What do you think kids should know? Perhaps you have heard the podcast, Stuff You Should Know. Today I am sharing a book by the creators of the podcast for middle grade kids. It is appropriately called Stuff Kids Should Know by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant with Nils Parker. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12 and they are going to love it!
How important is friendship? How important is caring for others and oneself? Today I am sharing a new picture book that reminds me of an old fable. According to this article on Canadian Mental Health Association, "the lack of human connection can be more harmful to your health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. ... Social connection can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems." (Source) Wow! That makes social connection extremely important and something we want to teach young children how to have. Today I am sharing a book about a fox who does not want to connect with anyone, but he learns that connecting is important by the end. The book is BrindleFox by John Sandford. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8. I am also including a fox craft round-up to go with the book.
I feel like it has been a while since I shared a middle grade book. I am behind on my reading. Today however I am sharing a new (out today) middle grade graphic novel. This book delves into the differences of people and cultures as well as a bit about a loggerhead turtle. To go with this book, I am providing a round-up of over 30 turtle crafts, activities, and more. The book is Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Shazleen Khan. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Looking to teach little ones about the world? Today we are sharing a fun pop-up book that takes us around the world. I am also sharing links to crafts, activities, and recipes to go with each city and/or its country. The book is The Pop-Up Guide: Cities Around the World by Maud Poulain and illustrated by Sandra de la Prada. It is recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Has school started where you are? Many schools near us start this week and our school begins after Labor Day. However, the teachers have been back for teacher training starting last week. Last week we had three days with experts in success counseling originally started by Dr. William Glasser and his choice therapy. It has been really interesting and was a tiring week. We literally were being taught to think and react in a different way. If you have time, check it out.
With the first day of school there is always some anxiety for students, teachers, and parents. Today I am sharing a new picture book that is meant to help children learn ways to deal with anxiety including the first day of school jitters. The book is The Worry Balloon by Mónica Mancillas and illustrated by Betty C. Tang. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8 but could be used with older children to help teach some techniques to help fight anxiety.
