Today is the official first day back to school for my oldest. While I feel like this was one of the longest summers in the history of time (two boys to referee all day) I also can’t believe that it is now officially over. My youngest starts Kindergarten this week and he has recently shown a huge interest in learning how to read. We have loved the Mo Willems and Elephant & Piggie books since I can remember. We are so excited to partner with them in order to share a few new titles this season. You may remember The Thank You Book title we shared back in May. What a sweet little book!
This month I am sharing two new titles that will be coming out next month (9/20) as well as a fun little craftyou can create with your kids to celebrate the new books, reading and growing! What a fun combination when it comes to learning. The first title, We Are Growing! features a row of grass who are growing for the first time ever. They start to see what makes them different and unique and the journeygetting there as they grow. It is a funny and sweet book that the whole family will enjoy. Once you are finished reading, make this super simple and fun elephant planter in honor of Elephant & Piggie. If you can find a pig, that would be fun too!
ELEPHANT PLANTER TUTORIAL
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
- 1 hollow, plastic elephant
- scissors
- outdoor spray paint
- small plants like succulents
DIRECTIONS:
- Cut the back out of the elephant making sure you leave a space large enough for your plants.
- Poke 3 small holes in the bottom of the elephant (the belly) in order to allow for drainage.
- Using your choice color of outdoor spray paint, spray the elephant covering the entire animal.
- Allow the elephant to dry overnight.
- Plant your plants and place in the window or outdoors.
This is such a fun little craft for kids! Davis got a kick out of watching me “cut the elephant”. He thought it was even more cool to see the plants sticking out of the back. If you choose a plant like succulents they will be easy for your little ones to maintain. They generally do not require a lot of water and they thrive in light so they will be perfect for window sills. If it is warm where you are, you can always put these outdoors.
For even more fun, make sure to check out the new book Cookie Fiasco! This one has been ready many, many time! A group of animal friends have a plate of cookies. The problem is, that there’s not enough for everyone. You and your kids will laugh along the way as the fiasco unfolds. You may also learn a thing or two about division and multiplication.
GIVEAWAY
Now one lucky Go Grow Go reader will win an Elephant & Piggie Prize pack that includes: Copies of both books, branded cookies and Elephant & Piggie Finger Puppets. Here’s How:
I make reading fun for my grandsons by choosing topics they’re interested in reading about, and also having a sticker chart so they can earn a “reward” for each book they read with me or by themselves.
I tried to make reading fun for my kids by letting them choose the books we would read together. We’d read, talk about the story and laugh together.
try to find books on subjects they’re interested in
I use silly voices when reading to my kids. It helps keep them engaged.
I do weird voices or we make up our own stories
i like to cuddle up on the couch with several grandchildren all around me and in my lap,,and they love for me to read to them too,,so its a win win for me
I make it fun by sitting with my children and enjoying the book together.
I like to make reading fun buy stopping usually before the climax and asking her what I think she thinks is going to happen!! Other times we make up voices for the characters.
I read out loud to my kids with different voices.
I read a good book but stop when there is an exciting part so they are excited to here the rest of the story.
We make reading fun by choosing silly books and finding fun places to read (like in a tent, outside, or on my little one’s favorite bean bag chair.)
I let the boys know that if they read something that has a movie they can watch the movie after they’ve read the book. Isaak that doesn’t like to read just finished a Boxcar Children book. Mica read all the Harry Potter books, and Percy Jackson books before seeing those movies.
I try to make it fun by using different voices for the characters!
I try and read different books each day so that she doesn’t get bored.
We like to read classics that have movies that have been made from them and watch the movies afterwards 🙂
I would read to my niece and nephews if I could get them to facetime with me for more than two minutes at a time 🙂
My daughter is just staring to read and loves elephants. She would love these books.
We use fun and silly voices!
I read along with them and make different voices for different characters
I like looking through a post that will make men and women think.
Also, thank you for permitting me tto comment!