Let me get this out of the way: I know several of my students’ moms read this blog, and this is not a hint. I feel very valued and appreciated by you, and so my mission is to help ensure that other teachers out there feel the same way. To those of you without school aged […] Read more…
Voice Lessons To Go for Kids!
My girls love to sing. Their musical abilities come primarily from their father, so I have decided that my role is to be the supportive anti-stage mother. (Which is, of course, why I had Frannie on stage in March. That story will come later.) Back to the point: whether it be kids’ CDs, church hymns, […] Read more…
The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up For Your Child With Autism or Other Special Needs
Let’s start with the bottom line: if you have a child with autism or other special needs, you must read the hot-off-the-press “The Everyday Advocate: Standing Up For Your Child With Autism of Other Special Needs” by Areva Martin. The absolute only issue I can find with the book is that it’s American, and therefore the legislation, School Board […] Read more…
Ballad of the Rag Man
Ballad of the Rag Man (written by Cynthia Gustavson, illustrated by Kristina Tosic) is a well-written, beautifully illustrated, worthwhile book. In the story, “The Rag Man” is the neighbourhood eccentric who collects castoff items from everyone’s curbside garbage. One day a curious little girl decides to follow him to find out exactly what he does with these found treasures…and learns a very […] Read more…
Perfect Parties Theme Three: The School Party
Guess what? This party is actually mine, and not credited to my party-planning friend Krista! (In case you missed it, she brought us The Polka Dot Party and The Pajama Party, with more themes on the way!) Since Frannie is starting school in September, I decided to have a little get-together for the five girls who […] Read more…
Brain Quest Write and Erase – Review and Giveaway
Giveaway open to Canadians. I love love love the new Brain Quest Write and Erase books. “Sure,” you’re thinking. “She loves every product she tries.” Not so! It may surprise you to know that many products I am approached about don’t even make it to “This Mom Loves”. Sometimes I turn down the opportunity because I know […] Read more…
Not Just IQ: Executive Functioning in Kids
I just finished reading a great book called “No Mind Left Behind: Understanding and Fostering Executive Control – The Eight Essential Brain Skills Every Child Needs To Thrive” by clinical psychologist Dr. Adam Cox. In this book, Dr. Cox outlines the eight pillars of executive control (or what he calls “The Ex Factor” ) that may have more […] Read more…
Kids Need Nonfiction! Books About Canada – Review and Giveaway
Giveaway open to Canadians. Fact: kids love nonfiction. When we go to buy or borrow reading material for our children, we adults seem to be the most drawn to to make-believe. Maybe this is because our lives expose us to an abundance of non-fiction – newspapers, reports for work – and we crave a break, and assume the […] Read more…
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
If you have a child with autism, work with a child with autism, or live in a world where children have autism, you really need to read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon. I had never even heard of this book until a coworker suggested it to me (thanks, Trina!) […] Read more…
Hope and Heroes: Scholastic Books Giveaway!
I have terrific news! I’ve recently teamed up with Scholastic Canada, and I will be bringing you reviews of some of their best children’s books, as well as fantastic giveaways for you and your family! If you have school-aged children, you have likely seen Scholastic flyers come home, and I encourage you to purchase from them […] Read more…