Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in cincinnati, OH

Teachable Moments and a Book List

by Amy Mumper

July 07, 2009

Tuesday are meant to be "list days".  And, try as I might, I find it soo hard to simply make up a list!  Today in particular, I have an interesting story to tell.  It was one of those "teachable moments" you hear so much about, but I don't know yet if I handled it right.

Anyhow, my five year old was going to be dropped off for a science camp today and it was a packed house, let me say.  In addition, he noticed many children who were of Middle Eastern and Asian descent.  But, of course he didn't say that.  He said, "Mom, I noticed lots of kids there that probably spoke Spanish, like they're from Mexico."  Totally harmless, but a real learning opportunity, I thought.  Some of them surely did speak Spanish as their first language.  But, I happen to also know that many of them are bilingual, speaking both  English and Arabic, or English and Chinese.

Now, here's a unique situation:  all of my children take Spanish at school (how cool is that?  Two of them are in preschool!)  So, they all think they can speak fluent Spanish.  Whew.  This parenting gig is rough. 

But, in the end, we talked about how English is our first language, but not everyone's.  And, learning a second language is fun, and also takes lots of time.  Some kids are lucky that they learn two languages at home, or one at school and one at home.  I was able to remind them of the kids at the pool who speak Arabic with their family, but turn around and immediately speak English to us when they ask to borrow a ball.  (I find bilingual people totally fascinating!)  They remembered those children because their mothers all wear particular headdresses and are covered head to toe, except for their faces and hands.  I made a real point to say that even though they have differences from us (ie the language they speak at home), they are still Americans, like us.  My oldest child then said, "Like Joe, for example.  He's from Korea, but he lives here and is American."  Joe is in her class and was adopted from Korea.  Good example I thought.  And, ALL my kids LOVE Joe. 

I hope for them it was a conversation that broadened their horizons a little bit. 

Now, my list:  Book that broaden horizons about family and others.  You remember The Family Book by Todd Parr I mentioned yesterday?  That tops my list:

• The Family Book, by Todd Parr
• On the Day that You were Born, by Debra Frasier
• God Gave Us You, by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant
• Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born, by Jamie Lee Curtis
• Families, by Susan Kuklin for a broad definition of family, including biracial and gay and lesbian families
• All Families are Special, by Norma Simon and Teresa Flavin

List of "Explorer Books"

by Amy Mumper

June 29, 2009

We are talking about exploring our world and what better way to do it than books?  Books can be a great kickoff to the virtual vacation we talked about previously...  Try these:

• 1. Are you visiting one of the 50 states, as I suggested? (won't grandparents LOVE it, if you choose to ‘visit' their town?) Use The Kids Book of the 50 Great States for fun jump starter ideas!
• 2. My example of a destination was Hawaii. (I hope you were able to replace that with your choice and still get some great ideas!) Frommer's Hawaii with Kids is the way to go (I LOVE Frommer's).
• 3. National Geographic for Kids can really help your kids get some visuals about your virtual destination. Finding native animals to the area you're ‘visiting' would be a great way to ‘hook them'.
• 4. Speaking of trying to ‘hook' your kids... my daughter is a voracious reader. My sons could take or leave it, so here I depart from my typically prudish ways and approve of.... A farting dog! Ugh, right? But what else will seriously hook your boys? FARTS! So sorry to say... But, in this book, Walter the Farting Dog goes on a Cruise. A great way to visit Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the list goes on.
• 5. If your daughter (or son) has not yet met Fancy Nancy, get on the stick! She rules and kids love her! In this book, Nancy gets a visit from a boy from Paris. Again, a great starting point for exploring Paris.
• 6. What about a bear hunt? Your can create a variety of scenes with this classic!

Favorite Preschooler Books?. By Author?

by Amy Mumper

April 27, 2009

Imagine this - me, finishing up my first year ever of teaching preschoolers.  It's been amazing!  When I left elementary school and standardized testing, I was convinced that preschool was the only place that allowed creativity.  Now I know I was right.  Everything they're learning is new and exciting.  They thoroughly enjoy each experience with anything and everything!  And, so it is with books!  When you're out searching for good books, the same authors keep coming up.  They have simple words, with very few words on a page and very engaging pictures about favorite topics.   Take a look at my list... I hope you agree - these authors can't be beat.  Please let me know your favorites!  I'm always looking for a new book!

1.  Jan Brett - particularly in winter, Jan Brett delivers big.  Her illustrations are amazing and thought provoking.  For instance, with the gingerbread baby, she provides clues to the next few pages, allowing your child to predict what's coming up - a great pre-reading skill.
2. Eric Carle - need I say more?  Every time I'm searching for books on a topic, here comes Mr. Carle. 
3. Mo Willems - start with Knuffle Bunny and then meet the pigeon!
4. Kevin Henkes -  Really related characters with pizzazz!  Try Old Bear
5. Laura Numeroff - "circle stories" that start and end in the same place are her trademark; they really inspire imagination!
6. Richard Scarry - a classic; check back on the 11^th of May for ideas based on the book What Do People Do All Day?
7. Bill martin Jr. - Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  Enough said.
8. Audrey wood - a treasure trove of terrific books she's made with both her husband and her son!
9. Leo Leonni - Little Blue, Little Yellow, Swimmy and Fish is Fish
10. Lois Ehlert - You just can't get enough of the unique formats used by this author.
11. Karen Katz - I had to go with eleven, just to mention her, but it's worth it.  She does great books for the 2 ½ set (the age I teach), especially Where Is Baby's Belly Button?

Go google and enjoy!

The Winner!!

by Amy Mumper

February 14, 2009

Thanks again for all your visits and comments about Julie's post, introducing her new book.  The winner of our book giveaway is.....   Ashleigh!!  Congratulations!  Please email me at beingsavvycincinnati@savvysource.com.  We'll hook up and get the book to you asap!

Infertility... How Have you Been Affected?

by Julie Irwin Zimmerman for Amy Mumper

February 09, 2009

I want to welcome Julie Irwin Zimmerman as our Guest Blogger today!
Julie is a journalist and regular contributor to Cincinnati Magazine.
She has also worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and the
Cincinnati Enquirer.  Today, she has graciously prepared this post to
introduce you to her book, A Spiritual Companion to Infertility.
Now, if you yourself have (thankfully) not suffered with infertility,
I'm sure you're like me and you know someone who has.  Below, Julie
offers her thoughts about the the Octuplets' mom and her struggles
with infertility.  Please comment below about your experiences with
infertility - you, your sister, your friends...  Your comment will
enter you to win a copy of Julie's book!  I'll pick a winner on
Friday!  See you then!

Nadya Suleman, the California woman who gave birth to octuplets last
month and now has 14 children under the age of 8, is on television
today and tomorrow giving her first interview. Like most everyone I
know, I am at a loss as to how a doctor could have agreed to place so
many embryos in an unemployed single mother who already had so many
young children, and I’m troubled by Suleman’s explanation that a
lonely childhood led her to want a huge family.

Welcome to our new feature: Weekend Roundup!

by Amy Mumper

February 06, 2009

I'm excited to try out our new feature, so let's get right to it: Need a reason to start thinking spring ? Visit the "Greater Cincinnati Summer Camp Adventure Fair" and get a free admission to one of the museums! From 12-4 pm on Sunday February 8 at the Museum Center , you can dream yourself all the way to summer camp. To get a free ticket, just stop by the Cincinnati  Read more...

Favorite parenting books and tools

by Amy Mumper

January 08, 2009

Nothing can really prepare you for parenthood, right? It's amazing how having a baby puts everyone on an even playing field. Once you've experienced motherhood there is a bond between mothers that is obvious as Moms discuss food intake, peeing, pooping. I mean, really. Who else could understand the absolute significance of otherwise mundane events?! I was one of those people who said I'd  Read more...

New Year's Resolutions for the Family

by Amy Mumper

January 05, 2009

So, have you settled into the New Year? Ready to get back to routine? Can you believe how fast it went? What are your New Year's Resolutions? As we start a fresh new year with a blank slate, I'd love to hear from you about the ways you resolve to improve life for you and yours. But, here - I'll go first: You'd never believe how much I've organized my house  Read more...

Top 10 Posts of the Year

by Amy Mumper

December 30, 2008

2008 is coming to an end and I'd like to take you on a journey back to our favorite posts of the year. First, let me say thank you to each of you who faithfully read Being Savvy Cincinnati. I enjoy spending time preparing a post and anticipating your thoughts and experiences as well. Please invite your friends to join us on this journey through Parenting in Cincinnati . Below are listed  Read more...

Teaching Children about Charity and Giving

by Amy Mumper

December 15, 2008

Teaching children about charity and giving to others can be quite a daunting task, particularly given today's commercialism of the winter holidays. But, I don't mean to sound smug (really). It's entirely possible to convey the values of charity now and throughout the year. Sometimes, teaching my children about others less fortunate feels like such an overwhelming, lofty (but  Read more...

Christmas Books Your Children Will Love

by Shannan Boyer

December 11, 2008

If you haven't noticed yet, both Amy and I are big fans engaging children in reading. There's nothing more important that getting your children excited about books and the many adventures that they can take them on. At our house, books play a big role in the Holidays. Since I was little I've enjoyed reading classics like the Night Before Christmas and The Grinch that Stole Christmas and I  Read more...

Hanukkah Books, Toys and Activities

by Amy Mumper

December 08, 2008

Super sleuth, Amy Mumper, here, reporting for duty! I'm on a mission to share my findings of the best Hanukkah books, toys and activities around town! (I'm also asking you to be my "Mr. Watson", if you please - double check my facts and add other great finds in the comment section below! If you looking to explain Hanukkah to your little ones, but don't celebrate it yourself, I  Read more...

Holiday Ideas for your Little Ones... Books

by Amy Mumper

December 04, 2008

As Shannan mentioned last month, we're writing about some of our favorite books just in time for the holidays! Be sure to check out the Savvy section on Books, Toys and More for more ideas. Five favorites in our house include: 1. Flat Stanley This book is great for all ages! I've read this aloud to my 6, 4 and 2 year olds and they're each  Read more...

More taste of cincy!

by Amy Mumper

December 03, 2008

Just wanted to add an addendum (what?) to my last post about local books... Joseph Beth Booksellers in Norwood is hosting a "nationally acclaimed" local author from West Chester! His name is Loren Long. In case you missed him at the Blue Manatee in November, h e'll be at JBB to sign his newest book, Drummer Boy , on Saturday, December 6 at 11am. (Check his website for other  Read more...

A Taste of Cincinnati... Books!

by Amy Mumper

November 25, 2008

On the look out for local interest books? Want to interest your child in books by incorporating storylines and settings they can literally see around them? Well, given this weather lately (and usually, right?) how about Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs ? One can certainly sympathize with the characters in this book that are never sure of their own weather (raining pancakes??)! But,  Read more...

Because a great book... is one your give your child

by Shannan Boyer

November 24, 2008

With the Holidays upon us I thought I would put together a quick list of some of my families favorite books to consider for your little reader this year. Amy and I will be posting more gift ideas over the course of the next few weeks. For more ideas from Being Savvy editors around the country, check out Savvy's Books, Toys & More section. The Little Engine That Could Having a train  Read more...

Because a great book... is one you borrow

by Amy Mumper

November 24, 2008

Our local libraries are one of the most amazing resources our community has to offer. Sure, you can visit a book store any old time and their displays are awesome, but guess what? The library is free! And, it's full of experts that will recommend books and help you find them. I've never had a negative experience at any of our local libraries. Our family has taken advantage of many of  Read more...

Because a great book... can make you laugh

by Shannan Boyer

November 18, 2008

Studies have shown that laughter can be good for you and your children's health. Along those lines today I thought I'd share some of my families favorite giggle inducing books. Having boys ages 3 and 6 these books cross ages and hopefully will make your children laugh the way mine do when we read them. With each listing I've included a link to Amazon.com for more information as well as the age  Read more...

A great book... is an excuse to cuddle up before bed!

by Amy Mumper

November 17, 2008

Who really needs an excuse for a quiet cuddle before bed? Since reading books has always been a favorite of mine, and snuggling with The Littles is also one of my favorite things, could snuggling up with The Littles for a little QT and book time really get any better? No. I remember when our oldest was about six months old. In a parenting book, I read about how you should create a  Read more...

Thanksgiving Books Worth Being Thankful For

by Shannan Boyer

November 13, 2008

We all know that reading with/to your children is one of the best things you can do with them. Around the Boyer house we read every night before bedtime so we are always looking for new books. One of the things we like to do is pick out books that have something to do with the time of year. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we've been hitting up our local library and have found quite a  Read more...

A List of Great Story Times...

by Amy Mumper

November 11, 2008

A list of great story times? Hmmm... Traveling to book stores with my Littles is like a dream come true for this bookworm! So, when it comes time to write a list of favorite story times I can talk your arm off! I love the enticing displays and three-times-a-week storytellings at my favorite local bookstore like Joseph Beth Booksellers in Norwood or the twice weekly, music-complemented  Read more...

Because a Great Book... Brings Preschool Home

by Amy Mumper

November 10, 2008

I'm so excited about our book theme this month! Books are my favorite pastime and as a preschool teacher, well, it doesn't get better than this! Whether your little one is in preschool or not, you can bring classic, lovable literature home. If your looking for classics, Eric Carle is wonderful, with a variety of themes you can capitalize on. Try Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear ?  Read more...

Because a Great Book is one You Write Yourself

by Shannan Boyer

November 06, 2008

Lately I've been obsessed with documenting the boys childhood. Not in that crazy, so obsessed that you forget to enjoy life way, but in that I really want the boys to be able to share these memories with their kids one day way. Maybe it's because my youngest (3) is getting more independent, I'm not sure. One of the things I have been looking for is a company that can help me turn our bedtime  Read more...

Because a Great book... Makes you Wonder

by Amy Mumper

November 03, 2008

I have to confess that I bought a book called Everyone Poops . Oh, no. I NEVER thought I would endorse such vocabulary by presenting it in a BOOK! BUT, in my defense, it was a great link from my son's experiences to books: we had just come from the zoo and during the Elephant Show, guess what? The elephant pooped (in the water). My son was about 18 months and could NOT stop talking about  Read more...

Book Festival Tomorrow

by Shannan Boyer

October 31, 2008

If there is one thing my boys love, it's reading books. Every night at bed time they each pick out a book and we snuggle up and read them before hitting the hay. If your children are anything like mine, then you might want to check out the Cincinnati USA Book Festival taking place at the Duke Energy Convention Center downtown tomorrow. Here are the details. What: Books by the  Read more...

Great Books for Halloween

by Shannan Boyer

October 09, 2008

This year I volunteered to by the Head Room Mom for my son's first grade class. Part of that duty includes helping to organize and implement the class parties. Recently I've been searching for the perfect Halloween tale to read to the class and I've came up with a bunch of great choices. I thought I'd share some of them with you. Most of these I would imagine are available at your local library  Read more...

Cincy Princess for a Day

by Amy Mumper

October 08, 2008

Princess for a day, you say? Her Highness will be right at home in Cincy! Like I always say to anyone who will listen no experience is complete without beginning and ending with books. Must be the teacher background Have you met Fancy Nancy ? She might give your little dresser-upper a royal run for her money. Savvy Source can get you started with book reviews. Stock up with  Read more...

Book Nooks for Tots

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

A self declared bookworm and former elementary school teacher, this mama's got you covered when it comes to book nooks for your little folks! Topping the list in Cincy HAS to be Joseph Beth Booksellers in the Rookwood Pavilion in Norwood! They actually have a free preschool story time 3 times a week (MWF)! Go anytime and entice The Littles into reading after theyve had their fill of the  Read more...

The Budding Art Critic

by Amy Mumper

October 06, 2008

My friend Kari and I recently proved that kids are indeed art critics! And you know what else? They REALLY enjoy it! Your Little can gain an appreciation of any type of art. First, visit the art museum or get books to find an interesting subset of art (Sculpture, photography, impressionism, etc). Then, stock up at the library and learn what you can by checking out the web. Allow your  Read more...