You are My Sunshine is a song that my mom sang to me a lot when I was little. It stuck with me as I grew up, and when I became a mom, it was the first song I sang to my daughter. I have sung it to her every night before bed, and it’s become our special song. She asks me to sing it when she’s sick or upset, and she sings it along with me some nights too. I was so excited when I found an illustrated version of the song, and I decided we should have some fun with it.
Category Archives: Book Based Activities
Activities to use with children’s books
Exploring Engineering with Ellie, Engineer!
I love the push for kids (especially girls), to get involved in STEM activities and careers. I remember taking part in a contest in elementary school where we were encouraged to create an invention that we thought could solve a problem in our lives. That competition stuck with me and encouraged me to believe that I could build things that make a difference. As I grew older, I unfortunately had a streak of less than stellar science classes, leading me to pull away from the STEM fields.
Curious Fun with Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32!
Kids love defying the rules. So a book that tells them not to do something is sure to be a hit! We had the opportunity to check out this fun new book from B.C.R. Fegan about a magical hotel with tons of rooms that you can look in….and just one that you can’t.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of the book and compensation in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Making Friends with Piggy!
I was a shy kid growing up, so it was often hard for me to get up the nerve to make new friends. It’s so important to me that I teach my daughter to be kind to others and be friendly and outgoing. I was really glad to have the opportunity to share today’s book with her and talk about making friends.
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Mud Puddle Fun!
Spring is just around the corner (finally!), and for us, that means the snow is melting and the mud puddles have returned! Like most kids, my daughter loves to splash around in all the puddles she can find, so I was excited to have the opportunity to check out this fun new picture book from Bloomsbury Children’s Books, and create some mud puddle learning games for us to play!
Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Take Your Learning to the Moon!
I am completely fascinated by all things related to space. I love reading about the space program and looking for constellations and planets in the night sky. My daughter also likes space and loves to point out the moon whenever she can. She talks to it sometimes and sings songs about the planets (Thank you Little Einsteins). Today’s book is a fun interactive board book from Smithsonian Kids and Cottage Door Press that introduces kids to the space program.
Teaching Simple Concepts with Educational Board Books
Reading to kids from the beginning of their lives is so important. From the very first day, they can benefit from curling up with a loved one and listening to a book. As they get a bit older, every time they read with someone, they are learning invaluable lessons and skills. For babies and toddlers, great board books can provide them with entertainment, while also teaching them a variety of subjects. Today I have the opportunity to be part of the blog tour for two new board books that will do just that!
Teaching Problem Solving with the Li’l Booger Buddies!
When I was in elementary school, I remember we participated in a competition where we were encouraged to come up with an invention that would solve a problem. We had to do research, create a plan and present it for a chance to win a prize. The competition sticks out clearly in my memory. Not only was it an opportunity to solve a problem we faced in our lives, but we were told that we, as young kids, had the power to create life changing inventions. I think that is such an important message for kids, so today I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce you to a wonderful author and her fun series of books which share the same vision!
Teaching Kids to Get Along!
Teaching kids to manage their emotions and monitor their behavior can be a difficult task. It can be hard to explain to them why certain actions are hurtful or will cause others to not want to play with them. My daughter is currently 2 years old, so we are spending a lot of time working on sharing, controlling our temper and learning to be a good friend. So I was really excited when we were introduced to this new series about teaching kids to get along and given the opportunity to check it out.
Library Fun with The New Li-Bear-ian!
I have very vivid memories of getting my first library card. We walked to the library from our school and I probably still have the card with my little 5 year old signature on it somewhere. That library is now a medical building, but I will always have fond memories of going there and taking out books. I was very excited to take my daughter to the library for the first time, and she loves going and looking through the great selection of kid’s books. Since February is National Library Lovers Month, I decided to share this fun book about a new librarian, as well as some great activities you can do with your family!
