Word Family Manipulatives

This is my little weekend craft, made for switching the letters around to make new words.  I made one for about 10 possible word endings.  I hope we have plenty of fun with this one.  It is an extension to the pink level reading materials used in some Montessori language areas.  I made it with leftover pony beads, wooden cube beads, pipe cleaner and a thin Sharpie.  Our oldest is sounding out consonant-vowel-consonant words now!

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The reading blanket

We have been using the reading blanket as a place to settle ourselves. We place a blanket on the floor and all of the children sit and read. Part of the game is remaining on the blanket, so we often bring a stack of books to share. It has served as a quiet transition from play to dinner or bed.

Polly, Want A Story?

A third-grade teacher in Los Gatos, California says that her students have benefited from reading to a parrot, according to a story in the San Jose Mercury-News.

Third-grade teacher Judy Quigley said her students' learning experiences have actually been enhanced quite dramatically by reading to Starbuck, a 7-year-old Timneh African Grey parrot.

During the exercise, students take a seat next to Starbuck, who generally rests atop a classroom chair or bird perch. The children read a variety of different illustrated stories aloud to the bird, holding the book open to him.

Yeah, OK. But can the parrot live up to its name and whip up a non-fat, no-foam soy latte?