching Preschoolers to Hold a Pencil'>Early Writing Skills &#8211; Teaching Preschoolers to Hold a Pencil</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-science-activity-fingerprint-exploration/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Science Activity &#8211; Fingerprint Exploration'>Preschool Science Activity &#8211; Fingerprint Exploration</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-math-activity-how-tall-am-i/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Math Activity &#8211; How Tall Am I?'>Preschool Math Activity &#8211; How Tall Am I?</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fpreschool-activity-calendar-concepts-for-preschoolers%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fpreschool-activity-calendar-concepts-for-preschoolers%2F&amp;source=busymommymedia&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/calendar.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8162" title="calendar" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/calendar-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Time is a tricky concept for preschoolers to understand. Developmentally, they are still learning to have patience (although let’s face it, most adults haven’t quite mastered that lesson yet either).</p>
<p>Learning the days of the weeks and months of the year is an important skill for preschoolers, but with a little bit of repetition and some fun activities, it is easily mastered. This simple preschool activity will help preschoolers practice writing their numbers, learn left to right correspondence, and become familiar with important calendar concepts.</p>
<p><strong>Age Recommendation</strong> &#8211; 4-8</p>
<h1>Materials Needed</h1>
<ul>
<li><strong>A Blank Calendar</strong> &#8211; I like the one available at <a href="http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/search/results.jsp;jsessionid=NnQBt3WVTPg2hb0jg8Dm4smQ2VTYhCG0ZwLg60dysH1LR6cN9Dn1!773618085!799900663?bmForm=keyword_search&amp;bmFormID=1294434433815&amp;bmUID=1294434433815&amp;bmIsForm=true&amp;bmPrevTemplate=%2Fhome%2Fhome.jsp&amp;bmText=initialSearchTerm&amp;initialSearchTerm=blank+calendar&amp;bmHidden=search&amp;search=10&amp;bmImage=search.x&amp;bmImage=search.y&amp;bmHiddenName=search&amp;bmHiddenIndex=0&amp;bmImage=search&amp;search.x=0&amp;search.y=0&amp;bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor&amp;SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchFor=blank+calendar&amp;bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath&amp;SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2Fmedia%2Fcontent%2Fsearch&amp;bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath&amp;SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3Epath=%2FProducts%2FLakeshore&amp;bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes&amp;SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=PRODUCT&amp;bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes&amp;SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EobjectTypes=CONTENT&amp;bmHidden=SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOperator&amp;SEARCH_INPUT%3C%3EsearchTextOperator=and&amp;bmHidden=autocompleteFlag&amp;autocompleteFlag=&amp;bmHidden=ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id&amp;ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181113">Lakeshore Learning </a>(you can get individual calendars in the store if you have one nearby), but any blank calendar will work. If you can’t find one, make your own by printing blank calendar pages and binding them together.</li>
<li><strong>A Wall Calendar</strong></li>
<li><strong>Something to Write With</strong> &#8211; Younger preschoolers may prefer to write with a crayon or extra thick pencil while older preschoolers can use a pencil (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001SN8HOY?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001SN8HOY">with or without a pencil grip</a> depending on whether or not they have learned how to hold a pencil correctly &#8211; <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/early-writing-skills-teaching-preschoolers-to-hold-a-pencil/">see our pencil holding teaching tips here</a>).</li>
</ul>
<h1>Instructions</h1>
<p>Introduce the concept of the calendar by <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2008/01/preschool-circle-time-routines/">singing simple songs about the days of the week or the months of the year</a>. A bit of repetition is needed before preschoolers are able to learn these songs, but as they memorize the words they’ll learn valuable concepts that will make it much easier to understand how a calendar works later on.</p>
<p>Put your wall calendar down where your preschooler can easily see it. Your preschooler will use this to make it easy to see what day of the week each month starts on.</p>
<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/calendar2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-8197" title="calendar2" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/calendar2-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="139" /></a>Have your preschooler open up his blank calendar to the first month. Help him write “January” at the top if it is not already printed on the calendar. Have your preschooler write the dates in each square for the month, using the wall calendar as a guide. Don’t worry if the number takes up the entire square. You’re not trying to create a calendar that you will use to write your schedule on each month &#8211; you’re simply giving your preschooler a visual way to see the passage of time and give him a chance to practice writing his numbers.</p>
<p>As your preschooler writes his numbers, watch to be sure that he is writing each number correctly. If you need to, show your preschooler how to put his pencil at the top and use downward strokes to form each letter. Encourage your preschooler to write the numbers from left to right rather than filling them in at random because this will help him to learn left to right correspondence, which is an important early reading skill.</p>
<p>Repeat for the remaining months in the calendar. This is a lot of work for a preschooler to do in one session. You can split this up so you do 1 month at the beginning of the month all year, or just break it up into short sessions and finish the entire thing at the beginning of the year.</p>
<p>Once your preschooler has written the numbers in for each month, he can draw illustrations for each month. This is a great opportunity to talk about holidays that we celebrate each month, seasons, and other changes that happen during the year.</p>
<p><strong>Older Children</strong> &#8211; This activity does not need to be limited to preschoolers. While older children may not need to learn how to write their numbers, they may need help with handwriting or may still be struggling to understand how a calendar works. My 2nd grader sat down and did this activity with his younger brother and loved it. He knows the months of the year already but is still working on memorizing their order and figuring out how many days are in each month.</p>
<h1>Preschool Books that Reinforce Calendar Concepts</h1>

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<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/early-writing-skills-teaching-preschoolers-to-hold-a-pencil/' rel='bookmark' title='Early Writing Skills &#8211; Teaching Preschoolers to Hold a Pencil'>Early Writing Skills &#8211; Teaching Preschoolers to Hold a Pencil</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-science-activity-fingerprint-exploration/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Science Activity &#8211; Fingerprint Exploration'>Preschool Science Activity &#8211; Fingerprint Exploration</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/preschool-math-activity-how-tall-am-i/' rel='bookmark' title='Preschool Math Activity &#8211; How Tall Am I?'>Preschool Math Activity &#8211; How Tall Am I?</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How to Make a Laminated Preschool Name Tag</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/09/how-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:05:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[alphabet recognition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early childhood education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early preschool writing activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to make a laminated name tag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to teach a preschooler to write his name]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[laminated preschool name tag]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[letter recognition for preschoolers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[parenting a preschooler]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[preschool literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching name recognition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busymommymedia.com/?p=6195</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Preschoolers are naturally curious about their own name which is why it is often one of the first things that they learn to write and is one of the first steps in early preschool literacy. Using a laminated name tag for your preschooler can be  a great tool to help preschoolers learn to write their own name and practice early letter recognition.
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/how-to-make-a-laminated-alphabet/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make a Laminated Alphabet'>How to Make a Laminated Alphabet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/make-a-preschool-art-box/' rel='bookmark' title='Make a Preschool Art Box'>Make a Preschool Art Box</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2008/01/make-each-day-at-preschool-special/' rel='bookmark' title='Make Each Day at Preschool Special'>Make Each Day at Preschool Special</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fhow-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fhow-to-make-a-laminated-preschool-name-tag%2F&amp;source=busymommymedia&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/nametaglaminatesm.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6203" title="nametaglaminatesm" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/nametaglaminatesm-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" /></a>Preschoolers are naturally curious about their own name which is why it is often one of the first things that they learn to write and is one of the <a href="http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/steps-to-literacy-in-preschool-education/">first steps in early preschool literacy</a>. Using a laminated name tag for your preschooler can be  a great tool to help preschoolers learn to write their own name and practice early letter recognition.</p>
<h1>What You Need</h1>
<p><strong>A Traceable or Preschool Friendly Font </strong>- Be sure and choose a font that teaches your preschooler to write using the style that he will learn in your local school when he goes to kindergarten or one that you will use as part of a homeschool curriculum. <a href="http://desktoppub.about.com/od/fonts/p/schoolfontstyle.htm">This site has a great summary of what to look for in a preschool font</a>. There are several great <a href="http://www.schoolhousefonts.com/">tracing fonts available for purchase </a>(these will allow you to download a trial which will work fine as long as you</p>
<p><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-6198 alignleft" title="laminate" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/laminate-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<p>aren’t planning on using lower case letters) or there are <a href="http://desktoppub.about.com/od/freefonts/tp/Free_Handwriting_School_Fonts.htm">several free fonts available. </a></p>
<p><strong>Thick Paper</strong> &#8211; Cardstock works well but regular printer paper is fine but won’t be as sturdy.</p>
<p><strong>A laminator</strong> &#8211; You can purchase a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010JEJPC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0010JEJPC">home laminator</a> if you plan to do a lot of laminating. They come in handy for severalpreschool projects and are fairly affordable. If that isn’t in your budget at the moment, you can go to nearly any office supply store or educational store and laminate a preschool name tag for under a dollar.</p>
<h1>What To Do</h1>
<p><strong>Adult Preparation</strong> &#8211; Type your preschoolers name in a large font size using an appropriate tracing font. For younger children, I prefer unlined traceable letters. For older preschoolers I like using a font that shows where each letter falls on the line and includes arrows so the preschooler can begin to understand the correct way to write each letter because this is an important and often neglected skill that kids need to be prepared for kindergarten.</p>
<p>Print your preschoolers name on thick paper or cardstock and trim it down to a rectangular shape.</p>
<p>Laminate your preschoolers name tag, either at home or by taking it to an office supply store.</p>
<p>Trim the lamination so that it leave only a thin border around the name tag.</p>
<h1>How to Use a Laminated Preschool Name Tag</h1>
<p>A laminated preschool name tag can be used in many fun preschool activities to help teach preschoolers to recognize and write their name.</p>
<ul>
<li>Have your preschooler use dry erase markers to trace his name.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GL1DJ0?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000GL1DJ0"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-6200" title="wikki" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/wikki-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></li>
<li>Use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GL1DJ0?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000GL1DJ0">Wikki Stix </a>(You’ll want to cut them into smaller pieces) and have your preschooler lay them over the top of his name</li>
<li>Make play dough snakes and use the laminated name tag as a guide for your preschooler to make his name out of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000IWIT?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00000IWIT">play dough</a></li>
<li>Make several other laminated names (for other members of your family, friends in your child’s playgroup or preschool co-op, or neighbors) and have your preschooler pick which name belongs to him.</li>
<li>Post the preschool name tag along with other laminated names around the room and have your preschooler find his own name.</li>
<li>Have your preschooler use his finger to trace his name.</li>
</ul>
<p>Do you have other ideas? We’d love to hear them. Share them with us in the comments.</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/how-to-make-a-laminated-alphabet/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make a Laminated Alphabet'>How to Make a Laminated Alphabet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/make-a-preschool-art-box/' rel='bookmark' title='Make a Preschool Art Box'>Make a Preschool Art Box</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2008/01/make-each-day-at-preschool-special/' rel='bookmark' title='Make Each Day at Preschool Special'>Make Each Day at Preschool Special</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Teaching Last Name Recognition</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/08/teaching-last-name-recognition/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/08/teaching-last-name-recognition/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:37:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Guest Writer</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Educational Resources for Moms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early childhood development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early childhood education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early childhood skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kindergarten preparedness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kindergarten readiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching last name recognition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching name recognition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching preschoolers to spell their name]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busymommymedia.com/?p=5844</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Young children are often excited to learn how to write their first names, as doing so is one of the initial rites of passage that signifies “growing up.” Writing last names is typically not given the same attention at home, and children will usually learn to do this later in school. Yet, when children enter pre-school or kindergarten, they may already be asked to recognize their full names on cubbies or chairs. It would be helpful, therefore, for children to enter a formal school setting fully prepared with the ability to identify both their first and last names.
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/teaching-preschoolers-color-names/' rel='bookmark' title='Teaching Preschoolers Color Names'>Teaching Preschoolers Color Names</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/01/teaching-your-child-about-saving-and-spending-money/' rel='bookmark' title='Teaching Your Child About Saving and Spending Money'>Teaching Your Child About Saving and Spending Money</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2011/10/teaching-kids-to-help-clean-win-a-house-cleaner-for-a-day/' rel='bookmark' title='Teaching Kids to Help Clean (Win a House Cleaner for a Day!)'>Teaching Kids to Help Clean (Win a House Cleaner for a Day!)</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-right: 5px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fteaching-last-name-recognition%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbusymommymedia.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fteaching-last-name-recognition%2F&amp;source=busymommymedia&amp;style=normal&amp;service=bit.ly&amp;b=2" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/readinggroup.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-5846" title="readinggroup" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/readinggroup-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a>Young children are often excited to learn how to write their first names, as doing so is one of the initial rites of passage that signifies “growing up.” Writing <em>last</em> names is typically not given the same attention at home, and children will usually learn to do this later in school. Yet, when children enter pre-school or kindergarten, they may already be asked to recognize their full names on cubbies or chairs. It would be helpful, therefore, for children to enter a formal school setting fully prepared with the ability to identify both their first and last names.</p>
<p>To teach your child how to do so, follow these steps:</p>
<p>1. Print your child’s last name in large letters on a card. Only the first letter should be capitalized. Then, choose a song that is familiar to your child, and use the tune to sing the names of the letters of his or her last name. Music is a catchy way to help kids remember a string of non-meaningful bits of information, such as letter names. Next, have your child sing the song and point to the letters of the last name on the card one by one while singing. The activity is now multi-sensory, which is one of the most powerful ways to learn.</p>
<p>2. After you think your child is comfortable singing the letters of his last name, write his <em>full</em> name on a card (with just the first letters in capital). Write a completely different name on a second card. Turn both cards over and play “Find Your Name.” (You can personalize the game by calling it your child’s name, such as “The Jill Lauren Name Game.”) Use a completely different name on the second card to ensure initial success.</p>
<p>3. After a round or two with the two cards, write a third card with the same first name as your child’s, but a different last name. Add it to the pile. Before turning over all three cards to play “Find Your Name,” make sure that your child can recognize her last name by saying, “Point to ______” (your child’s last name.) If the child cannot recognize her last name, ask her to find the two cards with her first name. Then ask her to sing the song associated with her last name; the song should help her find the correct card.</p>
<p>4. Turn the three cards over and start to play. Add a fourth and fifth card (with the same first name and differing last names) to make the game more challenging.</p>
<p>5. Most importantly, have fun. One additional playful activity involves putting your child’s first and last name on his bedroom door. Tell your child that you’re going to surprise him every now and then by changing one of the names. If your child can tell you when the name is changed, he can “win” a sticker. This final activity helps children learn to pay attention to changes in their environment, while also providing an opportunity to view their full names on a repeated basis.</p>
<p>One final benefit of completing these activities is that when it is finally time for your child to learn how to <em>write</em> his or her last name (in addition to recognizing it), the letter sequence should already be known – unless, of course, it is a super long last name, in which case the child is typically taught to break down and write the name in smaller parts.</p>
<p><em><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595721061?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1595721061"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-5847" title="jilllauren" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/jilllauren.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="180" /></a>Jill Lauren, MA<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595722084?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1595722084"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-5848" title="jilllaruen2" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/jilllaruen2.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="180" /></a><br />
</em></p>
<p><em>Learning Specialist and Author (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595721061?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1595721061">Succeeding with LD</a>; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595722084?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=1595722084">That’s Like Me!)</a></em></p>
<p><em>New York City</em></p>
<p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/">woodleywonderworks</a></em></p>
<p><em><br />
</em></p>
<div><em><br />
</em></div>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/teaching-preschoolers-color-names/' rel='bookmark' title='Teaching Preschoolers Color Names'>Teaching Preschoolers Color Names</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/01/teaching-your-child-about-saving-and-spending-money/' rel='bookmark' title='Teaching Your Child About Saving and Spending Money'>Teaching Your Child About Saving and Spending Money</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2011/10/teaching-kids-to-help-clean-win-a-house-cleaner-for-a-day/' rel='bookmark' title='Teaching Kids to Help Clean (Win a House Cleaner for a Day!)'>Teaching Kids to Help Clean (Win a House Cleaner for a Day!)</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Tools for Reluctant Readers</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/06/tools-for-reluctant-readers/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/06/tools-for-reluctant-readers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:06:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rachel</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[early childhood education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[education for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[helping kids learn to read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[highlights magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LeapFrog Tag review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning to read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[making reading fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mark my time digital bookmark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Preschool Prep DVD Review]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[products to help kids read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rebus books for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[struggling readers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching kids to read]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tools for reluctant readers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busymommymedia.com/?p=4893</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The love of reading can help kids succeed in so many areas of their lives. Good reading skills are essential for success in school and a future career but it can also help kids develop a love of learning and open the doors to many new hobbies and experiences. I love to read but I remember as a child really struggling with the task of learning to read. If you are the parent of a reluctant reader, these tools may help you both enjoy the process of learning to read more and help your child to discover what a real joy books can be.
Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/must-have-products-for-early-readers/' rel='bookmark' title='Must-Have Products for Early Readers'>Must-Have Products for Early Readers</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/top-5-tools-for-kids-in-the-kitchen/' rel='bookmark' title='Top 5 Tools for Kids in the Kitchen'>Top 5 Tools for Kids in the Kitchen</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/tools-to-keep-you-skinny/' rel='bookmark' title='Tools to Keep You Skinny'>Tools to Keep You Skinny</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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<p>The love of reading can help kids succeed in so many areas of their lives. Good reading skills are essential for success in school and a future career but it can also help kids develop a love of learning and open the doors to many new hobbies and experiences. I love to read but I remember as a child really struggling with the task of learning to read. If you are the parent of a reluctant reader, these tools may help you both enjoy the process of learning to read more and help your child to discover what a real joy books can be.</p>
<h1><strong>Mark My Time Bookmark</strong></h1>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U5F5RC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001U5F5RC"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4894" title="marktime" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/marktime.jpg" alt="" width="76" height="160" /></a>My oldest child loves to read but it took a while to get there. He’s extremely task oriented – I can’t take the kid to the zoo without him focusing mainly on the map – so I looked for tools that would make him feel like he had completed something when he was first starting to read books for fun. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U5F5RC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001U5F5RC">Mark My Time digital bookmark </a>is a great tool for goal oriented reluctant readers because it helps them to set a concrete reading goal. This simple tool is a plastic bookmark with a timer attached to the top – my kids love anything digital so they were sold on it from the beginning. It has simple button controls that allow you to either count up or count down to your goal. My 6 year old has used it for the past several months as part of his homeschool curriculum to help keep track of how many minutes he is reading each day. We’ve set a goal for him to read something he enjoys for at least 20 minutes a day. My son likes to let the timer count up to 20 minutes because often times he will get into his book and not want to stop when he hits his reading goal. Mark My Time Bookmark will also show the current time and count down from a goal, say if you wanted to set a goal of reading for 60 minutes a week and the timer will go off when you have reached that goal.</p>
<h1><strong>Preschool Prep : Meet the Sight Words</strong></h1>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UIPJIK?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000UIPJIK"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4892" title="preschoolprep" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/preschoolprep.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="160" /></a>One of the most difficult things about learning to read for many kids can be the frustration from comes from words that simply cannot be sounded out. I’m thrilled that more schools are going back to phonics based programs again but there are still many words that just don’t follow the rules – and they show up in books and other printed material a lot! Kids that are able to master basic sight words have a huge advantage and can really start to enjoy the process of reading.</p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UIPJIK?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B000UIPJIK">Preschool Prep DVD series</a> may have the word preschool in its name but I think it’s perfect for any child that is struggling learning to read basic sight words. The DVD is colorful and attracts the attention of younger children but my 6 year old sat and watched it without complaining with his younger brothers. There’s a real benefit for kids to practice reading things that may be a bit easy for them sometimes too because it gives them the confidence they need to learn the harder stuff. The DVD uses a really visually based learning system that brings the sight words to life by having the letters of the word participate in an action that parallels the meaning of the word. This method is a great memorization tool and can really help visual learners.</p>
<h1>LeapFrog Tag</h1>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028Z2O72?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0028Z2O72"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4896" title="tag" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/tag.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="160" /></a>Part of the joy of learning to read is kids can explore literature that they want to read as an independent activity. When kids struggle with reading comprehension or are slow readers, they can quickly learn to dislike the act of reading. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0028Z2O72?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B0028Z2O72">LeapFrog Tag system</a> allows early and struggling readers to enjoy the books that they want to read at whatever level they are at. The Tag will either read the entire book to the child, read one page at a time, or read individual words that the child is struggling with so they don&#8217;t slow down their pace and get out of the rhythm of the story. We bought my oldest son a LeapFrog Tag when they first came out and it&#8217;s been fun to me to see his progression. In the beginning, he knew his letters but couldn&#8217;t really read, so he let the Tag read the story to him. He used to enjoy &#8220;reading&#8221; each book and would often have the Tag read only one word at a time so he felt like he was reading the book on his own. We were shocked at how quickly my son transitioned from having the Tag read the book, to reading a few words on  his own and letting the Tag to the rest, to only needing help with a few words in the book. Today he still enjoys his Tag books, but he doesn&#8217;t need the help from the Tag pen at all. His younger siblings are now enjoying their own Tag and Tag Jr. and learning to love reading as much as their older brother does.</p>
<p>Rebus Stories</p>
<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008IHFC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00008IHFC"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4897" title="highlights" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/highlights.jpg" alt="" width="122" height="160" /></a>Even if you haven&#8217;t heard of rebus stories before, you very likely already know what they are. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&amp;location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref_%3Dnb%5Fsb%5Fnoss%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Drebus%2520story%26url%3Dnode%253D4&amp;tag=busymommy09-20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957">Rebus stories</a> substitute a picture for some of the words in a story so kids can participate in the reading process from a very early age or simplify the reading process if they are struggling. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008IHFC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=northvalleyda-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B00008IHFC">Highlights magazine is well known for their rebus stories</a> but there are many other children&#8217;s rebus books on the market. Rebus stories do an important thing for reluctant readers &#8211; they make reading fun again and take the focus off sounding out every word perfectly. Reading should be fun and learning to read should be a fun process for kids and not a source of stress.</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2012/02/must-have-products-for-early-readers/' rel='bookmark' title='Must-Have Products for Early Readers'>Must-Have Products for Early Readers</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2009/09/top-5-tools-for-kids-in-the-kitchen/' rel='bookmark' title='Top 5 Tools for Kids in the Kitchen'>Top 5 Tools for Kids in the Kitchen</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/01/tools-to-keep-you-skinny/' rel='bookmark' title='Tools to Keep You Skinny'>Tools to Keep You Skinny</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Save on My Virtual Tutor Reading Games</title>
		<link>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/05/save-on-my-virtual-tutor-reading-games-just-in-time-for-summer/</link>
		<comments>http://busymommymedia.com/2010/05/save-on-my-virtual-tutor-reading-games-just-in-time-for-summer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 20 May 2010 08:55:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kimberly</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Coupons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Deal Alerts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Language Skills]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://busymommymedia.com/?p=4633</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just-in-time for summer, you can now save $5.00 when you purchase the My Virtual Tutor Reading Titles on Amazon.com! To redeem your $5.00 off promotional code, log onto Amazon and simply enter the claim code MYVTUTOR during checkout. This offer expires at 11:59 p.m. PST on May 31, 2010. Related posts: Deal Alert: Wii Games [...]
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<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2011/12/holiday-gift-guide-best-board-games/' rel='bookmark' title='Holiday Gift Guide &#8211; Best Board Games'>Holiday Gift Guide &#8211; Best Board Games</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BZ11DC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=prepinmom-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B002BZ11DC&quot;&gt;My Virtual Tutor: Reading Pre-K to Kindergarten&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img src="><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-4634" title="My Virtual Reading Tutor Kind - 1st" src="http://busymommymedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/My-Virtual-Reading-Tutor-Kind-1st-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #000000;">Just-in-time for summer, you can now save <span style="color: #3333ff; font-size: 130%;">$5.00</span> when you purchase the My Virtual Tutor Reading Titles on Amazon.com</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #000000;">!</span></p>
<p>To redeem your $5.00 off promotional code, log onto <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BZ11DC?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=prepinmom-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B002BZ11DC&quot;&gt;My Virtual Tutor: Reading Pre-K to Kindergarten&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img src=">Amazon</a> and simply enter the claim code <span style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">MYVTUTOR</span> during checkout. This offer expires at 11:59 p.m. PST on May 31, 2010.</p>
<p>Related posts:<ol>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/12/deal-alert-wii-games-under-20/' rel='bookmark' title='Deal Alert: Wii Games Under $20'>Deal Alert: Wii Games Under $20</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2010/10/frugal-digital-reading/' rel='bookmark' title='Frugal Digital Reading'>Frugal Digital Reading</a></li>
<li><a href='http://busymommymedia.com/2011/12/holiday-gift-guide-best-board-games/' rel='bookmark' title='Holiday Gift Guide &#8211; Best Board Games'>Holiday Gift Guide &#8211; Best Board Games</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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