Game Day

I just discovered some very cool word games at Merriam-Webster's Word Central. The games are specifically designed for kids with fun sounds and cool graphics.

In Alpha-Bot, a robot challenges you to a spelling contest.

In Robo-Bee, a bee sends you flying after just the right word--synonyms, antonyms, and more.

Bigbot involves hand-eye coordination as well as a good command of vocabulary, as you try to feed the ravenous robot.

And finally, my favorite game--JUMBLE KIDS. I tried to do my own version on July 27.
You'll love the Merriam-Webster version. You earn puzzle points and play against the clock.
Don't wait to explore the possibilities...

Picture Adventure

Summer is already over for many students, but there is still time to enjoy the August HIGHLIGHTS Hidden Picture

This beachy scene will help children enjoy the sand, surf, and sun for perhaps one last time this year. What a great way to help expand your child's vocabulary and reading skills, along with puzzle-solving practice.

Some suggestions for using the Hidden Picture:

For younger students
--look for the pictures that have "b" in them; or "s" or "p", etc.
--have child write out each picture word he finds in the puzzle
--count the seashells in the picture
--discuss what is happening in the picture
--can the child explain how to build a sand castle?

For older students

--alphabetize all the hidden picture words
--have the child select 1-3 of the words and use them in a story
--have the child write the directions for building a sand castle
--have the child give the pictured children names and create a story about them
--can the child draw her own illustration with one or more hidden pictures?

Raising a Reader

It is always a mission of mine to stress the importance of reading to, with, and by children to help them be successful in school and in life. RAISING A READER is a national nonprofit organization whose goal is the same, and it is meeting with great success in locations across the U. S.

One such location is the Seattle Public Library, where young readers experience the joys of reading and libraries.

My hat is off to Raising A Reader and all the libraries across the U.S. who have helped make summer reading possible for so many children!

Beezus and Ramona

For a limited time HarperCollins is providing BEEZUS AND RAMONA by Beverly Cleary free online. The story told from older sister Beezus' viewpoint highlights the annoying antics of young Ramona.

I love the new illustrations as well by Tracy Dockray. The lively artwork brings this classic kids' lit to life for another generation of young readers. And I predict once you've read one Beezus and Ramona book--just like eating potato chips--one will not be enough.

But rest assured, there are plenty more of Ms. Cleary's books to enjoy. One of my favorites is DEAR MR. HENSHAW--about a troubled boy reaching out through a series of letters to his favorite author.

And please do read THE MOUSE AND THE MOTORCYCLE with adventurous Ralph the mouse and his notorious motorcyle.

An Evening With Uri

Here is the link to an article I wrote on Uri Shulevitz, celebrated children's author and illustrator.
The article, "An Evening with Uri," is in the current online edition of MO SCRIBBLES, the Missouri Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators newsletter.
I hope you are able to enjoy at least a few of his picture books. You'll be in for a treat.