Monday May 7, 2012
In celebration of "Get Caught Reading Month," the Association of American Publishers is mailing out free posters (shipping and handling is $5 per set, up to 12) of popular characters and celebrities reading. Posters include pictures of Clifford the Big Red Dog, Dora the Explorer, members of the Miami Heat basketball team, former First Lady Laura Bush and more.
Reading to your preschooler can be one of the most important things you do. Studies show time and time again how beneficial reading is to a child's developing brain, not to mention the quality time and closeness you get to spend with your little one.
What is your favorite book to read to your preschooler?
Follow me on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook. Subscribe to my newsletter.
Thursday May 3, 2012
While I try to teach my kids about their country on a regular basis, I feel like the summertime is when we do most of our talking about the United States. It makes sense I guess, with three major patriotic holidays (Memorial Day, Flag Day and July Fourth) falling within two months of each other.
It may be hard for a preschooler to understand the concept of the United States or even what a country is, but you can certainly introduce the idea to her through books, games and toys. These Patriotic Toys for Preschoolers do a good job of teaching little ones about what the U.S. is, as well as about the people who live there, its cities and more. There are also toys that teach about the president and even a singing toy that will introduce a popular folk favorite.
Have you started teaching your preschooler about where she lives?
Follow me on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook. Subscribe to my newsletter.
Image: VTech/PriceGrabber
Wednesday May 2, 2012
How do you find the energy to get through a busy day with your preschooler? For mom to three and soccer star Mia Hamm, it's balancing a healthy diet along with incorporating plenty of activity. As spokesperson for the Grain Foods Foundation, she's been working to help busy families make good food choices to help them stay active and healthy.
Read my interview with her here, and find out how she finds time for herself, her favorite foods and how she and her family have fun together.
Follow me on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook. Subscribe to my newsletter.
Tuesday May 1, 2012
Every Saturday in our house, it's the same thing -- we get up early, pack up our cooler and head to the baseball field for my elder boy's baseball game. It's a tradition we've been doing for years and one I suspect that will continue when my little guy reaches the right age.
And while my preschooler would love to get on the field now (he's got a few years before he turns six unfortunately), I keep his enthusiasm for the sport alive with baseball books. Our new favorite title is Randy Riley's Really Big Hit (compare prices) by Chris Van Dusen. It's the story of Randy, a smart kid who loves baseball. Unfortunately, he isn't too terrific at the sport, but one day when he spies a fireball headed towards earth, he gets his brains and his bat to work together to come up with a solution.
This book offers up an entertaining tale, but also teaches kids an important lesson about being themselves and having confidence in their abilities. Great text and visually interesting illustrations add to the whole package.
What is your preschooler's favorite sport?
Related: Should My Preschooler Play a Sport?
Follow me on Twitter. Become a fan on Facebook. Subscribe to my newsletter.
Book cover image: Candlewick Press