Eight Tips for Helping Young Readers Bloom

Spring is here, so many people are planning and prepping to work in their gardens. In many places, spring flowers are already blooming or daffodils and other spring bulbs are poking up out of the warming soil. Given the right conditions and care, gardens can be thriving, vibrant places full of life. And the same is true for young readers! So, to celebrate spring and gardens and reading, here are ten tips to help your young readers bloom and thrive, along with some garden photos for some garden inspiration. 1. Just like flowers, budding readers blossom in their own time. Encourage them, but let them grow at their own pace. 2. Gardens need the right nutrients to grow, and this can vary depending on the plant. The same is true for young readers. Fertilize young readers minds with consistent, nutrient-rich mind food. In other words, offer a variety of books! But remember, not all growing readers will respond to the same books the same way.  Cone flowers and black-eyed Susans in Rebecca'

Summer Challenge Week One: Tasty Treats!

 
Welcome to week 1 of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge! This week's challenge is fun and delicious! What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than with some great books and tasty treats? We challenge you to read and discuss one or more books that feature some kind of tasty treat, and share a tasty treat together. You can grab popsicles out of the freezer, bake some cookies, head to a doughnut shop--it's up to you! The point is to enjoy reading and connecting with your kids by combining books with summer fun (and treats).

Some recommended reads:

Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Brianne Farley. Featured treat: DOUGHNUTS! This is a fun and charming story about friendship and sharing.

When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree by Jamie L. B. Deenihan, illustrated by Lorraine Rocha. Featured treat: LEMONADE! This is a sweet and funny story about a little girl who receives an unwanted birthday gift, but learns to appreciate it. This book includes a simple recipe for homemade lemonade.

Oh Look, a Cake! by J.C. McKee. Featured treat: CAKE! Who doesn't love cake, right? Some people find it irresistible (like the characters in this book). This story is funny and silly and has a surprise ending. 

For more recommended reads, check out this list of picture books that include recipes

Some discussion ideas:

  • Talk about the story. What is your favorite part? Did you like how it ended? How might you have written the story differently?
  • What treat is featured in the story? Is that something you've tried before? Did you like it or not?
  • What is your favorite "tasty treat" to enjoy during the summer?
Some ideas for things to do.
We would love to know how you took on this week's challenge. You can share in the comments here or by using #RDDSummerChallenge on social media. Have fun with books and tasty treats this week!

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And now, announcing the winner of the giveaway: Michelle! Check your email for information on how to claim your prize. Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone who signed up and entered the giveaway. We will have another BIGGER giveaway at the end of the summer!

Comments

Trine Grillo said…
This first post of the challenge turned out great!