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Showing posts with the label literacy planning for homeschool

Exploring the World of Literature with Open Library: A Teacher's Secret Weapon

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As an educator, one of the greatest joys is witnessing the excitement and wonder that reading can bring to young minds. In my quest to provide my students with a diverse array of fiction and non-fiction texts , I stumbled upon a hidden gem that has become an indispensable tool in my teaching arsenal: Open Library , (Internet Archive) . This incredible website has revolutionised the way I curate resources for my classroom, offering a vast selection of books that cater to a wide range of interests and learning objectives. At our school, while we can afford basic texts, it's the additional resources that truly enrich our curriculum and provide students with a well-rounded literary experience. Open Library , (Internet Archive) has become my go-to resource for sourcing these supplementary texts, offering an extensive collection that spans genres, topics, and reading levels. From classic novels to contemporary non-fiction, the website boasts a treasure trove of literary gems waiting to

Bedtime Stories: Reading Rituals for Under-3s

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Bedtime can be one of the most magical times of the day for parents and their young children. It's a moment of connection, a time to unwind, and a chance to create lasting memories. One of the most cherished and valuable activities during this time is the bedtime story . But what makes bedtime stories so special, and how can parents make the most of this precious bonding time? Let's delve into the world of bedtime stories and discover how they can become a cherished family ritual for children under three years old. The Importance of Bedtime Stories Bedtime stories are more than just tales to send children to sleep. They are a fundamental tool for early childhood development. Here's why they matter: Language and Literacy Development : Reading to children from an early age introduces them to the rhythm and sounds of language. It helps in developing vocabulary, understanding sentence structure, and eventually learning to read. Bonding : Bedtime stories offer a unique tim

Crafty Chameleon by Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway for home school literacy lessons

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Crafty Chameleon by Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway is a delightful picture book that lends itself to a variety of literacy activities for Key Stage 1 students in both the classroom or when providing home school activities. These activities are aimed at children who are aged 6-7 years old. However, they can easily be adapted to older or younger children, or when teaching mixed aged groups. Here are five literacy lesson plans inspired by the book:                Lesson 1 - Character Description : Begin by reading the story aloud to your child or play the video link to watch with your child , focusing on the character of the crafty chameleon. Discuss the character traits of the chameleon, such as his cleverness and adaptability. Have your child create their own character description of the chameleon, using adjectives to describe his appearance, personality, and actions. Encourage your child to illustrate their descriptions with drawings of the crafty chameleon blending into differe