Reader Recomendations & Resources
Do you have a special event coming up or want to introduce a topic?
Do you have some favorite resources that you would like to share?
Here's a list from books to dvds of theme-based fun. Thank you for your suggestions & Keep 'em coming!
Astronaut & Space
http://www.thespacestore.com/books.html
has books for toddlers, beginning readers, independant, commanders & Spanish too!
Arthur's Science Project by Marc Brown
I want to Be an Astronaut by Byron Barton
Glow in the Dark Trip to the Planets by Lucille Hammond
Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker
Space Adventure by The Smithsonian Institution A Read-Aloud Book 4 bks & cd
Sun, Moon and Starts by Stephanie Turnbull
There's No Place Like Space! by Tish Rabe
Tinker and Tom and the Star Baby by David McPhail
has books for toddlers, beginning readers, independant, commanders & Spanish too!
Arthur's Science Project by Marc Brown
I want to Be an Astronaut by Byron Barton
Glow in the Dark Trip to the Planets by Lucille Hammond
Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker
Space Adventure by The Smithsonian Institution A Read-Aloud Book 4 bks & cd
Sun, Moon and Starts by Stephanie Turnbull
There's No Place Like Space! by Tish Rabe
Tinker and Tom and the Star Baby by David McPhail
Beach
Beach Day by Karen Roosa
Over in the Ocean in a Coral Reef by Marianne Berkes
Seashells, Crabs and Sea Stars (A Take-Along Guide) by Christiane Kump Tibbitts
Shells: Smithsonian Handbooks by S. Peter Dance
This is the Sea that Feeds Us by Robert F. Baldwin
Seashells by the Seashore by Marianne Berkes
A Swim Through the Sea by Kristin Joy Pratt
Over in the Ocean in a Coral Reef by Marianne Berkes
Seashells, Crabs and Sea Stars (A Take-Along Guide) by Christiane Kump Tibbitts
Shells: Smithsonian Handbooks by S. Peter Dance
This is the Sea that Feeds Us by Robert F. Baldwin
Seashells by the Seashore by Marianne Berkes
A Swim Through the Sea by Kristin Joy Pratt
Body
http://www.teddarnoldbooks.com/parts.html
Parts by Tedd Arnold
More Parts by Tedd Arnold
Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold
Looking Into My Body by Reader's Digest
I Wonder Why... My Body Needs Sleep and other questions about the human body by Reader's Digest Young Families
My Body by Brian Enslow
The Book of Boys (for Girls); The Book of Girls (for Boys) by David T. Greenberg
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Boys-Girls/dp/B001QFY23Y
Activity, Curriculum & Printable Clicks:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/themes/body.shtml
http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/science/little_otters_science/little_otters_science.html
http://freehomeschoolprintables.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-part-human-body-cards-from-united.html
Parts by Tedd Arnold
More Parts by Tedd Arnold
Even More Parts by Tedd Arnold
Looking Into My Body by Reader's Digest
I Wonder Why... My Body Needs Sleep and other questions about the human body by Reader's Digest Young Families
My Body by Brian Enslow
The Book of Boys (for Girls); The Book of Girls (for Boys) by David T. Greenberg
http://www.amazon.com/Book-Boys-Girls/dp/B001QFY23Y
Activity, Curriculum & Printable Clicks:
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/themes/body.shtml
http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/science/little_otters_science/little_otters_science.html
http://freehomeschoolprintables.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-part-human-body-cards-from-united.html
Chinese New Year
The Dancing Dragon by Marcia K. Vaughan
Chinese New Year Crafts by Karen E. Bledsoe
Chinese New Year For Kids by Cindy Roberts
Paper Crafts for Chinese New Year by Randel McGee
Chinese Children's Favorite Stories by Mingmei Yip
The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin
Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth
Bringing in the New Yearby Grace Lin
Activities for Bringing in the New Year: http://www.gracelin.com/content.php?page=book_newyear&display=activities
http://www.gracelin.com/content.php?page=activities_lessons
Learn Chinese with Ni Hao, Kai-Lan Kai-Lan and the Ladybug Festival and other books...
Chinese New Year Crafts by Karen E. Bledsoe
Chinese New Year For Kids by Cindy Roberts
Paper Crafts for Chinese New Year by Randel McGee
Chinese Children's Favorite Stories by Mingmei Yip
The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin
Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth
Bringing in the New Yearby Grace Lin
Activities for Bringing in the New Year: http://www.gracelin.com/content.php?page=book_newyear&display=activities
http://www.gracelin.com/content.php?page=activities_lessons
Learn Chinese with Ni Hao, Kai-Lan Kai-Lan and the Ladybug Festival and other books...
Christmas
A Pirate's Night Before Christmas by Philip Yates
Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera
The Dinosaur's Night Before Christmas by Anne Muecke
Auntie Claus by Elise Primavera
The Dinosaur's Night Before Christmas by Anne Muecke
Circus
Scholastic Book Guide: Mirette on the Highwire by Emily Arnold Mc Cully
set of reproducible activities, vocabulary builders, and effective management ideas for your whole class, small groups, and independent instruction!
Andy and the Circus by Ellis Credle
Clifford at the Circus by Norman Bridwell
Circus of Colors by Lisa Hop
Deep in the Jungle by Dan Yaccarino
Elephant Baby by Ann McGovern
Elmer by David McKee
Englebert the Elephant by Tom Paxton
Never Mail an Elephant by Mike Thaler
A New True Book: The Circus by Mabel Harmer
Olivia Saves the Circus by Ian Falconer
Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire
Randy's Dandy Lions by Bill Peet
Spot Goes to the Circus by Eric Hill
Tigress by Helen Cowcher
Links:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/books-teaching-about-circus
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Circus/
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/thematic-unit/classroom-management/6501.html
http://www.kidsparkz.com/circus.html
Teach Circus.com - This site is dedicated to helping teachers, recreation professionals, and performers give effective instruction in Circus Arts. Circus Arts are a valuable part of many Physical Education and Recreation programs. Because these skills are so novel, challenging, and fun, students of all ages are highly motivated to practice and achieve. Circus Arts are equally good as individual, partner, and group activities. Many students who do not enjoy traditional sports and games often excel at Circus Arts. Circus skills require concentration, patience, timing, tracking skills, gross motor coordination, and fine motor coordination. (Y, M, O, T) http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/fiar/andy_and_the_circus.php
set of reproducible activities, vocabulary builders, and effective management ideas for your whole class, small groups, and independent instruction!
Andy and the Circus by Ellis Credle
Clifford at the Circus by Norman Bridwell
Circus of Colors by Lisa Hop
Deep in the Jungle by Dan Yaccarino
Elephant Baby by Ann McGovern
Elmer by David McKee
Englebert the Elephant by Tom Paxton
Never Mail an Elephant by Mike Thaler
A New True Book: The Circus by Mabel Harmer
Olivia Saves the Circus by Ian Falconer
Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire
Randy's Dandy Lions by Bill Peet
Spot Goes to the Circus by Eric Hill
Tigress by Helen Cowcher
Links:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plan/books-teaching-about-circus
http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Circus/
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/thematic-unit/classroom-management/6501.html
http://www.kidsparkz.com/circus.html
Teach Circus.com - This site is dedicated to helping teachers, recreation professionals, and performers give effective instruction in Circus Arts. Circus Arts are a valuable part of many Physical Education and Recreation programs. Because these skills are so novel, challenging, and fun, students of all ages are highly motivated to practice and achieve. Circus Arts are equally good as individual, partner, and group activities. Many students who do not enjoy traditional sports and games often excel at Circus Arts. Circus skills require concentration, patience, timing, tracking skills, gross motor coordination, and fine motor coordination. (Y, M, O, T) http://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/schoolroom/fiar/andy_and_the_circus.php
Drum
Hawaii
A Child's First Book About Hawaii by Cassandra Land-Nellist
A is for Aloha by U'ilani Goldsberry
The Best Hawaiian Style Mother Goose Ever? by Kevin Sullivan
Disney's Lilo & Stitch Go, Stitch, Go from Scholastic
Froggy Goes to Hawaii by Jonathan London
How Honu The Turtle Got His Shell by Casey A McGuire-Turcotte
The Legend of the Laughing Gecko by Bruce Hale
Moki and The Magic Surfboard by Bruce Hale
Rainbow Kids Hawaii's Gift to America by C. Richard Fassler
Volcanoes of the World; Kilauea Hawaii's Most Active Volcano by Kathy Furgang
Kindergarten Preparedness Books
http://www.getset4k.org/default.asp?cat=1&month=12
Kindergarten Skills Development
Books for Children
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Bigmama’s by Donald Crews
Children Just Like Me by Susan Elizabeth Copsey
Con Mi Hermano/With My Brother by Eileen Roe
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Families by Ann Morris
Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
In My Family/En Mi Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza
Sip, Slurp, Soup - Caldo, Caldo, Caldo by by Diane Gonzales Bertrand
Something Special for Me by Vera B. Williams
The Bag I’m Taking to Grandma’s by Shirley Neitzel
The Family Book by Todd Parr
There’s Only One of Me! by Pat Hutchins
Uncle Nacho's Hat/El Sombrero del Tío Nacho by Harriet Rohmer
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Kindergarten Prep Books for Parents
Howdy Do Me and You: Getting Along Activities for You and Your Young Child by Allison and Martha Weston
The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays and Everyday by Meg Cox
The Values Book: Teaching 16 Basic Values to Young Children by Pam Schiller and Tamera Bryant
The BookHive Book reviews and reading related activites for kids!
StoryPlace Online Interactive stories & games for kids!
Links:
Kindergarten Skills Development
Books for Children
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
A Mother for Choco by Keiko Kasza
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Bigmama’s by Donald Crews
Children Just Like Me by Susan Elizabeth Copsey
Con Mi Hermano/With My Brother by Eileen Roe
Ella Sarah Gets Dressed by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Families by Ann Morris
Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
In My Family/En Mi Familia by Carmen Lomas Garza
Sip, Slurp, Soup - Caldo, Caldo, Caldo by by Diane Gonzales Bertrand
Something Special for Me by Vera B. Williams
The Bag I’m Taking to Grandma’s by Shirley Neitzel
The Family Book by Todd Parr
There’s Only One of Me! by Pat Hutchins
Uncle Nacho's Hat/El Sombrero del Tío Nacho by Harriet Rohmer
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Kindergarten Prep Books for Parents
Howdy Do Me and You: Getting Along Activities for You and Your Young Child by Allison and Martha Weston
The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays and Everyday by Meg Cox
The Values Book: Teaching 16 Basic Values to Young Children by Pam Schiller and Tamera Bryant
The BookHive Book reviews and reading related activites for kids!
StoryPlace Online Interactive stories & games for kids!
Links:
Medical- Dentists & Doctors
This is a Hospital Not a Zoo! by Roberta Karim
Pete the Posture Parrot
Personalized Books
http://www.iseeme.com/all-personalized-childrens-books.html
http://www.simplypersonalized.com/unusual-gifts/personalized-childrens-books/?utm.source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Personalized%20Children%20Books&utm_campaign=Kids-Books
http://www.bookemon.com/bookemon-make-book
http://www.simplypersonalized.com/unusual-gifts/personalized-childrens-books/?utm.source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Personalized%20Children%20Books&utm_campaign=Kids-Books
http://www.bookemon.com/bookemon-make-book
Religion
My Friends' Beliefs; A young reader's guide to world religions
by Hiley H. Ward
I'm Like You, You're Like Me; A child's book about understanding and celebrating each other
by Cindy Gainer
Beautiful Bible Stories
Preschool Bible Games,Songs and Finger Plays by Helen Kitchell Evans
The Clever Factory, Inc has many little bible books & stories for children
Zonder Kids The Beginner's Bible; Full of Life & Fun
by Hiley H. Ward
I'm Like You, You're Like Me; A child's book about understanding and celebrating each other
by Cindy Gainer
Beautiful Bible Stories
Preschool Bible Games,Songs and Finger Plays by Helen Kitchell Evans
The Clever Factory, Inc has many little bible books & stories for children
Zonder Kids The Beginner's Bible; Full of Life & Fun
School
Ready, Set School! by Jacquelyn Mitchard
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn & click here for activities!
Resources:
http://www.readysetschool.org/
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn & click here for activities!
Resources:
http://www.readysetschool.org/
Weddings
Alligator Wedding by Nancy Jewell
Disney Princess My Perfect Wedding by Lisa Ann Marsoli
Miss Spider's Wedding by David Kirk
The Wacky Wedding; A book of Alphabet Antics by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Disney Princess My Perfect Wedding by Lisa Ann Marsoli
Miss Spider's Wedding by David Kirk
The Wacky Wedding; A book of Alphabet Antics by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Movies by Age
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-lists/ages-2-4
Finding movies for kids that are fun to watch and developmentally appropriate takes a bit more digging than a simple movie rating. Unlike MPAA ratings, our family movie reviews look at children's movies from an age-and-stage perspective so you can know what is and isn't recommended for your child's age.
A great place to start: Check our best movies for preschoolers lists to find movies that are a perfect match for your child. (Ages 2 - 17)
Ages 2 - 4
New Kids' Movies Dr. Seuss on DVD and TV Nonviolent Family Movies Hidden Gems Best Holiday Movies for Kids Gift Ideas: Our Kids' Movie Picks Best Disney Movies Dinosaur Movies and TV Shows for Kids Princess Movies for Kids Scary Halloween Movies (But Not TOO Scary!) 3-D Movies for Kids Alice in Wonderland for All Ages Best Movies of the Decade (2000-2009): Top 10 for Preschoolers Best Barbie Movies Muppet Movies Best Animated Animal Movies Books Turned into Movies Bear Movies for Kids Animal Movies Disney Pixar Movies We Love
Ages 5 - 8
Cult Classic Movies New Kids' Movies Dr. Seuss on DVD and TV Nonviolent Family Movies Oscar-Nominated Flicks for Families Hidden Gems Best Holiday Movies for Kids Gift Ideas: Our Kids' Movie Picks Harry Potter Movie Series Scary Movies for Kids Best Disney Movies Dinosaur Movies and TV Shows for Kids Princess Movies for Kids Movies Based on TV Shows Scary Halloween Movies (But Not TOO Scary!) Family DVDs We Love 3-D Movies for Kids Don't Mess with These Movie Moms Alice in Wonderland for All Ages Romance Movies Best Anime Movies Best Movies of the Decade (2000-2009): Top 10 for Kids 6-10 Best Movies of the Decade (2000-2009): Top 10 for Preschoolers Best Offbeat Animated Movies Drama Movies That Tug at the Heartstrings Alien Movies for Tweens and Teens Girls' Movies About Sports Hilarious History Movies Star Trek Movies & More Car Movies Fantasy Movies Sci-Fi Movies Travel Movies Best Friends Movies Space Movies Coming-of-Age Movies Movie Monsters, Beasts, and More Best Barbie Movies X-Men Movies & More Spy Movies for Kids Martial Arts Movies for Kids Friendship Movies: Lovey Dovey Flicks Without the Mush Best Fairy Tale Movies Best Classic Comedy Films Best Winter Break Movies for Kids Muppet Movies Best Animated Animal Movies Best Irish Movies Books Turned into Movies Foreign Films for Kids Dance Movies Best Action Movies for Kids Dog Movies for Kids Best Soccer Movies Pirate Movies Best Family Movie Laughs Misfits in the Movies Basketball Movies Movie Moms Best Sleepover Movies Green Movies Baseball Movies City Movies Without the Sex: NYC Movies for Tweens Musicals for Kids Bear Movies for Kids Movie Dads Best Smart Movie Girls Best Dad-Daughter Movies Best Robot Movies Adventure Movies: Fantastic Voyages Sports Legends in the Movies Superhero Movies for Kids Movies Based on Comic Books Back-to-School Movies Chick Flicks for Girls Star Wars Movies & Games Best Magical Movies Animal Movies High School Musical Movie Mania Disney Pixar Movies We Love
Ages 9 - 11
Ages 12 - 14
Ages 15 - 17
Finding movies for kids that are fun to watch and developmentally appropriate takes a bit more digging than a simple movie rating. Unlike MPAA ratings, our family movie reviews look at children's movies from an age-and-stage perspective so you can know what is and isn't recommended for your child's age.
A great place to start: Check our best movies for preschoolers lists to find movies that are a perfect match for your child. (Ages 2 - 17)
Ages 2 - 4
New Kids' Movies Dr. Seuss on DVD and TV Nonviolent Family Movies Hidden Gems Best Holiday Movies for Kids Gift Ideas: Our Kids' Movie Picks Best Disney Movies Dinosaur Movies and TV Shows for Kids Princess Movies for Kids Scary Halloween Movies (But Not TOO Scary!) 3-D Movies for Kids Alice in Wonderland for All Ages Best Movies of the Decade (2000-2009): Top 10 for Preschoolers Best Barbie Movies Muppet Movies Best Animated Animal Movies Books Turned into Movies Bear Movies for Kids Animal Movies Disney Pixar Movies We Love
Ages 5 - 8
Cult Classic Movies New Kids' Movies Dr. Seuss on DVD and TV Nonviolent Family Movies Oscar-Nominated Flicks for Families Hidden Gems Best Holiday Movies for Kids Gift Ideas: Our Kids' Movie Picks Harry Potter Movie Series Scary Movies for Kids Best Disney Movies Dinosaur Movies and TV Shows for Kids Princess Movies for Kids Movies Based on TV Shows Scary Halloween Movies (But Not TOO Scary!) Family DVDs We Love 3-D Movies for Kids Don't Mess with These Movie Moms Alice in Wonderland for All Ages Romance Movies Best Anime Movies Best Movies of the Decade (2000-2009): Top 10 for Kids 6-10 Best Movies of the Decade (2000-2009): Top 10 for Preschoolers Best Offbeat Animated Movies Drama Movies That Tug at the Heartstrings Alien Movies for Tweens and Teens Girls' Movies About Sports Hilarious History Movies Star Trek Movies & More Car Movies Fantasy Movies Sci-Fi Movies Travel Movies Best Friends Movies Space Movies Coming-of-Age Movies Movie Monsters, Beasts, and More Best Barbie Movies X-Men Movies & More Spy Movies for Kids Martial Arts Movies for Kids Friendship Movies: Lovey Dovey Flicks Without the Mush Best Fairy Tale Movies Best Classic Comedy Films Best Winter Break Movies for Kids Muppet Movies Best Animated Animal Movies Best Irish Movies Books Turned into Movies Foreign Films for Kids Dance Movies Best Action Movies for Kids Dog Movies for Kids Best Soccer Movies Pirate Movies Best Family Movie Laughs Misfits in the Movies Basketball Movies Movie Moms Best Sleepover Movies Green Movies Baseball Movies City Movies Without the Sex: NYC Movies for Tweens Musicals for Kids Bear Movies for Kids Movie Dads Best Smart Movie Girls Best Dad-Daughter Movies Best Robot Movies Adventure Movies: Fantastic Voyages Sports Legends in the Movies Superhero Movies for Kids Movies Based on Comic Books Back-to-School Movies Chick Flicks for Girls Star Wars Movies & Games Best Magical Movies Animal Movies High School Musical Movie Mania Disney Pixar Movies We Love
Ages 9 - 11
Ages 12 - 14
Ages 15 - 17
Educational Sites Fun Sites For Kids Sites For Parents & Teachers
Pinellas Current Event Links Pinellas County Visitor Sites
Pinellas Current Event Links Pinellas County Visitor Sites