Get 1 ready for 2! {Big Bro & Big Sis}

Great gift ideas too!

Is it just me, or do you also know a handful of  Super Hero Moms who will soon be welcoming their second bundle of joy?

Getting the 1st child ready for big-brother-or-sister-hood is not an easy task. But have no fear, Busy Bee is here! I have taken on the task of making a list of a few of my favorite things to help prepare your #1 get ready for #2. 

1. Julius The Baby Of The World by Kevin Henkes

Babies may not look like so much fun, but once someone starts to pick on Lilly's little brother, she steps in and makes sure they know how special he is.  Learn more about the author or buy the book here: http://www.kevinhenkes.com/?post_type=book&p=299

2. Baby Book - so much fun for the older sibling. The baby is attached by a string and can be added to each different scenario within.   

To purchase click here:http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Cloth-Book-Mandy-Stanley/dp/0764151231
3.  Sisters by David McPhail - Sweet book about younger, older sister duo who have different and the same interests. 

Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Sisters-David-McPhail/dp/0152046593

4. Peter's Chair by A new big brother helps dad get things ready for his new baby sister. 

Learn about Peter or buy the book here: http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/peters-chair/

Have fun Big Busy Bee brothers & sisters! 

Puzzle Buzz

As I've previously posted "Summer is not a vacation from education" and it really isn't, as you and I know. Only teachers get the summer's off, so isn't it silly that children are not expected to do anything developmentally appropriate for their age over those summer months? Puzzle Buzz happens to be my new favorite thing to use with children. Created by Highlights, Puzzle Buzz is recommended for children ages 4-7. It is the perfect activity that your child will become able to work on independently over time. 
So while you're flying around the world or just stopping in at the house in Montauk, your Little Busy Bee can be entertained with fun and educational puzzles by Highlights. 

Puzzle Buzz is similar to those old Highlights magazines that you used to get when you were a kid, but Puzzle Buzz is more interactive and focuses only on "puzzles". PB encourages vocabulary, tracking, concentration, matching, pre-writing and early literacy skills as well as thinking and of course fun! 


Order Puzzle Buzz for your Busy Bee by clicking here. 

a good and perfect gift

Book Review
Topic: Down Syndrome

What an amazing and inspiring book. Amy Julia Becker puts her personal struggles about dealing with being told the shocking news, "She has some of the features of a Down's baby..." after delivering her first born. Amy Julia is so real  and honest {she shares some of her journal entries}. The book almost seems made up. As a new mother she is so hard on herself for the first year of her daughter's life, but she's only trying to figure out why, as such a huge believer in God, He would ever let this happen to her and her family. 


I highly recommend this book to any Busy Bee looking for an amazing story about family, hope and encouragement. You will become so engrossed in Penny's story that you might even start praying {I did mention, that she is very religious, didn't I?} or possibly do what I did, and google her for more updates on Penny. 


After reading this book you will:
a. start thinking of ways to be a better person to all
b. be more open to others who do have disabilities
c. be more grateful for your life {and maybe even start praying}
d. learn more about down syndrome
e. all of the above! 

To purchase the book & read about Amy Julia's experience click here

America A Patriotic Primer

Topic: The United States of America

An alphabetical look into the details of what the United States of America is all about. From A to Z, the former second lady {2001-2009} of the United States teaches topics like why we have fireworks on July 4th to what exactly the United State is. Lengthy and good for older Busy Bees unless you read one page per sitting or preview the pages and create your own simple word version. One of Busy Bee NY's personal favorites because Mrs. Cheney knows her stuff; H is for Heroes which happens to include teachers!  


Get ready for Independence Day and purchase this book here.

Otto Goes to the Beach

Book Review
Topic: Summer/Beach/Friends
















Todd Parr strikes again with a fun colored book about a silly dog who goes to the beach. We meet fun Otto and discover that he's like us. Ever have a bad beach day? Well, Otto has a hard time on his own, before finding a friend with the same interests. We learn from the modeled language provided, just what to say when a friend does something that we like to do too. Perfect book for encouraging Busy Bees to make new friends at the beach. 


{BB Tip: Read to children who are nervous about approaching others at the beach.}


Bring Otto to your beach {Click here to purchase}

Summer is here!

Since summer has officially arrived I'm sure you Busy Bees are beaching it up or starting happy hours at 12pm. Which I'm sure you deserve both combined activities to reward yourself for being so busy this academic year. I also would like to relax, but of course I am in fact working since children with special needs are usually seen for 12 months. However, since YOU will be enjoying the nice summer and all that it offers, I will only post possibly once a week. Check back in with the site if you need a good summer idea, book or game to play after you cool down from playing in the sun. Otherwise to all those BUSY BEES out there, see you in September for more ideas!
Xo, BBny

Bubbles

Who doesn't love bubbles?! I personally can't handle when children see the first few bubbles that are blown their way. I love they way they watch the bubbles until they pop on the grass or their pop attack pose. I have tried so many different types of bubbles and have found that Gazillion Bubbles to be the best, plus apparently they have a new show to go along with them. I can't even imagine what it must be like. 
Anyone want to go with? {I have to check it out for research of course}

Buy your Gazillion Bubbles or Tickets for the show here!