Reading and Writing

Before young children will find success in what is typically considered “real writing,” they need time to explore the writing process through fun experiences like salt box writing and other playful activities. Young children are still developing their fine motor skills so the strength and motor control isn’t aways on par with what it may seem like a child is ready to do. Let me encourage you to keep the writing process stress free so and be patient. As your child’s physical and cognitive development matures, so will your child’s writing skills and abilities.

Here are some examples of how we explore the writing process...

My preschooler hates to read!

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard the statement, “My ‘preschool age’ kid (or kids) hate reading. And every time I hear this, it just breaks my

How to make your own writing tray

A fun and interactive way to encourage handwriting in preschool! One of my favorite ways to encourage the children to practice writing their names is by setting out the writing

How to help preschoolers take care of your books

Ways to model and promote a love of books in your preschool classroom I have so many fabulous children’s books that are near and dear to my heart and the

Making memory books in Pre-K

Memory books are a wonderful keepsake that your students will treasure! My students made the sweetest Memory Books and I wish I could have shared them earlier but time just

My favorite curriculum supplement for preschool

I always enjoy designing my own curriculum based on my student’s development, interests, and experiences I want to provide and I love how Scholastic’s magazines gives me a fabulous resource to share with my students and yet still allows room for us to take the concepts being presented in a way that makes sense or is interesting to us.

Tracing letters, numbers, and shapes on the flannel board

This idea may look very simple, and it is, but it has been one of the best tools for giving my students a little practice in tracing letters or shapes (we haven’t tried it with numbers yet) in my classroom!

5 ways to have fun with reading

Each year, Read Across America day falls on March 2nd in honor of Dr. Seuss Birthday. Whether you choose to read a Dr. Seuss book or prefer to read other

6 ways to encourage writing in preschool

Get your students excited about writing in fun and interesting ways! There are many different ways to encourage writing skills with preschool aged children. Today, I am going to share

The simplest holiday invitation to play ever!

If you want to add a little spark of curiosity to your classroom, then pick up a few Christmas boxes and you will have the simplest holiday invitation to play ever.

The do’s and don’ts of reading aloud to young children

Come and discover the Do’s and Don’ts of Read-Alouds gleaned from “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease.

Managing interruptions during the read-aloud experience

Jim Trelease gives us his perspective on two different types of interruptions that take place during the read-aloud experience.

The motivation to draw and write is powered by play

You may think that driving a toy jeep around the drive-way and developing the skills to write or draw have no connection but my two-year-old grandson would demonstrate that there is a strong connection between the two…