Thank you: Two Older Mothers at a Coffee Shop

418292208_efe715a463_zThis week I had a daily gift. For the first time in 9 months, I had a few hours to myself each day. You might think this is a small gift, but I do not. You see, I’m a parent of young kids, a full time teacher, and a student. Personal, free time moments are rare.

While my daughters were in camp, I had a beautiful canvas of time before me. I painted it how I saw fit. During one of these moments I stopped into a coffee shop. I pulled my book out, settled in with my coffee and bagel, only to notice a woman next to me. She had a white splash of hair atop her beaming, smiling face as her friend came over to the table. They embraced and it was clear these were two old friends.

Continue reading →

3 New books to inspire a love of reading and nature (grades K-8)

10571972_09b0857aee_m

image: Julie Falk on Flickr under CC

First posted at Momsrising.org

How can parents motivate kids to get outside and read this summer? We know that students can lose about a half to a full year of reading skills and comprehension over the summer, and that too many kids are staying inside on devices or screens. Summer is the perfect time for books that inspire kids to get outside and explore the nature around them.

Here are books of a wide range of student ages to jump start young readers and motivate them to develop a love of nature and the environment.

  1. Grades K-2: Treasure Town by Doug Wilhelm. This rollicking early reader is sure to engage your K-2 grade child. About buried treasure, pirates, maps and a giant boat? Yes please! The illustrations are delightful, engaging and humorous and the text is lively, exciting and fun. If you have a reluctant reader– or any young reader– they are sure to enjoy this book. I like that they feature the stories of female pirates as well– fighting sexism. These characters get outside and find adventure there. Continue reading →