10 Books To Read To Your Children For Easter

It's that time of year again.  Spring has sprung and Easter is upon us.  Many of you are on spring break with your children.  For some it may be next week.  Well, I have a nice treat for you.

Check out the 10 books you will enjoy reading with your children.



Happy Easter Mouse!

Join Mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as he goes on an Easter egg hunt! Who is hiding eggs in Mouse’s house? This adorable board book combines an engaging Easter theme with a story about colors!

This board book with sturdy pages is perfect for toddlers, who will enjoy the simple introduction to colors and counting. Each page has one or two sentences and points out a different color and number of eggs.

LLama LLama Easter Egg

With short and simple rhyming text, the Llama Llama board books introduce Llama Llama to babies and toddlers before they’re ready for longer full-length stories. And their small size and durable pages are perfect for little hands.

In Llama Llama Easter Egg, the Easter Bunny brings lots of treats for Llama Llama: jelly beans, colorful eggs, and a fluffy surprise!

Marshmallow

Oliver is a tabby cat who is always the center of attention.

Marshmallow is a baby rabbit who moves into Oliver's home.

At first Oliver does not welcome Marshmallow, but the little bunny's charms are impossible to resist. This is the true story of how Oliver and Marshmallow become friends.

Clare Turlay Newberry's lifelong passions for cats and for drawing come together in this elegantly illustrated book, winner of the 1943 Caldecott Honor.

It's Not Easy Being a Bunny

Meet P. J. Funnybunny in this humorous and touching Beginner Book by Marilyn Sadler and Roger Bollen. It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny tells the “tail” of P.J. and his quest to become something other than what he is. Is it more fun to be a bear, a bird, or a pig? Read along as P.J. tries to determine who he is—and where he belongs.

Originally created by Dr. Seuss, Beginner Books encourage children to read all by themselves, with simple words and illustrations that give clues to their meaning.

Pete The Cat:  Big Easter Adventure

Join Pete in New York Times bestselling author James Dean's Pete the Cat picture book series as Pete has a groovy Easter adventure. In this paper-over-board picture book, complete with poster, punch-out cards, and stickers, Pete helps out the Easter Bunny! Fans of Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes, and Pete the Cat Saves Christmas will love this Easter-themed Pete storybook.

The Night Before Easter

"Twas the night before Easter, just before dawn, Not a creature was stirring out on the lawn." The Easter bunny takes center stage in this delightful spin on a beloved poem that will send families hopping to the bookstore for an Easter treat sweeter than any sugar plum!

The Itsy Bitsy Bunny

A fun and playful holiday twist on “The Itsy Bitsy Spider” makes this favorite nursery rhyme perfect for Easter!

The itsy bitsy bunny was hopping up the trail
Down fell the baskets past his tiny tail
Out came his friends to help him on his way.
For the itsy bitsy bunny was planning Easter day.

This Itsy Bitsy Bunny must hop at top speed so he can get all of his eggs hidden in time for the big holiday! Little ones will love this fresh springtime spin on a classic nursery rhyme.

Duck and Goose. Here Comes the Easter Bunny!

Join the egg-stremely popular Duck and Goose on their search for the Easter Bunny!

New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Tad Hills brings our favorite feathered friends out to celebrate spring in this sturdy board book. Duck & Goose have lots of ideas about how to find the Easter Bunny, but will they succeed? Preschoolers won't be able to resist this latest board book featuring Duck & Goose, lots of colorful eggs, and the Easter Bunny.

The Berenstain Bears and the Real Easter Eggs

Come for a visit in Bear Country with this classic First Time Book® from Stan and Jan Berenstain. Join Brother and Sister as they go on the Giant Beartown Easter Egg Hunt. The cubs are trying to collect the most Easter eggs, but it’s the true meaning of the holiday that they find. This beloved story is a perfect way to teach children about the beauty of nature and all the wonders it holds.

Pinkalicious:  Eggstaordinary Easter

When Pinkalicious wakes up on Easter morning, she finds a note from Edgar Easter Bunny that sends the Pinkerton family on an eggsciting Easter scavenger hunt! #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Kann is back with a treat of a story that will become an Easter favorite for kids and parents. This adorable 8x8 storybook includes stickers for kids to enjoy.

Top 9 Valentine's Day Books To Read With Your Children

Reading time is a great bonding experience between you and your child. A few minutes before bedtime can create memories that your child will cherish for many years to come.

How many of you remember stories from your childhood?

I went around the school asking our Teachers for their absolute favorite Valentine's Day stories and these were the results. 


1 - Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse! by Laura Numeroff


Join Mouse of If You Give A Mouse A Cookie as he celebrates Valentine's Day with all the friends he loves.

2 - Love From The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

3 - Pete The Cat. Valentine's Day Is Cool by James Dean

4 - Llama Llama I Love You by Anna Dewdney

5 - The Biggest Valentine Ever by Steven Kroll

6 - Happy Valentine's Day Curious George by N. Di Angelo

7 - Fancy Nancy Heart To Heart

8 - The Day It Rained Hearts by Felicia Bond

9 - My Fuzzy Valentine by Naomi Kleinberg

Raising Leaders and Thought Provokers: The Montessori Way

The distinctive approach behind the Montessori Method is to encourage individuality and creative thinking.  This design was constructed by an Italian doctor by the name of Maria Montessori, who set out to observe children of all ages and discover their particular learning styles.

Here are just a few things a Montessori classroom has to offer its students:

The classroom is devised for children of different ages.  For example, in a Primary class, you will find children ages 3 years – 6 years.  The younger children learn from the older children, while the older children aid the younger with the concepts that they have already grasped.  According to the American Montessori Society (AMS) “This arrangement also mirrors the real world, where individuals work and socialize with people of all ages and dispositions.”

The child’s mind during the first six years of life is like a sponge.  They absorb everything around them much easier than us adults.  Languages are especially encouraged during this time frame.  It is their greatest window of opportunity.  Just think how hard it is for you to learn another language at your current age.  A young child can learn several!

Every Montessori classroom you visit has its own unique construction.  Teachers love to add their special touch, but you will see it is done in such a way that the end result is the same.  That being said you have four core areas of the class.  Those include Language, Math, Sensorial, and Practical Life.  Art, Science, and Geography have their places as well.

Every activity has a built in control of error which encourages critical thinking at every level.  Students will recognize, correct, and learn from their mistakes.  This will also instill that self confidence that we all want for our future generations.

Another unique feature in the Montessori community is the emphasis on conflict resolution.  The children are encouraged to resolve their issues in a more diplomatic and peaceful manner.  This will plant the roots needed to carry them throughout life and develop into the great leaders we are sure they will become.

Pre-Writing Activities ~ The Montessori Way

Learning to write can be a frustrating exercise for many young children.  Especially when they haven't mastered the art of holding the pencil properly.  Once they conquer this monumental task, the skies the limit.  <=== I know.  Sounds a bit dramatic, but ask any 2 or 3 year old who is learning and they'll tell you that it isn't easy.  Ask a 4 year old and don't be surprised if they snap that pencil right in half with a growl.

But over time, with a little practice and determination they will see results.

Handwriting will improve greatly.
Coloring in the lines will become easier.
Buttoning their own jacket will be a snap ((See what I did there?))

Here are some great ways for you to help your child at home.  They will thank you later :)

1 - Sand tray

All you need is a shallow tray and sand.  That's it. This activity is a great sensorial exercise which will keep your child busy for a while.  I highly recommend changing it up from time to time.  You can use sand, salt, or sugar.  Another way is using rice.  In the past, I dyed the rice different colors to add to the sensory experience.

Check out this video and see how the sand tray can be a valuable tool in the writing process.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvJuRgj7pbA

2 - Pinwork

This is one of my absolute favorite activities for young preschoolers.  It will aid in small muscle control, concentration, and pencil grip.  I like to use stencils of different shapes or animals (sometimes holiday oriented images) in black marker or black pencil on construction paper.  You will need a push pin which, if you will notice how your child holds it, is EXACTLY how they should be holding a pencil. 😲

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...I bet some of you are wondering why you didn't think of that.  I know I did. Walk them through the process of tracing the black line with their push pin.

Watch this video to see exactly how this activity can be effective
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_z2J2ijG1E

3 - Tracing

Use a yellow highlighter on a white piece of lined paper.  Draw the letters A - Z and allow your child to trace with a pencil. Another preference in the classroom is their name.  Children love to see their name on paper.

One thing I highly recommend is teaching your child lowercase letters before upper case. Remember that those are the letters you see most when reading.  They are also the letters they see most in their names.  Everything they are learning above is a preparation for reading 😄

They're well on their way!

Ten Books To Read Over The Thanksgiving Break

Are you looking for some great books for that evening story time with your child over the Thanksgiving Holiday? Well, have I got a list for you!

With the holidays right around the corner--there is plenty of opportunities for you and your children to spend some quality story time together.  We went around the school and compiled a list of fantastic reads from our teachers, that are sure to leave your children raving to all of their friends how they have the coolest parents....EVER!  It doesn't take much at this young age ;)

1)  Turkey Trouble by Wendy Silvano.

Turkey is in trouble. Bad trouble.  The kind of trouble where it's almost Thanksgiving....and you're the main course.  But Turkey has an idea-what if he doesn't look like a turkey?  What if he looks like another animal instead?  After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!

***Rating 5 Hilarious Gobbles***

2)  Ten Fat Turkeys by Tony Johnston.

This silly rhyming story about ten turkeys teaches children how to count backwards.

"Looky!"says a silly turkey swinging from a vine.
Gobble gobble wibble wobble
Whoops!  Now there are nine.

Girls and boys will gobble up this hilarious story about ten goofy turkeys and their silly antics: swinging from a vine, strutting on a boar, doing a noddle dance, and more.

3)  Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

The incomparable Dav Pilkey adapts Clement Moore's classic Christmas poem to tell this wacky Thanksgiving tale.

The day before Thanksgiving, eight boys and girls take a field trip to a turkey farm.  They have fun playing with eight exuberant turkeys , but are shocked to learn that Farmer Mack Nuggent plans to kill all of the turkey for Thanksgiving dinners. So the children decide to smuggle all the turkeys home, and all their Thanksgiving dinner become vegetarian this year.

4)  I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Pie by Alison Jackson

I know an old lady who swallowed a pie, a Thanksgiving pie, which was really too dry.

And with that, the fest begins!  After the pie the old lady swallows a whole squash, all of the salad, and the entire turkey!  As Mother and Father watch in shock, the two children are delighted to see the old lady growing fatter and fatter.  And, in the end, the old lady makes a surprising and humorous contribution to the Thanksgiving festivities.

5)  The Thankful Book by Todd Par

I am thankful for music because it makes me want to dance
I am thankful for my feet because they help me run and play
I am thankful for kisses because they make me feel loved

Todd Par's books have taught kids about unconditional love, respecting the earth, facing fears, and more, all with this signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity.  Now, The Thankful book celebrates all the things children can give thanks for.  For everyday activities like reading and bath time to big family meals together, and special alone time between parent and child.  Todd Par inspires readers to remember all of life's special moments.

6)  The Magic Treehouse's Thanksgiving on Thursday by Mary Pope Osborn
((Recommended for First Grade and up))

Jack and Annie are ready for their next fantasy adventure in the best-selling series--The Magic Treehouse.

It's a time for giving thanks...

When the Magic Treehouse whisks Jack and Annie back to 1621 on the first Thanksgiving day.  The pilgrims ask them to help get things ready.  But, whether it's cooking or clamming, Jack and Annie don't know how to do anything the Pilgrim way.

Will they ruin the holiday forever?  Or will the feast go on?

7)  A Plump And Perky Turkey by Teresa Bateman

Turkeys around Squawk Valley just don't jump into pots anymore.  They are way too smart for that. So the townspeople hatch a clever plan.  They host a turkey-themed arts and crafts fair and lure a vain bird into town by advertising for an artist's model.  Peter the turkey, proud of his well-stuffed form, takes the bait, but doesn't fall for the trap.

8)  Junie B. Jones Turkeys We Have Loved And Eaten by Barbara Park

Room One is getting ready for their very own Thanksgiving feast.  There's even a contest to see which room writes the best Thankful list.  The winners will get a pumpkin pie!  Only it turns out, being thankful is harder than it looks.  Because Junie B. isn't actually thankful for Tattletale May.  Or scratchy pilgrim costumes.  And pumpkin pie makes her vomit, anyway.  Will Room One win the disgusting pie?  Can May and Junie B. find common ground?  Or will this Thanksgiving feast turn into a turkey day disaster?

9)  Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving is the time to give thanks--The questions is, where to begin? From the turkey on the table to the warm, cozy cuddles, life is full of small things and bigger pleasures.  But what is most important is being able to share them with the family.

And last but not least, and old familiar story

10)  The Berenstain Bears and the Prize Pumpkin by Stan Berenstain

The Bear family might not win the blue ribbon for their entry in the pumpkin contest during the annual Bear County Thanksgiving Festival, but they do gain a new appreciation of the true spirit of the holiday and all they have to be thankful for.

A Virtual Tour of The Montessori School of Herndon

Come in and visit one of the happiest schools in Herndon, Virginia. A place where children are excited to return every morning.

When you first enter the Montessori School of Herndon from Dranesville and Old Hunt Way, you will notice our beautiful landscaping.

But, be careful. Students and Teachers at Play :)

The field offers plenty of room for our annual Fun Fair where you'll see it transformed into a carnival full of rides and games.  Isn't our PTA the best?

When you take that trip through the parking lot, you will notice our playground where we spend a lot of time running, sliding, and kicking the ball around.

At the top of the hill, is where you can park and enter the office.

Once you make it inside, we will answer any and all of your questions while showing you around the school. You'll get to meet the teachers and see our students in action. We know how important it is to find a school that fits your child's needs, and where you can feel comfortable knowing that they are safe and loved.

We take pride in our 32 years of success in educating the youth in Fairfax County.  Our program is ability based and all materials have a built in control of error to encourage self-correction which in turn establishes a true sense of accomplishment.

They will make friends.
They will be challenged.
They will learn new life skills.
They will speak new languages.
They will participate in extracurricular activities.
They will use their imagination for play.
Chess anyone?  Yes, we learn that here too!



So schedule your tour today.  We would love to have your family become a part of ours. Visit www.montessori-va.com and click on the Visit tab, or call us at 703-437-8229

Potty Training...Dun Dun Duuuuuuun!

So, it's that time of year again.  All of the parents are getting ready to send their littles back to school, or in some cases this is the first time for many. They're out buying uniforms, lunch boxes, and school supplies.

Then, there are the OTHERS.  You know who you are.  The ones who are desperately trying to get their preschooler potty trained before the new school year begins.  You take your child to the bathroom fifty thousand times a day in hopes that once, just ONCE they'll actually go this time.  Only for them to pull up their pants, walk into the living room and have an accident all over your brand new carpet.

You went shopping for all of the Princess or Spider Man underwear you could find, but NOTHING works. You threw away just as many, because who wants to clean all that?

Here are a few tips to getting your child on the right track to potty training success!

Start early

I know it sounds crazy, but give them some credit.  They are capable of far more than it seems. Buy a child sized potty. Introduce the two of them and get acquainted.  They'll be spending a lot of time together over the next few months. Some parents favor the potty ring that fits over the toilet accompanied with a stool for easier seating.

Consistency is key

Make regular trips to the restroom. Don't get discouraged if they already had an accident.  Go. Keep trying.  Allow them to be independent by undressing on their own before mounting that intimidating potty. This is a major life event for them.  It's a pretty big deal.

Rewards

I'm not a huge fan of rewards, but I made an exception with my child in this department.  He loved hot wheels cars and thank goodness those were cheap. Lets face it though, I would have spent every last dime if he would just...use...the...potty. With all of the bribes made, pleading for him to use the potty as opposed to the floor, he had enough cars to cover his entire bedroom floor. Ok, well close enough.

Take a trip to the dollar store for one toy of their choice. What child doesn't love the dollar store?

So, if we're perfectly honest here, we all know that potty training is tough. Take these opportunities to bond. I know, I know.  Bonding in the bathroom during their "business" sounds strange, but what else are you going to do?  Talk together, sing their favorite songs, read a book. Whatever it takes to make it a better experience for all of you.

Good luck!