Help, my child hates to read! Tips to inspire the reluctant reader

Habits, both good and bad, are generational. Children absorb, by osmosis, the vices and virtues of their parents. I'm a reader, as were my parents before me. My husband's family were bibliophiles. Our children grew up reading and being read to. Now in middle school and adulthood, they've continued the reading habit. Are you struggling to find ways to spark a love of reading in your kids? Here are some thoughts.  read more

Free Earth Day Lesson Plan-- Poster Contest

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, is the new name for the former holiday called Arbor Day. Arbor is the French word for tree. Earth Day is a global celebration that focuses our minds on caring for our earth. Ironically, some Earth Day activities are not really green. Printable for Earth Day, such as coloring pages and worksheets generate more paper waste. I include myself in this indictment because I've written articles for free printables for Earth Day. Here is a truly green lesson plan which is safe for our earth, educational and enjoyable for students of all ages.Free Earth Day Lesson Plan

Free Printable 'Stations of the Cross' Lenten Prayer Book

 Lent begins on Ash Wednesday of the Catholic liturgical calendar and continues for 40 days up to Easter. We try to imitate Jesus with prayer, fasting and alms-giving. Here are free printable Stations of the Cross coloring pages to guide lent devotions. Each year during Lent when our family was homeschooling, we drew images, one for each of the Station of the Cross, to use as a guide for prayer and devotion. We hung them at different places in our home or yard. The children would begin each Friday in Lent by following the Stations of the Cross. The older children drew images for the each of the Stations of the Cross, but for younger children I used the Fr. Lovasik coloring book. Here is are several sets of free printable Stations of the Cross. Print a booklet for CCD and religious education classes, Catholic school, homeschooling and family devotions. Free Printable 'Stations of the Cross' Lenten Devotional Booklet 

Pope Joan for Women's History Month? Was Everyone Real Taken?

March is National Women's History Month and in honor of that event, who has Reelz Channel chosen to highlight? A real woman who made contributions to the betterment of her gender? No. They're airing "Pope Joan" a schmaltzy fantasy movie based on a fictional account (by Donna Woolfolk Cross) of a medieval legend. What, National Women's History Project, is this the best representative you think we women can provide? Were no flesh-and-blood female heroes available that you had to go with a myth? Here's a list of real women or at least more appropriate literary choices. Pope Joan for Women's History Month? Were No Real Gals Available?

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with Books

St. Patrick's Day is a feast day, celebrated on March 17, in the Catholic liturgical calendar. Like Valentine's Day, it has also become a major U.S. holiday. Patricus, a Roman Briton was taken from his home as a slave, but returned as a bishop to bring Christianity to Ireland. Speaking as a descendant of Irish immigrants, I'd like to see the day celebrated with fewer green shamrocks and more focus on the religious and cultural significance of the holiday. Here are ways to celebrate the man we call St. Patrick and explore Irish traditions with kids.  Celebrating St. Patrick's Day, Irish history with children

Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Men often put off shopping for Valentine's Day gifts for their sweethearts. At the last minute, they grab chocolates and flowers. Booorrrring!! Here are Valentine gift suggestions for her that will delight. There are two important rules of thumb to remember when shopping for women. First, we can spot a 'quick grab' gift with no thought involved a mile away. Next, we're suckers for a guy who knows us and buys special things he knows we'll like (books by favorite author, signature scent, favorite wine, wall art by favorite artist, poetry that speaks to us personally). Create a personalized book gift basket, reader's corner or spa getaway with books. Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Herge's 'Tintin' Children's Series--Racist or Reflective of Period?

 "The Adventures of Tintin," a Belgian children's graphic novel and cartoon series by Herge (nom-de-plume of Georges Remi), is finding popularity with U.S. film-going families as an animated feature. However, fans of Tintin were in danger of losing one book of the series, "Tintin in the Congo," which came under threat of banning for inciting acts of racial hatred. A Brussels court has just handed down its verdict: they found Tintin did not violate Belgium's anti-racism laws, says Reuters. The Tintin fracas reflects prevailing cultural mores about what's defines bigotry." Like efforst to sanitize Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn, Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians" and others, it may not take into account the social and cultural milieu of the time. Can we indict authors in retrospect for not recognizing what will offent future generations. Is there a unilateral definition of racism and hatred? Or does the time period effect the author? Here are facts on Tintin and Herge to help us decide, at least in this case. Herge's 'Tintin' Children's Book Declared Not Racist