AR (Accelerated Readers), Critical for Reluctant Readers
Image courtesy of “Internet Library” by jscreationzs / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Using an Accelerated Reader program may be a standard reading approach to elementary-level teachers but new to parents and...
View ArticleThe Solution for Rainy Day Recess or Cabin Fever
This is an updated version of a post I wrote for the PBS Parents blog Booklights as part of my “Bookworm Basics” series. The original article appeared in June 2010. Although geared toward parents,...
View ArticleBooks of Character
Character education is a great topic to cover any time of the year. In light of recent events, so many people have been talking about how getting down to the basics of good human behavior is something...
View ArticleKindling That Elusive Math Mojo
Big Universe has dozens of books to inspire math mojo. Why are children in the United States having trouble keeping up with their global peers in regard to mathematics? Students in grades 4-8 have been...
View ArticleDr. Seuss and Learning to Read
This post is an excerpted and modified post I wrote for the PBS Parents blog Booklights in October 2009. I have tweaked it and also updated it with additional resources for finding great easy reader...
View ArticleRourke Encyclopedias and Informational Texts
After my last post where I explained how my students created flip books to illustrate the various text and graphic features of informational texts, I was excited to see that Rourke Educational Media is...
View ArticleWolf Collection
This past week end, my husband and I finally subscribed to Netflix. (Why has it taken us so long?) One of the first movies we downloaded was The Grey with Liam Neeson. It was a great movie set in...
View ArticleSocial-Emotional Lessons through Literacy
Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net I read the first sentence of Nirvi Shah’s list of “Books Recognized for Social-Emotional Lessons” and stopped: “Wanda Petronski has a weird name and...
View ArticleBig Universe Offers Valentine Books and Activity Ideas
A heartwarming book about Valentine’s Day by Big Universe’s publishing partner Starbright. Big Universe Learning has plenty of books about different holidays, and Valentine’s Day is no different....
View ArticleAstronomy: A Doodle, a Song, a Reading List
Google Doodle marks a noteworthy astronomer’s birthday today. Big Universe supports the sciences 24/7 with 1000-plus online math and science books for children. Did you see the Google Doodle today?...
View ArticleCelebrate Earth Day with Big Universe
Earth Day is a special day celebrated each year on April 22, designed to celebrate the Earth. Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect...
View ArticleA Message About Moms …
Here are some Big Universe Learning titles that might be of interest especially around the time of Mother’s Day: A Mother’s Journey Acclaimed nonfiction author Sandra Markle presents the daring story...
View ArticleChildren Love to Share Their Favorite Books
Anyone who spends time in a classroom can tell you–students love to talk about their favorite things. Any opportunity to share stories, new toys, or exciting experiences is usually highly anticipated...
View ArticleUsing Reading Minutes to Motivate Readers
Most classrooms assign nightly or weekly reading minutes. But what happens after the minutes are recorded and turned in to the teacher? Here is an easy, fun, and creative way to get students...
View ArticleThe Interactive Read-Aloud: Keys to Successful Reading at Home and In The...
One of my favorite activities in the classroom is the interactive read-aloud. Every page is an opportunity to engage the students and help them build reading strategies through creative and fun...
View ArticleReading Essentials Part 2: Providing a Variety of Books
From toddlers to teens, all children will benefit from a bookshelf that offers an interesting variety of books. It is important to allow kids to choose their own books, and there are several ways we...
View ArticleUnderstanding Dyslexia and Its Many Challenges
Dyslexia is a word we hear often in connection with reading difficulties and special education. Children with dyslexia face challenges that can be frustrating not only for the student, but for...
View ArticleReading Essentials: Creating A Successful Classroom Library
A classroom library should be inviting, comfortable, and highly visible. Let students know that book are valued and reading is important. A well planned classroom or home library can improve reading...
View ArticleEngaging Reluctant Readers: Book Clubs
When students are asked to read in the classroom, it is usually accompanied by a checklist of activities they must complete before, during, or after reading. For the teacher, this provides useful...
View ArticleOpinion and Argument Writing and The Common Core State Standards
Writing Opinions and Arguments The Common Core State Standards require students to write opinion pieces starting in early elementary school. As students enter middle school, the Common Core State...
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