Kids Blog

Creating Semantic Maps of Winter

The science of reading research highlights how "semantic maps" help us comprehend what we read. ("Semantic" in this sense means anything related to words, particularly the concepts words represent.) In its basic form, the more you know about a topic - the more connected bits of knowledge you have on your semantic map of, say, winter - the more you will be able to understand an article or book about that topic.

Favorite Picture Books of 2018 Countdown: #1!!!

Our FAVORITE picture book of 2018... The Day You Begin, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael Lopez

Favorite Picture Books of 2018 Countdown: #2

Dreamers, written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Favorite Picture Books of 2018 Countdown: #3

Grumpy Monkey, written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang

Favorite Picture Books of 2018 Countdown: #4

Leaf, written and illustrated by Sandra Dieckmann

Favorite Picture Books of 2018 Countdown: #5

Children's librarians are counting down our favorite picture books of the year! Starting with #5... We Don’t Eat Our Classmates!, written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins

How Fast Can Turkeys Run? & Other Thanksgiving Questions

If your kids want to talk turkey this Thanksgiving, don't start with Google - try a library database instead! The Britannica PreK-8 database collects articles, pictures, definitions, and more for a variety of topics, including "TURKEY-ANIMAL" (as opposed to "TURKEY-COUNTRY"). Follow this turkey trail: 1. Go to www.tulsalibrary.org 2. At the top of the page, click "Research" and then "Databases." 3. Find "Britannica PreK-8" and sign in with your name and library card number. 4. Search for "Turkey"!

Don't Just Repeat...Change It Up & Keep It Fresh!

Have you ever read an entire book to your toddler or preschooler only to hear, "Read it again!"? At first, we are very excited that our little ones liked the book so much that they want it repeated. Then they request it again, and again, and again! Yes, repetition is an important part of learning, but six times in one sitting can be a bit much for grownups. As adults, we start thinking, "Isn't there something else I can do without breaking my child's love of books, yet keeping me from getting a migraine?" There IS something else you can do - just CHANGE IT UP and KEEP IT FRESH! 

Reading Pictures, Drawing Feelings: Books To Treasure 2018

In children’s worlds, art and stories have always been intertwined.

Encouraging Art, Encouraging Smart: Part 2

Last week, we looked at Process Art for children in the inimitable book by Herve Tullet: Art Workshops for Children.