If your child is interested in learning more about the stars, this book will help them understand the importance of the moon and other objects in space. The information contained in this volume will also help them understand the planets and their movements. Children can also learn more about the sun and moon. For example, they will learn that Venus spins counterclockwise, which makes it the largest planet in the solar system. One teaspoon of a neutron star weighs six billion tons.In addition to reading books about the universe, kids can learn fun facts about stars and other celestial bodies. For example, they may be surprised to learn that the universe is 13.8 billion years old and has been expanding since the Big Bang. Likewise, they will learn that the planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are all rocky and have no solid surface. This knowledge will help them make connections between the stars and their distance from Earth.Observe the brightness of stars and learn about their distance from the Earth. The brighter a star is, the farther away it is from the Earth. The brightness of a star is related to its distance from the Earth. For example, a star is brighter when it is nearer to Earth. Similarly, it is far from the Sun, which is why it is closer to the Sun than it is to the Earth.

These quick, engaging activities help students enjoy the colorful works of Eric Carle. For this story, students focus on the theme of the moon. Before-, during-, and after-reading activities are provided for a comprehensive study of the story.

"A quiet, lyrical story that sensitively explores issues of friendship and being true to oneself." — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL When Mina, a self-professed "girlie-girl," discovers that she excels at track, her friends are as surprised as she is, especially competitive Ruth. Even more surprising is the way running seems to lift Mina up and make her happy. When Coach chooses her to run the fifty-meter against Ruth, Mina is torn. Should she slow down and let Ruth hold on to the spotlight? Or let herself soar? With subtlety and insight, Carolyn Marsden explores the delicate subject of competition between friends.

From the invitations to the suggested books, games, activities, and themed party snacks, this book makes it easy to plan a fun literacy event from start to finish. Picture books, storytime readings, and parties are always popular with children because they find them highly entertaining. These activities can also be very educational. When children are engaged and enjoying themselves, the learning process is naturally enhanced. Picture Book Parties! contains 25 fun, storytime party ideas that will help teachers, librarians, parents, and students celebrate popular picture books, supplying all of the ideas and guidance to have great picture book parties in a classroom, school, library, or home setting. Each of the book's chapters is dedicated to a storytime subject and party theme, containing a themed party invitation template, suggested picture books, party games, party center activities, and themed party refreshment ideas and recipes. Picture Book Parties! also includes a bonus chapter that offers a multitude of ways for teachers, librarians, and literacy coaches to connect students to their favorite authors.

Foster young children′s early literacy skills and build a strong foundation for reading! Emphasizing the importance of providing emerging readers with the skills for future literacy success, Early Reading First and Beyond is a comprehensive resource that helps early childhood educators develop children′s readiness for kindergarten by providing creative learning experiences based on the most current literacy research. In reader-friendly terms, Susan E. Israel illustrates how to create rich learning environments, provide activities to engage young minds, and promote the important language, cognitive, and early reading skills necessary to encourage learners′ self-confidence. Teachers will find proven practices, assessment tools, guidelines for meeting individual learning needs, examples, advice for professional development sessions, and connections to International Reading Association standards. This book presents essential information for understanding and implementing the core components of an Early Reading First program: Designing early childhood programs of excellence School-parent partnerships Oral language development Phonological awareness Print awareness Alphabetic knowledge Early metacognitive thinking Advocating strong connections between home and school, this accessible text offers teachers, early childhood education specialists, literacy coaches, administrators, and parents the appropriate tools to make a significant, positive difference in young children′s futures.