More Reasons to Read Aloud to Your Kids

Image - Public Domain - Wikimedia Commons

Parents, caretakers and educators have long known that reading aloud to children increases bonding, encourages brain growth, strengthens vocabulary and a helps foster a curiosity for the world around them. We all know that reading to our kids is important - here are just a few reasons why:

Increases Vocabulary

Dominic Massaro, a professor emeritus in psychology at the University of California recently conducted research that shows reading to kids, even more than talking, increases their vocabulary. While talking to your kids is a great tool for building language and love, reading to them exposes them to a greater variety of words - those often found outside the normal 5,000 common English words.

Increases Attention Span

While watching TV may be a time honored 'relaxation' technique in many households, those hours add up. In 2009, Nielsen reported that American children aged 2-5 watch an average of 32 hours of television a week. This number climbs even higher when you delve deeper into the report and adjust for screen time gleaned from Internet Videos... like the YouTube clips kids seem so fond of watching these days - you know the ones, unwrapping, surprise eggs, watching OTHER kids (or adults) play with toys, etc. The onslaught is continuous, and even with due diligence, our kids are suffering under the screen pressure, and those flashing lights and constant change of scenes actually decreases attention spans. Reading, on the other hand, increases attention spans. Some guidelines correlate the age of the child with an average attention span of 1 minute for every year. So a 5 year old should be able to hold to task for 5 minutes, an 8 year old for 8 minutes, etc. Often, these minutes will increase when the activity is interesting, or when a child has learned patience through listening to a parent or caretaker read to them. Stories are wonderful attention 'getters', and attention 'expanders'.

Reading Advantage

The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research looked at the long term impact of reading aloud to children, producing a report in March, 2013. Their question was simple, does parental (or caretaker) reading to children affect the child's reading ability and prowess between the ages of 10-11? The answer? Yes. Across the board, with little variance, parental reading increased a child's reading ability and comprehension as the years passed.

A Child Reading in Brookline Booksmith, a Bookstore in Boston, Massachusetts.
Credit to Tom Pierce, CCL - Wikimedia Commons

Bonding

As mentioned above, reading aloud to children helps foster and create loving bonds, bonds that can very well last a lifetime with encouragement. It is just one of the many things parents and caregivers can do to increase closeness - and who doesn't want that?

Upcoming Kids Books - September 2016

Summer is almost over, school is back in session and reading lists are starting to fill up. While your little kiddos may hem and haw at the idea of  class assigned reading material - these books are sure to pique their interest...and yours.

"Ada Twist, Scientist"Written By: Andrea BeatyIllustrations By: David Robert

Release Date: September 6th, 2016
Formats: Kindle & Hardcover
Ages: 5 & Up

From the Amazon Product Page
"The creators of the New York Times bestselling picture books Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect are back with a story about the power of curiosity in the hands of a child who is on a mission to use science to understand her world. Ada Twist, Scientist, from powerhouse team Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, is a celebration of STEM, perseverance, and passion."

When I saw this little gem pop up on my search, I knew I had to pre-order it. I already have Rosie Revere, Engineer for my own daughters, with Iggy Peck on my 'must get' list. This STEM specific series is perfect for the aspiring inventor, scientist or engineer - and is perfect for parents who want to encourage the exploration of imagination and the great world around us. 

"I am Jane Goodall" (Ordinary Change the World)Written By: Brad MeltzerIllustrations By: Christopher Eliopoulos

Release Date: September 6th,2016
Formats: Kindle & Hardcover
Ages: 5 - 8

From the Amazon Product Page
"Each picture book in this series is a biography of a significant historical figure, told in a simple, conversational, vivacious way, and always focusing on a character trait that makes the person a role model for kids. The heroes are depicted as children throughout, telling their life stories in first-person present tense, which keeps the books playful and accessible to young children. And each book ends with a line of encouragement, a direct quote, photos, a timeline, and a source list. This tenth book in the series features Jane Goodall, the scientist and conservationist who is famous for her work with chimpanzees."

Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos team up once again to bring the amazing story of Jane Goodall to print suitable for younger audiences. If you've followed this blog for any period of time, then you've seen books from this series crop up before - because I LOVE THEM! Historical characters are brought to life and to relevance with beautiful illustrations, approachable language and easy to love descriptions. This book, and every book in this ever growing series, belongs on Kindles or shelves everywhere. 

"A Child of Books" Written By: Oliver JeffersIllustrations By: Sam Winston

Release Date: September 6th, 2016
Formats: Hardcover
Ages: 6 & Up

From the Amazon Product Page
"A little girl sails her raft across a sea of words, arriving at the house of a small boy and calling him away on an adventure. Through forests of fairy tales and across mountains of make-believe, the two travel together on a fantastical journey that unlocks the boy’s imagination. Now a lifetime of magic and adventure lies ahead of him . . . but who will be next? Combining elegant images by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston’s typographical landscapes shaped from excerpts of children’s classics and lullabies, A Child of Books is a stunning prose poem on the rewards of reading and sharing stories—an immersive and unforgettable reading experience that readers will want to pass on to others."

Oliver Jeffers of When the Crayons Quit fame (co-author) brings another adventure to the page with this delightful looking tale of imagination and thought. I'll be honest, I haven't read it yet - but the description intrigued me so much that I had to include it on this list. I hope to revisit this title later with insights, please be sure to check back!

"You and Me and the Wishing Tree"Written and Illustrated By: Nancy Tillman

Release Date: September 6th, 2016
Formats: Hardcover
Ages: 4 - 8

From the Amazon Product Page
"We woke up in the usual way, 

but it was not a usual day.
Out on the lawn, plain as could be, 
stood an orange wishing tree.
"I wish!" I said. "I wish!" said you.
And so our double wishes grew.

Wishes are a magical part of childhood. Whether we wish on stars or blow out candles on a cake, our dreams matter. Nancy Tillman captures the wonder of wishes as only she can, with love."

Who doesn't remember making wishes as a child? Whether over a birthday candle or on a shooting star, wishes were important and special - and Nancy Tillman proves in this book that they matter. You may know her work already from On the Night You Were Born or It's Time to Sleep, My Love. 

"Ghostbusters" (A Little Golden Book) Written By: John SazaklisIllustrations By: Alan Batson

Release Date: September 13th, 2016
Formats: Kindle & Hardcovers
Ages: 3 - 7

From the Amazon Product Page
"Thirty years after the original film took the world by storm, Ghostbusters is back and fully rebooted for a new generation. Director Paul Feig combines all the paranormal-fighting elements that made the original franchise so beloved with a cast of new characters, played by the funniest actors working today. The Ghostbusters are back and ready to save the world! Boys and girls ages 3 to 7 will love this laugh-out-loud Little Golden Book retelling, which features some of their favorite moments from the new hit film!" 

Ghostbusters was a huge hit thirty years ago, and despite what some are saying, the update is a huge hit today. With an all female cast, the newest Ghostbusters slammed onto the big screen and now onto A Little Golden Book, bringing this tale to life for those who wish to remember it - or are too young to see it in theaters. For boy and girls alike, this is a book that is sure to be well loved, and oft requested. 

Review: "Building Better Humans"

"Building Better Humans"
Written by: David & Lisa Davoust
Illustrations by: Abigail Davoust

Formats: 

eBook - $7.95 Hardback - $24.95 Paperback - $18.28

When I was pregnant with my eldest I devoured parenting books, one right after another, like I somehow thought that information would make me a parenting expert. Admittedly, knowledge and scientifically backed theories DO help and play a large part in my parenting 'style' - but, as we all know, knowing about parenting and actually being a parent are two very, very different things. Some of my reading has made this journey easier, while some of it has made it harder. All that said, I still read parenting books and blogs, yet my focus has narrowed to issues that approaches I think I can truly apply in my day to day - and ones that I feel may actually help.

When I stumbled across "Building Better Humans" by David and Lisa Davoust on NetGalley.com, the title grabbed me quickly enough to make me request the book. Building Better Humans... I like that, because that is what we are doing - helping fellow humans grow and learn how to live in this life while trying to help them become the best people they can be. Kids are not aliens (though sometimes they may act like it!), they are not objects or appendages to our lives - they are humans, and deserve the respect you would give to any other human. Some may disagree with me, but I truly and firmly believe this.

After reading the book my initial interest has been tempered with distaste, though only for some parts in the narrative. My family is secular in nature and while this book is not overtly religious, there is an underlying echo in the words, including a liberal spicing of proverbs throughout. For some, this will be incredibly beneficial. For me, not so much - yet I do welcome exploring other views and outlooks, especially when it comes to parenting, so I kept reading. Based on 12 guiding principles, this book attempts to set a framework that can help with this exhausting and amazing journey. First and Foremost: your job as a parent is to teach your child to survive as an adult without you. That may sound harsh, even sad, but it is the truth. You want and need your child to be self sufficient, without you. In normal circumstances, it is the only way they can survive, even thrive, in the world.

The remaining principles build upon this core rule. It touches on communication, treating your child with respect, never lying to them and much more. I can stand behind all those and even found myself nodding along as I read...until I came to the discipline section of the narrative.... where I paused. The beginning parts are all very common in their theme and goals - teaching lessons through sensible consequences, following through, etc, etc. Yet towards the end I scratched my head. There is a big note that the authors do not advocate nor advise spanking... yet they give guidelines and even rules just in case your family does spank. Ah. For me and mine, that is a big no.

It is difficult for me to decide on an honest rating for this book. My first instinct it to label it a 1 and walk on, but that is not fair. Despite the hollow feeling of "To Train Up a Child" seeping through the pages, there IS common sense to be found here, in fact - most of it really is decent. Maybe it is a knee jerk reaction that has me balking... but truthfully, while this book is not my cup of tea, it may be your's.  So - a 3.

Review: "ABC's of Yoga for Kids - a Guide for Parents and Teachers"

"The ABC's of YOGA for Kids - A Guide for Parent and Teachers"
By: Teresa Anne Power
Illustrated by Kathleen Rietz
Release Date: April 8th, 2016
Price: $9.95

Looking at our modern life and the hectic schedule we keep as adults is stressful enough, yet realizing that the same pressure (and a host of new pressures) is being placed on our children is eye opening. What can we, as parents, do to help ease it? While I don't have an answer to that daunting question, I do have a strategy for my own family, one that I am trying to implement everyday - with varying degrees of success.

Slow Down.

It sounds simple, yet we all know that it is much harder than it seems. Life has a way of taking over and the calendar fills up before our buckets do - yet as a mother, I feel it is my job to help teach my children that their own mental well being must be paramount in their lives. If I teach them this now, while they are still young, then maybe.. just maybe.. they can find a way to breathe and slow when they are older - and the stresses of childhood turn into the mountain of pressures as an adult.

In that vein, I am collecting tricks and resources to help me attain that goal, including this book, due out in April.

I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this fabulous book in order to provide a review - one I am very happy to give. The book itself is a continuation of Teresa Anne Power's series, "The ABC's of Yoga for Kids" - which at this point has a set of learning cards, a hardback, paperback, poster and even a coloring book. Suffice it to say, this series is pretty popular, which makes this guide the perfect accompaniment for anyone who already has one of the series - or for anyone looking to help their little ones learn yoga.

Filled with easy to understand descriptions and fun games, this offers an approachable way for children to learn, and benefit from Yoga. As a parent, this is perfect. It builds on what my daughters already know and expands it with poses they love to do.

Not many children's books will get a full 5 star rating from me, but this one will - for approach-ability, fun and ease. The only downside I noticed were a few of the pose names, which differ from other practices, a fact I would not have even noticed if my friend - and Yoga Instructor - hadn't pointed it out. That aside, this is a 5 star and makes me want to seek out other books in this series.

Upcoming Children's Book - February 2016

There are affiliate links in this post, all opinions expressed are my own

The New Year has begun, and if you are anything like me, your book shelves and eReaders are already filling up with new and exciting books. 2016 is offering a wealth of new titles for children, from adventures to moral stories - here are five that I have taken a peak at coming out next month, February 2016.

"The Princess in Black and the Hungry Bunny Horde" 
Written by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Release Date: February 9th, 2016

Formats: Hardback - $8.56

Ages: 5 - 8

From the Amazon Product Page:

"Princess Magnolia and her unicorn, Frimplepants, are on their way to have brunch with Princess Sneezewort, an occasion Frimplepants enjoys more than anything in the world. But just when he can smell the freshly baked bread and the heaping platters of sugar-dusted doughnuts, Princess Magnolia’s glitter-stone ring rings. The monster alarm! After a quick change in the secret cave, Princess Magnolia and Frimplepants are transformed into the Princess in Black and her faithful pony, Blacky. But when they get to the goat pasture, all they can see is a field full of darling little bunnies nibbling on grass, twitching their velvet noses, and wiggling their fluffy tails. Where are the monsters? Are these bunnies as innocent as they appear?"

Instead of fighting the Princess Syndrome infecting youth today, the authors of this clever series have embraced it - with a twist. Princess Magnolia is not your average Princess, in fact - she is a Superhero! The kind you little one will love to read about and even pretend to be.

"The Knowing Book"Written by Rebecca Kai DotlichIllustrated by Matthew Cordell

Release Date: February 23rd, 2016

Formats: Hardcover - $14.49

Ages: 5 and up

From the Amazon Product Page:

"Inspiring and wise, this story begins and ends with the sky that is always above you. In between, a young rabbit travels through the wide world, experiencing joy and sorrow and all the wonder that the world has to offer. Along the way he chooses a path, explores the unknown, and ventures along trails on and off the map. And at the end of the journey, braver and more confident, he returns home, the place he can always count on and will always know. This beautiful celebration of life is the perfect gift to mark any milestone in a child’s life from birth to graduation."

Every library needs a tale about not giving up - this is one such tale, told in a visual and approachable way that both kids and adults can love. 

"Emma and Julia Love Ballet"By Barbara McClintock

Release Date: February 23rd, 2016

Formats: Hardcover - $14.35

Ages: 4 - 8

From the Amazon Product Page:

"Emma is little. Julia is big.
They both love ballet.  Emma takes ballet lessons. So does Julia. Emma is learning to be a ballerina.  Julia is a professional ballerina.  They are both excited about the big performance in the theater tonight.  Emma will be watching from the audience."

I chose this book because my daughter loves all things dancing, and this book fits the ticket in every way. A young girl who meets her hero - and learns that following your dreams is possible for everyone. 

"How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends?"Written by Jane YollenIllustrated by Mark Teague

Release Date: February 23rd, 2016

Formats: Hardcover - $14.14

Ages: 3 - 5 (or older)

From the Amazon Product Page:

"From early childhood to life after eighty, the great challenge of any friendship is keeping it healthy and strong. In this funny, engaging book, award-winners Jane Yolen and Mark Teague present humorous, naughty dinosaur antics that any young sibling or friend will instantly recognize -- followed by dinosaur-sized hugs and expressions of affection. Do children in your home ever fight over a toy? Do good friends at school ever push or call names? And do buddies also know to share, give cookies, and apologize? Come along and laugh in the tenth full-sized book in this highly acclaimed series -- as little ones make friends and stay friends ... the dinosaur way!"

What child doesn't love Dinosaurs? And what parent doesn't love a book that combines well loved creatures with valuable lessons on life? Maybe that is why this ever popular series is growing by leaps and bounds, filling libraries and minds with fun, humor and thought.

"How to Put Your Parents to Bed"Written by Mylisa LarsenIllustrated by Babette Cole

Release Date: February 9th,2016

Formats: Hardcover - $13.48

Ages: 4 - 8 

From the Amazon Product Page:

"Mylisa Larsen's tongue-in-cheek bedtime story about a role reversal between parents and a child pairs perfectly with Babette Cole's hilarious and bright watercolor illustrations. No one likes going to bed. And you're not even tired. You want to stay up and have all sorts of fun adventures! But take a look at your parents. They're really tired. They're exhausted. But they just won't go to bed! Help them put down the cell phones, turn off the TV, stop cleaning the dishes, and go to bed! You might be small, but you can handle this task. Follow the instructions in this book and you'll have them snoring in no time. Debut author Mylisa Larsen teams up with Babette Cole, author-illustrator of Princess Smartypants and Dr. Dog, to present a bedtime story like you've never seen before!"

The entire concept behind this book makes me smile, and I know it will make my kids smile as well - and your's too. 

Thank you for looking at my list for February, 2016! Be sure to check back for upcoming March releases! 

You may also like: Upcoming Children's Books for January, 2016.

5 Top Tips for Making Money on FIVERR

For anyone looking to make a little bit of extra cash, Fiverr.com is a great place to start. Known as a Micro-gig economy, this is a worldwide platform where sellers offer services known as 'gigs' for a starting price of $5... a Fiverr.

You may have heard of it already - it has been featured in Financial magazines, Podcasts, news article and even in the gag happy TV program, Tosh.0. For a buyer, Fiverr is a goldmine, offering everything from Virtual Assistant work to the downright weird and risque; there is something for everyone - at about every price point. For sellers, Fiverr is a great starting point, and even one that can morph into a very profitable venture with the right gig and proper advertising.

My 5 Top Tips for making money Fiverr:

#1 - Pay attention to what works for other sellers

After making your free profile on Fiverr, it is time to set up a gig. For some, this is the first stumbling block, but you can make it easier by going with what you already know and by looking at services offered by others for inspiration. If you are graphic designer, you can create gigs based on that talent. A writer? Offer blog posts, articles, copy, etc. Not a writer but love to read? There are people out there that need beta-readers or proofreaders. You could sell your services as a VA, or even as a walking billboard if you so choose. The possibilities are truly endless and really only depend on you. Browse the site for a bit and note Level 2 sellers that have many positive reviews. What do those reviews say? What services do these sellers offer? How is their gig set up? You cannot copy another's gig, but you CAN and SHOULD use it as inspiration, made unique to your own talents and vision. It's a way of learning from the best and will help set you on the right path to making your first sale.

#2 - Customer Service

When you visit a store you expect the staff to be welcoming and knowledgeable - the same goes for an online business, and when you have a Fiverr gig, you ARE a business owner. Give your customers what they expect, and more. Try to always over deliver if you can, answer emails promptly and above all - be professional. Manners may cost nothing, but the lack of them can cost you big.

#3 - Use the system to your advantage

Fiverr is set up to help sellers succeed. Considering that they make money on every sale you make it is in the site's best interest to make sure you succeed. In that vein, the categories and options available when listing gigs have been carefully researched and proven to be valuable additions that actually increase sales. While you can post a gig without a video, don't. You have the option of adding a video introduction to every gig you list, and you should. Statistically those with videos sell more than those without. Also, use the categories correctly. If you offer a blog composing gig, post it in Writing & Translation, not in Programming & Tech. Details matter.

#4 - Be VERY clear and concise in your description.

Being upfront about what you will and won't do in the description will save you loads of emails - and headaches - later. If you are offering video gigs but want to refrain from shooting videos that talk about any sort of eCurrency, like BitCoin, then spell it out. This will narrow down buyers (hopefully) who truly want your services.

#5 - Market yourself

If you build it, they will come.... with some encouragement, coaxing, arm twisting and clever advertising that is. Social Media is ripe with customers just waiting to be tapped - if you know how to get to them. Spend some time on the popular sites and forums; Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. Search for Freelance groups, Fiverr groups and other groups that might fall into your direct line of services. See what the page(s) and group(s) talk about or post, start participating - and THEN (and only then.... please don't be that person whose first words are, "Hi! I sell yadadada on blah blah blah..."). If you are smart about it and you've participated enough to build a presense, they will listen, or at least offer you valuable insight on how to improve, or how to approach Social Media marketing in the future.



Have any other Top Tips to offer? Leave a comment!

You may also like my ebook, "Building Your Business on Fiverr"  available on Amazon.com worldwide.