Seeing Love: Books for Kids

If you desire to raise empathetic, loving, and accepting children:

ADD love to your shelves!! Teach all the dimensions of love and individuality to their play and their environment: actively add voices and perspectives into your home; have what they hear, the artwork they see, the books they read, the toys they play with reflect inclusivity.

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. It also provides moments of discussion and lessons. I encourage you to add love to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to teach and talk about the Queer community in your home and with your children as early as possible!

I am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
For Ages: 4-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
For Ages: 4 - 8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
For Ages: 2-5 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman
For Ages: 4-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer
For Ages: Board Book
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Worm Loves Worm by by J.J. Austrian and Mike Curato
For Ages: 4-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff and Kaylani Juanita
For Ages: 4-7 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Cafe Purchase Link

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer and Holly Clifton-Brown
For Ages: 5-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders and Steven Salerno
For Ages: 5-8 years
Kramerbooks & Afterwards Purchase Link

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Seeing Color: Books for Tweens

How then can you begin the continual conversation of race in your home? How do you teach your children to listen to different voices and experiences? How do you teach them empathy for these different experiences?

ADD color to your shelves!! Actively add Black voices and perspectives into your home; have what your children hear, the artwork they see, and the books they read reflect diversity and inclusivity.

Reading books together prompt discussion and lessons; self education begins at home. I encourage you to add color to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to teach and talk about race in your home and with your Tween NOW!

The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson
For Ages: 8-12 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Blended by Sharon Draper
For Ages:8-12 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
For Ages: 10-14 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Genesis Begins Again by Alicia D. Williams
For Ages: 9-13 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes
For Ages: 8-14 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

Jefferson’s Sons: A Founding Father’s Secret Children by Kimberly Brubaker BradleyFor Ages: 8-13 years
The Blackstone Bookstore Purchase Link

SELF EDUCATING CAN BE EMOTIONAL. MAKE SURE YOUR TWEEN IS PREPARED FOR THE READING AND PRACTICING MINDFULNESS AND MOVEMENT TO HELP GUIDE THEM THROUGH THEIR LEARNING PROCESS. ALLOW THEM TO MOVE WITH ME IN ANY OF MY FREE VIRTUAL YOGA CLASSES BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.

Seeing Color: Books for Kids

“I don’t see color” is NOT the answer or the ideal. In fact, it is a form of racism. To deny color, is to deny our fellow humans’ experience. By 3 months, babies are already tracking and responding to skin color (Hirschfield, 2008). How then can you begin the continual conversation of race in your home?

ADD color to your shelves!! Add color to their play and their environment: actively add voices and perspectives into your home; have what they hear, the artwork they see, the books they read, the toys they play with reflect inclusivity and love you wish to teach them as a parent or caregiver!

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. It also provides moments of discussion and lessons. I encourage you to add color to your bookshelves. PLEASE use this list as a starting point to teach and talk about race in your home and with your children as early as possible!

Rocket Says Look Up! by Nathan Bryon
For Ages: 3-7 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Saturday by Oge Mora
For Ages: 4 - 8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry
For Ages: 4-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Freedom Soup by Tami Charles
For Ages: 5-9 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill

The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander
For Ages: 6-9 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color by Monique Fields
For Ages: 3-6 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Firebird by Misty Copeland
For Ages: 5-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o
For Ages: 4-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
For Ages: 3-8 years
The Lit. Bar: Bookstore & Chill Purchase Link

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Turtle Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with any of the suggested titles for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• White Paper or Paper Plate

• White Paper or Green Construction

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Pencil

Optional: Washable Paint or Colored Tissue Paper

Step One: 

* Cut out 1 oval half for a head, 4 smaller oval halves for feet, and 1 tiny oval half for a tail.

Step Two: 

* Color, Paint, or Cover your turtle’s shell.

Step Three: 

* Glue it all together.

*Color in eyes or glue on googley eyes.

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

3 Yoga Poses for Quarantine Quiet Time

Is cabin fever turning your children into crazies? As each week passes we seem to be simultaneously struggling AND adapting; that means that there are moments when your children are overflowing with built up energy and emotions.  While there should be moments for being LOUD, for tons of movement, and for wild release, your child will also benefit from calm, quiet moments; to settle in and rest.  Hopefully these poses will engage certain muscles to create a release of some built up, frustrated energy and guide them to find some moments of peace: 

2 Options for Tree Pose.

Have your child start by standing strong with both of their feet planted firmly on the ground.  Direct them to begin to place more weight on their left foot (balancing on the left foot).  As they bend their right knee and bring the sole of the right foot to rest on the inside of the left ankle (for now, keep the right toes anchored on the ground).  As they gain confidence in their balance, they can begin to raise their right foot higher: first to the inside of the left calf and then all the way up to rest on the inside of the left thigh.  Have them fix their gaze gently on one, unmoving point in front of them as they reach their arms overhead (like the branches of a tree).  Repeat on the opposite side.   

Forward Fold with Clasped Fingers

Start with your child standing up with their feet parallel and about hip-distance apart.  Have them bring their hands together behind their back and interlace their fingers.  Direct them to take a deep breath in and look up at the sky. Then release into a forward fold; bending at the waist and letting gravity drop their head towards the ground.  Once in forward fold, help them reach their interlaced fingers up towards the sky, pulling the fist up and away from their ears. 

Rabbit Pose with Clasped Fingers

Have your child start this pose by sitting on their heels.  Next, have them lace their fingers behind their back (as they did for the forward fold).  Direct your child to slowly lean forward until they are able to gently rest the top of their head on the ground in front of their knees.  Help them to reach their interlaced fingers up towards the sky and away from their ears.  When they want to come back up, have them lower their arms first, before slowly returning to their original kneeling position.

More Movement may also help release some of the pent up energy and emotions! Why not have your child try one of my weekly Kids Yoga on Zoom Classes?

Indoor Activities with Kids: Some Bugs

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that adding the movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Try this craft (Ideal for ages 6-9 years old). Pair it with “Some Bugs” by Angela DiTerlizzi for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, prediction, and focus (learned from independent reading)
Motor Skills: tracing and cutting (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and self regulation (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Construction Paper or White Paper

• Pencil

• Something Round For Tracing (jar, can, etc)

• Scissors

• String

• Craft Glue

Optional: Black Washable Paint, Googley Eyes, Hot Glue Gun

Step One: 

*Trace and Cut out two circles from a colored piece of construction paper or white paper.

**Make sure that both circles are the same size, you'll need two circles per ladybug**

Step Two: 

* Stack the circles and cut a slit to the center.

Step Three: 

* Color/Paint in your ladybug's face and spots.

**Color both sides of your circle.

**Make sure that one circle is colored on the slit and the second is colored opposite the slit.

Step Four:

*Slide the two circles together along the scissor cut.

Options:

* hot glue the slits to hold the ladybug open

*hot glue string inside one corner

*draw on eyes or glue on googley eyes

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Snail Crossing

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that adding the movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Try this craft (Ideal for ages 6-9 years old). Pair it with “Snail Crossing” by Corey R. Tabor for an At Home: Story Time and Craft Activity.

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, prediction, and focus (learned from independent reading)
Motor Skills: tracing and cutting (practiced during the craft)
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and self regulation (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Construction Paper or White Paper

• Pencil

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Craft Glue or Tape

Optional: Washable Paint, Googley Eyes, Glitter, etc.

Step One: 

*Draw 1 leaf and 1 snail body by following these patterns:

*Cut out your patterns.

Step Two: 

*Draw eyes and a mouth onto your snail and roll end to head.

*Decorate your snail and leaf.

Step Three: 

*Attach your snail to your leaf. 

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Pig Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with any of the suggested titles for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• White Paper or Paper Plate

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Pencil

Optional: Washable Paint or Colored Tissue Paper

Step One: 

* Cut out 2 teardrop shapes for ears and 1 oval shape for the snout.

Step Two: 

* Color, Paint, or Cover your pig's face.

Step Three: 

* Glue it all together.

*Color 2 black circles on the snout for nostrils.

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Fish Craft

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with Luna’s Map for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book), counting when you sing The Fish Song together
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• White Paper or Colored Construction Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

• Popsicle Stick

• Pencil

Optional: Misc. Decorations (stickers, glitter, ribbon, etc.)

Step One: 

* Trace your hand and draw a heart on the paper. Cut out!

Step Two: 

* Decorate your fish!

Step Three: 

* Glue it all together!

Pair With:

WANT YOUR OWN COPY OF LUNA’S MAP FOR MORE ADVENTURES?
CLICK THE BUTTON:

4 Yoga Poses for Quarantine Meltdown Moments

How are we all doing? ….. Our best.  Your little ones have had their lives flipped upside down (you have too).  And while it’s easy for us to sometimes forget just how intuitive our children are, the truth is they are 100% aware of the right now stress of our global community.  They can feel YOUR stress and they have some of their own: Why can’t they see their favorite Aunt or Grandpa?  Why can’t they go to the park? When the hell will it stop raining?  Why is this sibling (that used to go away all day) now suddenly in their space ALL THE TIME?  Yeah, their lives are super challenging right now.  As they process, they’ll express all the emotions you feel as you process.  So focus might be off, peace might be off, and meltdowns might be happening with much more frequency AND MUCH MORE CHARGE! Try these poses when a meltdown needs soothing:

Clap-It-Outs for Refocus

Have your child reach their arms out to their sides (parallel to the floor) and wiggle and reach their fingers as wide as they can.  Count to 3 together and then have them clap their hands together and rub; make sure they take their time with rubbing their hands together.  When the friction of the hand rubbing has created warmth, have them place their hands on a body part (i.e. head, tummy, etc); with hands resting on the body part, take a deep breath in and release.  Repeat as many times and on as many body parts as needed.  I usually do it 3x: head, tummy, heart.   

Bee Pose for Calm

Have your child start this pose by sitting on their heels.  Next, have them reach their arms back behind them and wiggle their fingers like fluttering wings.  Direct your child to take a deep breath and slowly lean forward until they are able to gently rest the top of their head on the ground in front of their knees, as they lean have them release their breath in  an audible “Buzzzzzz”.  When they want to come back up, have them lower their arms first, before slowly returning to their original kneeling position.

Ladybug Hugs to Receive Self Love

Have your child reach their hands out to their sides (parallel to the floor).  Stretch the arms out as wide as possible then have them wiggle their right fingers to their left shoulder. PAUSE. Wiggle their left fingers to their right shoulder. Once each hand is on a shoulder (or as close to as they can manage), have them twist and give their right hand a little kiss.  And then have them twist and give their left hand a little kiss.

Butterfly Kisses to Receive YOUR Love

For this pose, ask them to sit on their bottoms and bring the soles of their feet together.  Begin to gently lift and lower the knees, like butterfly wings flapping.  When they have tried this, ask them to tickle their shoulders with their fingers and then have them pause (keeping their fingertips resting on their shoulders).  Now direct them to lift and lower their elbows (just like their knees).  Have them try to lift and lower their elbows AND knees AT THE SAME TIME.  Do this exercise with them, sharing a moment, and giving them your full attention. 

More Movement may also help release some of the pent up energy and emotions! Why not have your child try one of my weekly Kids Yoga on Zoom Classes?

Bendy Bookworm Story Time: I Don't Want To Be A Frog

“I Don't Want To Be A Frog” By Dev Petty

Frog wants to be anything but a slimy, wet frog. Maybe a cat? Can he be a rabbit? Anything but a frog. What’s so wrong with being a frog, anyway? This is a wonderfully silly story about self-acceptance; reminding us that we’re perfect just as we are: slime, wet, warts and all!

In this video, children will move-to-learn through yoga as they practice the following developmental skills-
Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, auditory processing (listening and following directions), and visual processing (mimicking movement)
Motor/Physical Skills: coordination, muscle isolation, and balance
Emotional Skills: self acceptance and self awareness

To Purchase:
Amazon Link- I Don't Want To Be A Frog by Dev Petty

Did your child LOVE the Frog Song?
Listen to it again: HERE !!

Want to practice more move-to-learn rhymes, songs, and poses like the Video above? Join me for a Virtual Kids Yoga Class!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Elephant Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding your child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses are, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

This craft is ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old because it supports early developmental skills like practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and making independent creative choices. Pair it with any of the suggested titles for a great At Home: Story Time and Craft activity!

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression, creativity, and autonomy/ independent choice (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Paper Plate OR White Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

Optional: Colored Tissue Paper, Construction Paper, OR Washable Paint AND Yarn

Step One: 

* Out of a paper plate or piece of paper, cut the design pictured below.

Step Two: 

* Paint, color, cover the paper plate (or a cut circle out of paper) with any color you want!

Step Three: 

* Use one of the cut off pieces to make a trunk.
*Glue on the trunk and draw in eyes!

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

4 Yoga Poses to Help Your Kids Stop Fighting With Each Other

I once read somewhere that this particular author’s mom was able to teach sibling connection through the worst of sibling showdowns by forcing the two parties to sit and look each other in the eye.  That was it.  They just looked into each other eyes. In that practice, they remembered that they were siblings, that they loved each other, and that there WAS connection.   But here’s the thing: siblings FIGHT! And chances are, they’re fighting even more cooped up during this stay at home order.  So before you try the “look in the eye” technique, you might want to exhaust the rage a little first:

Wanna Yell?  Yell in Lion Pose.

Have them kneel on the ground with their bottom resting on their heels.  Direct them to draw their hands up and then curl their fingers into claws; stick their tongue out and roll their eyes back to gaze up at their forehead: Inhale through the nose and on the exhale HAHHHH! the breath out.  OR if they prefer ROAR the breath out.  Repeat as needed….chances are they’ll either yell themselves out or they’ll be laughing from the silliness of the pose.

Wanna Compete? Who can hold plank pose the longest?

Have them start in tabletop position with their wrists under their shoulders.  Direct them step their feet directly back and hover over the ground.  They must keep their backs’ straight (no bum lifting) and hold until someone can’t hold anymore.  **Added challenge: have them alternate between lifting and lowering their legs!

Can’t see the Other’s side?  Flip it upside down with a wide legged forward fold.

Want to attempt to change perspective?  Have both of them stand back to back, stretch their legs wider than shoulder distance apart (so they’re standing in a wide legged stance).  Lower their hands down to the ground (now they’re in a wide legged forward fold).  Maybe now try the look into each other’s eyes trick or talk to each other from this position… even if they keep fighting, it’ll be pretty hilarious!

Hug Yourself.  Hug Them.

Fighting may be about them needing to validate the other.  But it also might be about them needing to validate themselves: Have your child reach their hands out to their sides (parallel to the floor).  Stretch the arms out as wide as possible then have them wiggle their right fingers to their left shoulder. PAUSE. Wiggle their left fingers to their right shoulder. Once each hand is on a shoulder (or as close to as they can manage), have them twist and give their right hand a little kiss.  And then have them twist and give their left hand a little kiss.  Give them a hug and maybe they’ll be ready to hug each other.

More Movement may also help release some of the pent up energy and emotions! Why not try taking one of my live classes?

Bendy Bookworm Story Time: Nobody Hugs A Cactus

“NOBODY HUGS A CACTUS” BY CARTER GOODRICH

Hank is the prickliest cactus in the entire world. He sits in a pot in a window that faces the empty desert, which is just how he likes it. When some desert “friends” visit and disturb his peace, Hank is annoyed.
Does someone prickly on the outside ALWAYS STAY prickly on the inside or is it okay to change?

In this video, children will move-to-learn through yoga as they practice the following developmental skills-
Cognitive Skills: vocabulary, auditory processing, and visual processing
Motor/Physical Skills: coordination, balance, and flexibility
Emotional Skills: wide range of emotions; facial recognition of feelings

To Purchase:
Amazon Link- Nobody Hugs A Cactus by Carter Goodrich

Want to pair this Bendy Bookworm Story Time with a cactus craft?
Click HERE !!

Want to practice more move-to-learn rhymes, songs, and poses like the Video above? Join me for my weekly Yoga Class for Kids on Zoom!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Cat Craft and Story Time

Hey all you cool cats and kittens: Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Need more things to do at home with your toddler? Purrrrrfect! This craft is for you. Ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old. This craft, read along with the suggested book titles, is great for practicing cutting with scissors, drawing shapes, and using the proper amount of glue (yeah, we all know that one takes practice!!).

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression and creativity (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

• Paper Plate OR White Paper

• Glue

• Scissors

• Crayons

Optional: Colored Tissue Paper, Construction Paper, OR Washable Paint AND Yarn

Step One: 

* Cut 2 ovals for eyes, 2 ear triangles, 2 smaller triangles, 1 oval nose, and 1 arrow for the mouth.

Step Two: 

* Paint, color, cover the paper plate (or a cut circle out of paper) with any cat color you want!

Step Three: 

* Paint or color in your eyes and glue the smaller triangle to the larger triangle.

Step Four:

* Glue it all together.

Draw in/ glue yarn to the face for whiskers!

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

Indoor Activities with Kids: Dinosaur Craft and Story Time

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

Need more things to do at home with your toddler? Perfect! This craft is for you. Ideal for ages 18 months - 5 years old. This is a perfect craft with suggested book titles is great for practicing using scissors, drawing shapes, and using the proper amount of glue (yeah, we all know that one takes practice!!).

Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression and creativity (practiced during the craft)

Materials: 

*Paper Plate or White Paper
*Glue
*Scissors
*Crayons

Optional: Googley Eyes, Colored Tissue Paper, Construction Paper, OR Washable Paint

Step One: 

* Cut a paper plate in half so you have two equal halves.

One half will become the dinosaur's body.

Step Two: 

* Draw the neck/ head along the edge of the second paper plate half and cut out.
* Tape or Glue "the neck" to "the body" behind the paper plate.

Step Three: 

*Use the left over paper plate half (from cutting out the neck and head portion) to cut out two legs and a tail. Tape or Glue the pieces behind “the body.”

Step Four:

* Color your dinosaur: use washable paint, crayons, markers, construction paper, or colored tissue paper. Don't forget to give your dinosaur an eye!

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? ADD IN BENDY BOOKWORM YOGA; MOVEMENT YOUR CHILDREN CAN PRACTICE ON THEIR OWN. THEY WILL GAIN ALL THE BENEFITS OF A READ A LOUD STORY TIME PLUS PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT THROUGH MOVEMENT!

3 Yoga Poses to get Yourself to turn off Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime....

I heard Netflix has taken away the “Are you Still Watching?” function, because we’re ALL still watching. Hopefully these poses help you to stop watching, just for a bit….

Step One:
Break Eye Contact with Chin Lifts

Roll your shoulders back and lift your chin to neutral.  Turn your head to look to the right, lift your chin as you gaze up towards the ceiling, then lower your chin back to neutral.  Move your head to center before turning your head to the left, lifting your chin to gaze up towards the ceiling, and lowering your chin back down to neutral.  Repeat slowly breaking your gaze from the computer screen.

Step Two:
Move from that watching the screen Sphinx Pose to Cobra Pose

From laying propped on the floor, resting on your forearms (with your legs extended behind you and your toes untucked): Move your hands back to plant, palms down, in line with your chest. Press down into your hands and the tops of your feet as you lift your head and chest off the floor. Keep your lower ribs on the floor. Open your chest, move your heart forward.

Step Three:
Take your dog for a walk

Since you’re probably already on the floor just move onto your hands and knees. Place your knees in line with your hips and your hands in line with your shoulders. Tuck your toes under and lift your knees away from the floor. Keep the knees slightly bent and the heels lifted away from the floor. Lift your tailbone toward the ceiling (envision an upside down “V”). You can peddle out the legs; bending and straightening on the breath.

NEED MORE MOVEMENT? Why not try taking one of my live classes for Adults?

3 Yoga Poses to Help Your Kid SIT for Distance- Learning

Sitting for school is hard enough. Sitting at HOME for school, yikes! A little bit of movement might make things easier….

Chair Warrior

Stand behind your chair or table and hold on for balance.  Now slide your right toes back and tap your toes to the ground three times.  Now begin to lift your right foot up until it’s parallel to the ground. Keeping it lifted high: Can you move it to the right? And then move it back?  Now return back to start and try the left foot!

Air Chair

Plant both feet firmly on the ground. Lift your bum off the chair just a bit: sit in an “air chair”.  Lower your bum to tap your chair and lift. For an extra challenge, do it on tippy toes! Keep lifting and lowering until you're tired and just want to sit and listen.

Chair Twists

Sometimes you just need to wind to unwind.  Start by sitting on the edge of your seat. Now twist to the right so that your right hand rests on your left knee and your left hand grips the back of the chair.  Try and look over your left shoulder? What’s going on back there? Come back to the center and now try twisting to the left.

NEED MORE MOVEMENT? Why not try taking one of my live classes?

Indoor Activities with Kids: Quit Calling Me A Monster!

Reading stories aloud together builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and promotes speech development. By adding a craft to the experience, you continue to build on story time learning; practicing motor skills and creativity, while reminding the child of themes and words from the story. It becomes active engagement, in the same way that the added movement of Bendy Bookworm’s yoga poses do, in order to benefit the child’s optimal ability to learn through play.

During this monster craft, paired with “Quite Calling Me a Monster” by Jory John children will practice-
Cognitive Skills: vocabulary (learned from picture book)
Motor Skills: glueing and scissor practice
Emotional Skills: self expression and creativity (practiced during the craft) and feelings (learned from the picture book)

Materials: 

*2 coffee filters
*Glue or Tape
*Googley Eyes (if possible)
*Crayola Washable Markers
*Scissors
*Color Construction Paper (if possible) or white
*Eye Dropper or Spray Bottle filled with water

Step One: 

*Place Coffee Filters on a coking tray.
*Use washable markers to color patterns onto coffee filters.

Step Two: 

*Use eye dropper or spray bottle filled with water to spray down both coffee filters.
*Let Dry. (This can mean air dying overnight OR you can heat the oven to “keep warm” and bake for 10 minutes. BUT you must keep the oven on it’s LOWEST possible setting!!)

Step Three: 

*Cut fridges along the edge.
*Pick one coffee filter to be the monster face: draw or glue googley eyes and a mouth.

Step Four:

*Cut 4 strips of construction paper and accordion fold them.
*Glue/ Tape down the strips for arms and legs In between the coffee filters.
*Glue coffee filters together.

Pair With:

These titles can be found on overdrive/ hoopla, ebook catalogs
you may be able to access with your library card!

WANT EVERYTHING A STORY TIME CAN OFFER? Add in Bendy Bookworm Yoga; movement your children can practice on their own. They will gain all the benefits of a read a loud story time PLUS participate in active engagement through movement!

The Car Song

The Car Song: A move-to-learn rhyme video intended to target developmental skills.
For Ages: 18 months- 6 years old.

In this video, children will practice-
Cognitive Skills: colors and cause and effect
Motor/Physical Skills: Flexibility and hand coordination

Want to practice more move-to-learn rhymes, songs, and poses like the Video above? Fill out the form below and receive a FREE Bendy Bookworm Yoga Video for your child.

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