Where learning feels like play.
Family Tree by Josh Pyke and Ronojoy Ghosh is a beautifully illustrated story about family, diversity, and the changing seasons of life. This heartfelt book was selected for the Australian Library and Information Association’s (ALIA) National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) in 2022, where children across Australia came together to enjoy the same story at the same […]
One of my absolute favourite picture books to share with my class – especially during the first week of school – is All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys. I keep it right at the front of my back-to-school book stack because it never fails to spark beautiful conversations about […]
Creating a classroom culture filled with kindness and respect is something we work on from day one. One of my favourite ways to set this tone is by introducing the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. The “bucket filling” concept from this story makes a powerful and easy-to-understand classroom management strategy […]
During the holiday season, keeping students focused can be tricky. That’s where Christmas classroom activities come in! Seasonal activities not only capture attention but also teach important skills like writing, problem-solving, and creativity. Here are five festive and engaging ideas for your classroom. For more seasonal inspiration, check out How to Add Holiday Magic with […]
If you’re looking for Bear Says Thanks activities to engage your students this Thanksgiving, you’re in the right place! Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman is a perfect read-aloud for teaching gratitude, sharing, and friendship in the classroom. The story follows a lonely bear who decides to throw a feast, and his […]
World Space Week is a United Nations–declared celebration of space held every year from October 4–10. It’s the largest space event in the world and the perfect opportunity for teachers to spark curiosity in students about science, technology, engineering, and space exploration. Using books about space in your classroom can make learning both fun and […]
Kids love Halloween — the costumes, the candy, the spooky stories! October is the perfect time to spark creativity with engaging Halloween writing activities for kids. These writing prompts and lesson ideas will help your students craft creepy tales, magical potions, and haunting descriptions they’ll be proud to share. If you’re looking for even more […]
The Fire Wombat by Jackie French and illustrated by Danny Snell was a Notable Book for the 2021 CBCA Book of the Year. It’s a moving and beautifully illustrated story that helps children understand courage, compassion, and community in times of crisis. About the Book As the flames of a bushfire approach, one small wombat […]
The first day of school can be both exciting and overwhelming for young children. As a kindergarten teacher, I understand the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment. One way I help ease separation anxiety is by reading Audrey Penn’s The Kissing Hand. This heartwarming story sets a comforting tone and helps students feel […]
Ellie’s Dragon – Shortlisted for the 2021 CBCA Book of The Year: Early Childhood. The publishers say… No friendship is imaginary. When Ellie is very little, she finds a newborn dragon fresh from the egg on a supermarket shelf and calls him Scratch. He is quite the sweetest thing she has ever seen! From that […]
