Special Seminars: PESI

I love to learn and I'm not just saying that because I am a teacher. Sounds cliche, I know, but seriously, what kind of teacher would I be if I didn't keep up with the latest strategies and materials and trainings? I have gone to dozens of live seminars and workshops to learn about topics in my field, and find each one informative and creative. As a teacher in New York and Connecticut, it is required that I obtain credits and hours through these special workshops, but I would still probably go if it wasn't mandatory. Nerd alert!

I have found PESI to be particularly helpful in letting me know about workshops near me, sending me pamphlets via Snail Mail for upcoming events in my field. I highly recommend checking out their website or sharing it with anyone who might be interested. 


CLICK HERE to see Seminars near you. 

Take a Deep Breath

Book Review: Take a Deep Breath

By Sue Graves

Illustrated by Desideria Guicciardini

How many times did you mom/dad/spouse say to you, "take a deep breath"? I know in my life, there has been no shortage of these sentiments. And it is a great little piece of advice - when you're overwhelmed, take a deep breath and relax.

In "Take a Deep Breath," the author uses real life scenarios to examine when and where children can use deep breaths to help them move through a scary/stressful/hurtful situation. Cute illustrations show characters moving through real life using mindfulness techniques. In life, things don't always go our way and using mindfulness can help teach children how to handle uncomfortable situations, which is what this book strives to do. At the end of the story, a teacher shows her students that even adults needs to take deep breaths sometimes. Mindfulness is a tool best used by everyone! 

Try it! Take a deep breath and click here to buy the book! 

Fire Truck

Book Review: Fire Truck
By Peter Sis

The classroom that I am currently working in has started to study community workers. So I thought that I could tie in the theme at home and picked up this book for my Little Busy Bees.

Ever read Where the Wild Things Are? This book is almost like that, however take out the scary monsters. The little character's passion for firetrucks overcomes him. The little Busy Bee goes on to save a cat and teddy bear. The simple language and drawings help young readers with short attention spans enjoy a fun, bright, red adventure. 

Buy Fire Truck Here! 

Day by Day

Book Review 

Day by Day

By Susan Gal

Enjoy a fun day in the life of pigs. A fun bright colored book that takes a look at what could be 'a pigs life'. It's a cute book to encourage a discussion with your Little Busy Bee about what they think pigs really do. In this book they do a lot together, just like some real families and friends. A pleasant way to look at an animals life through the seasons, once again teaching us to be more mindful. 

Buy the book by clicking here! 

Hurray for Spring!

Book Review: Hurray for Spring!

By: Patricia Hubbell 

Illustrated by: Taia Morley

If you're ready for Spring like I am (and everyone else in America), this is the book for you! After a long brittle winter, it gives your kids a nice refresher of all the things you can do outside in the spring: dance, sing, hop, skip, jump, plant seeds, etc (I know I'll be doing all of the above when spring finally get here!). The bright colored illustrations give even the laziest couch potatoes motivation to get them outside and: "talk to the ants." The creative and 'Busy Bee' storyline is active and refreshing for every reader young or old! 

Now get ready to go outside and enjoy the warm weather! 

Brush, Brush, Brush!

Book Review: Brush, Brush, Brush!
By Alicia Padron

I was shocked when we went the pediatrician for our twins one-year check up and the doctor said "Okay they're ready to start brushing teeth now". Ummmmm What?!?!?! I thought, to myself of course. Between the two of them they only have a total of 9 teeth!!
But as new moms know, routines continuously change from week to week. As a new mom I have found myself listening to anything the doctor has to say, because well she is our pediatrician. We did pick her for a reason. They do have 9 teeth! 

So I waited until my husband and I were together over the weekend to get them their first tooth brushes. We have added brushing teeth to our routine. After everyone is dressed in the morning and ready for bed at night, they crawl into the bathroom to brush. It is the cutest thing ever, until they both tested their strength and the concept of gravity. Last week my son threw his brush down the stairs and last night my daughter threw hers in the bath tub. Both said, "uh-oh!" 

I found this perfect board book in the baby section at our local library. We have read it a number of times. I always feel that we need to read our books as many as we can until we have to return the books. Do you ever feel that way? Anyway back to the book - What I recently discovered is that the author recommends singing the words to the tune "Do your ears hang low?". We have and it's adorable. As they "brush" their own teeth, I brush and or sing along with them. This gives us a new song to sing as we add another routine into the mix of our Busy Bee day. The very cute and simple language helps remind Little Busy Brushers how and when to brush.  

All in a Day

All in a Day

By Cynthia Rylant

I've been very mindful especially as our twins first birthday quickly came and went. I can't believe it! The practice of mindfulness slows me down so I can cherish the time that I have with my family. 

This book is so sweet and positive. I had trouble reading it without crying. Showing examples of how precious a day is really lets us appreciate it consciously. The pictures are bright yet simple with a majority of black and white with pops of yellow. The dramatic pictures match the story of wishes, change and rain. Be mindful with your Little Busy Bees and get the book by clicking here!