Have You Seen Trees? and A Tree Is Nice

Today we read two books: "Have You Seen Trees"  by Joanne Oppenheim and "A Tree Is Nice" by Janice May Udry.



We love trees (doesn't everyone?) and it is fun to read about fall trees since here in Texas our trees don't really change color... they just fall off one day - usually in winter!



These two books have lovely illustrations and talk not only about how trees look and change throughout the year, but also about how they help us stay cool, protect us, and provide food and homes for animals.



As our activity, we did dot paintings of fall trees. I saw this idea on Pinterest recently and thought it would work well for my kids. I don't really think about process art versus product art. I personally don't feel like wasting brain power trying to figure out what type is ultimately better for my child's development... so when planning activities I don't think much about that (just so everyone knows). I do however try to let my children express themselves... I don't tell them they are "doing it wrong" or fuss at them if the product is not quite what I planned, I just want them to experience the process and have fun. I do like to try to teach them different techniques as learning skills and following directions is a part of life.



Helen was pretty careful about her dot placement at first, Clare enjoyed painting the tree limbs :)



Later, Helen added a child and a dog to her picture - so sweet!



Then my girls continued to paint (as one painting is never enough). Helen on her own decided to paint a winter snow tree and a summer tree with flowers. love.

Maisy Goes Camping

Today we read "Maisy Goes Camping: A Maisy First Experiences Book" by Lucy Cousins.



We love Maisy. The simplicity of Lucy Cousins stories are truly genius for toddlers and preschoolers alike. I love checking them out at the library whenever I need to introduce one of the girls to something new like visiting the doctor or a museum, helping to clean up, or going grocery shopping. We like Maisy so much I even knit Maisy dolls last Christmas!



In "Maisy Goes Camping" Maisy and her friends have to find a campsite, pitch a tent, and sleep in sleeping bags. There is a lot of team work, trying again, and compromise (when everyone doesn't fit in the tent!). Lots of things to discuss with little ones, right?



As they count each person entering the tent, there are some fantastic illustrations of their shadows and one of these days we will probably play shadow puppets after reading.



Today we decided to play "camp out". The girls picked out some friends to come along, we pitched the tent, and then we made a "fire". My eldest who is always hungry said that we needed snacks at the camp out, and they took turns playing their instruments and singing songs just like Maisy and her friends.

The best thing about setting up a play area like this is that now that I am here typing, they are still there playing. Initially I had envisioned a mini campsite in the grass with a teeny tent and wash cloth sleeping bags for the dollhouse family, but this works too :)

Five Minutes' Peace

Today we read "Five Minutes' Peace" by Jill Murphy.



This is a book that my mother read to my sisters and I when we were kids. I have a lot of fond memories of this book and trying to understand the concept that mommy might sometimes WANT to have time alone. I always loved the tea cup and its dainty handle. And, who couldn't love these sweet little elephant children?!



There are lots of great Mother's Day ideas out there of what to do and talk about when you read this book with your kids from Bright Hub Education, Twiggle Magazine and I am sure a hundred other websites.

I think Mother's Day should be celebrated year round, so we read this book often! I like to talk to my girls about what they can do on their own when mommy needs a few minutes. I have found it helpful to have activities available and accessible so that they can keep themselves happy and entertained (safely) unattended for a short amount of time.

Our favorites right now are coloring at the art table in the kitchen, playing (of course!) with their blocks, dolls or other toys that are always available, looking at picture books, or dressing up. Sometimes it is helpful to remember that you have options. A fun idea would be to have a box of things to do that are ONLY available when mommy needs five minutes peace... not a bad idea! I need to do that :)

Welcome to "Today We Read"

Welcome! This blog is inspired by my love of reading to and with my children. This is not a blog about education, but rather a blog about enjoying reading. I hope to share with you the books I read with my kids and the ways we extend the stories we love into our lives. Sometimes I will have crafts or activities to share and sometimes I won't, but I hope you will be inspired to share books with your little ones in creative and meaningful ways. Thank you for stopping by!