Little Books with Big Ideas

My dear friend Nancy invited me to teach a class with her on "Creating a positive atmosphere for learning". She taught us to teach our children Grace. She also shared great games, toys, and activities for families. I got to talk about my favorite thing ever---Children's Literature. We loaded our room with books and games. We had balloons and I shared the book "Harvey Potter's Balloon Farm". It's always fun to share what you love. Below some Pics of all our fun.
Did you have a favorite picture book as a child? What was it? How about a chapter book?

One of my Favorite books was "A Tree is Nice" by Janice May. I also loved all of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House Series.

Let me know your favorite.

I gave out this article from BYU Magazine that is one I have saved since 2003 because I thought it was so good.

This is a list I shared with the class of some of my personal favorites:

CHILDREN’S LITERATURE - - A FEW FAVORITES
Books that teach life lessons and values

ARTHUR WRITES A STORY , Marc Brown
Arthur learns the hard way that his own story is best.
DR. DOG, Babette Cole
Learn good hygiene habits, while you laugh out loud.
HARVEY POTTERS BALLOON FARM, Jerdine Nolen
An enchanting tale, with unforgettable characters that will lift your spirits off the ground
HECKEDY PEG, by Audrey Wood
A Mothers knowledge of her children saves them.
GIVING THANKS, Jonthan London
A boy's father celebrates the interconnectedness of the natural world through his daily words of thanks
IVA DUNNIT AND THE BIG WIND, Carol Purdy
A rollicking good tale that is a must have for anyone living in windy Etiwanda.
I LOVE YOU AS MUCH, Laura Krauss Melmex
Celebrate the love between mothers and children with this gentle picture-book lullaby.
KNOTS ON A COUNTING ROPE, Bill Martin jr. and John Archambault
A Native American grandfather tells a blind boy the inspirational story of the child's birth. A rich tale of intergenerational love and respect.
LILLY’S PURPLE PLATIC PURSE, Kevin Henkes,
Lilly gets into trouble at her favorite place, school.
MISS RUMPHIUS, Barbara Cooney
A story about making the world a more beautiful place.
MONEY TREE , Sarah Stewart
People flock to Miss McGillicuddy’s tree to pick off money. What is meaningful in life?
PIGGIE PIE, Margie Palatini
Gritch the Witch can’t find any pigs for her pie on Old MacDonalds farm.
TAR BEACH, Faith Ringgold
A young girl dreams of flying above her Harlem home, claiming all she sees for herself and her family. Based on the author's quilt painting of the same name.
TELL ME ABOUT THE NIGHT I WAS BORN, Jamie Lee Curtis
It’s the best story a parent can tell a child.
TIKI TIKI TEMBO, Arlene Mosel
When your calling for help, a short name is better than a long one.
THE LIBRARY , Sarah Stewart
Beautifully captures the personality of a true reader.
THE MAN WHO WALKED BETWEEN THE TOWERS, Mordicai Gerstein
Read the history, adventure, and breathtaking homage to extraordinary buildings and a remarkable man.
THE NAPPING HOUSE, Audry Wood
A snoozing granny, a wakeful flea, and a big commotion.
THE SNOWY DAY, Ezra Jack Keats
A boy explores the city on a snowy day.
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, Michael Rosen
A fantastic read-aloud romp of a family bear hunt. Was it real or imagined?
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE, Maurice Sendak
Sent to bed without supper, Max sails to the land of wild things
WILFRID GORDON MCDONALD PARTRIDGE, Mem Fox
A small boy tries to discover the meaning of "memory" so he can restore that of an elderly friend.

I Love You!

Wouldn't it be great if we all used those words a little more often? Here is a little help on getting the words out. I hope everyone has a lovely day even if they don't have a special valentine.

Blossoms

Our peach tree is full of blossoms. It blooms earlier than most which is a real treat. I love to see it full of blossoms when everything else isn't looking so good. It's a touch of spring before spring.

Heavenly Day

This week the sunrise has been beautiful everyday. I'm not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination but such a beautiful sunrise helps me get my day going. Speaking of beautiful, I found this great CD I may have to get. Patty Griffin : Children Running Through. I love the track, Heavenly Day. Check it out - Listen to the free stream - makes me want to drag myself out of bed and get my day started while watching a beautiful sunrise. Hope you have a Heavenly Day.

Boxes, Boxes, everywhere

Yesterday... too tired, can't write.

Introduction to the View

Welcome,

First let me say that all references to the view are in no way associated with "The View" morning show. Yuck! I do detest it. I have chosen "A Room with a View" for a few reasons which I will now list.

1) It is the title of one of my all time favorite books.

2) My little room does have a window with a bit of a view

3) On the inside of my little room there is a view of many things I must do, want to do, and won't do.

4) It was all I could think of.

Above is the view on Februrary 4, 2007 at approx. 10 am. Yes, I know the orange tree needs some work done on it. The rest of the pictures are the view on the inside.

Right side of desk

Left side of my desk


Lisa Mac better known as Twanda.



Inspiration

Gadgets and gizomos, whose-it's and what's-its

The Cork board

The boxes of Who-knows-what

The Library

The Laundry


The ribbon (yummy)



The cut-up

The Wall of Fame

Yup, pretty much my dream room. I spend many happy hours in this room. On a really good day some great music will be blasting (Queen, Abba, Tim McGraw). I am a lucky gal. Now don't be fooled. All pictures were strategically taken so you do not see the "to-file-pile", the "to-wash-pile" and the "to-throw-away-pile", not to mention the downright ugly stuff. So what is your dream room? What would be in it? How would it look. What would it sound like? Let me know what your view is or what you would like it to be in your ultimate room. Next post I may show you the one thing that has got to go!

ta-ta for now
LisaK