Stop motion animation is a filming technique that breathes life into inanimate objects making them appear independently mobile. If you’ve ever watched the behind the scenes of Wallace and Gromet and other claymation films, then you have a good idea of how much work is involved. Unless, of course, you’re making easy stop motion animation …
Language
3 Engaging Lesson Plan Tips
The transition from creative, tactile learning to regimented rote memorization is one reason why kids are not only becoming bored in school but start to have behavior issues. That’s why it’s essential to have an engaging lesson plan in place.
Travel Games for Kids
Preparation is key, especially when there are kids in the mix. If you are going on a trip and bringing your little boogers along, these are some GREAT travel games for kids that I highly recommend. Packing up these bad boys in a travel bag will leave you feeling like the Super Parent that you …
Bird Matching & Memory Game
Oh boy do we love birds. We live in a semi-tree house, with the living area up in the tree canopy. This makes for a wild view of common birds jumping from branch to branch right outside of our windows. We have plenty of bird feeders to bring them right to our windowsills, and they’ve learned …
Punkee Says: Fish Girl
Fish GirlBy: David Wiesner & Donna Jo Napoli A young mermaid, called Fish Girl, in a boardwalk aquarium, has a chance encounter with an ordinary girl. Their growing friendship inspires Fish Girl’s longing for freedom, independence, and a life beyond the aquarium tank. Sparkling with humor and brilliantly visualized, Fish Girl’s story will resonate with …
Punkee Says: Unicorn on a Roll
Unicorn on a Roll By: Dana Simpson The magical friendship of Phoebe and her best friend, unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, is back in this second adventure of a girl and her mythical creature! One year has passed since Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond, accidentally hit a unicorn in the face, and was granted …
Affirmations for Kids and Teens
I never understood how much fear, anxiety, and low self-esteem pervades our youth until I started teaching. Although I had my own confidence issues growing up (who doesn’t?), I didn’t realize how global it is until years later. I started using affirmation cards when I began my yoga journey in 2002. When I became a teacher, …
Punkee Says: Zen Pig
Zen Pig Volume 1/Issue 1 Author: Mark Brown Illustrator: Amy Brown Summary: “Care for each other As much as yourself And never lose sight, That love is true wealth.” These are the wise words of “Zen Pig” – the critically-acclaimed children’s book character that teaches children compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness in easy to understand language …
Punkee Says: Kingdom of Wrenly – Sea Monster
The Kingdom of Wrenly – Sea Monster By Jordan Quinn Summary: Troubled waters ahead! Lucas and Clara search for a scary sea monster in this third chapter book in the fantastical Kingdom of Wrenly series. Something has been making waves around Wrenly, and it’s not the tides. Prince Lucas is sure that it’s the mysterious …
Sticker Sentences – Parts of Speech
Most kids love to draw. Most kids, however, do not love grammar and parts of speech. But what if the child could draw while he’s working on grammar or parts of speech? This lesson, simply called Sticker Sentences, is oh-so-very popular because it does just that. Sticker Sentences can be used for children who are …
Punkee Says: I Am Pusheen the Cat
I Am Pusheen the Cat By Claire Belton Summary: Who is Pusheen? This collection of oh-so-cute kitty comics—featuring the chubby, tubby tabby who has taken the Internet by storm—will fill you in on all the basics. Things you should know about Pusheen. Birthday: February 18 Sex: Female Where she lives: In the house, on the …
Punkee Says: Binky the Space Cat
Binky the Space Cat By Ashley Spires Summary: Binky is a space cat – at least in his own mind. He’s really a house cat who has never left the family space station (house). Unlike other house cats, Binky has a mission: to blast off into outer space (outside), explore unknown places (the backyard) and …
Punkee Says: Sticky Burr – Adventures in Burrwood Forest
Sticky Burr – Adventures in Burrwood Forest By: John Lechner Summary: Welcome to Burrwood Forest, where a village of seed pods are busy having adventures! There are friends like Sticky Burr and Mossy Burr, who stick together, and bad seeds like Scurvy Burr, who irritates them every chance he gets. Watch out for wild dogs …
Punkee Says: Babymouse – Mad Scientist!
Babymouse: Mad Scientist By Jenifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm Summary: The greatest scientific discovery of the 21st century is about to be revealed . . . when Babymouse enters the school science fair! Will her amazing discovery win 1st place? Will it become a successful spin off series? Find out in Mad Scientist—the 14th …
Make a Control of Error for Kid Puzzles
When I’m showing parents and students how to use kid puzzles creatively, I tell them to dissect these words: control… of… error. An error is basically a mistake. Control, in this case, is to exercise a command or to have power to direct. Now manipulate and squish it all together… To have command or power …