No App to Replace Your Lap

Kids, and Books and Screens and Brains

How Do Books Affect Your Child’s Brain?  8 Questions We Asked the CEO of Literati by Sara Sargent, Paper Lantern Publishing Group.

Summary:  by Diane Davies

This article is a Q & A between Sara Sargent of Paper Lantern Publishing Group and Jessica Ewing, CEO of Literati a subscription book club for children.  Jessica Ewing is a graduate of Stanford University in Cognitive Science. 

Both women agree that taking away screens and reading to children during their formative years is the best thing for their brains.  Ms. Ewing tells us that there is now incredible science to back this up.  Through brain scans and fMRI it has been learned that developing brains thrive on stimulation that puts the brain in the “Goldilocks” zone.  Media – like television and animation and screens the stimulation is “too hot”. This stimulation does not make connections fire in the children’s brains.  The intake is too easy.  Pure audio is “too cold”.  It does not provide enough stimulation to make new neural connections.  It is too hard for the developing brain.  According to Ewing, picture books are the right mixture of verbal and visual cues resulting in the healthiest brain development.  The concrete experience of touching and holding a physical book is critical for memory to be stored. 

What makes a book good for the brain?  Any book that a child loves to read is a good book.  If you are being asked to read a book over and over again is a sign that you’ve found something the brain needs.  Having some choice is good for kids however too much choice can become overwhelming for both kids and parents.  With kid’s books you are shopping not only to appeal to existing interests but to create new interests as well.

The rest of the article goes into explaining how Literati, a try-before-you buy book club service for children ages 0 – 12.  To learn more about the service you can go to literartibooks.com

No App to Replace Your Lap

Valentine Books for Gifts and Read Aloud

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I was browsing children’s books on Amazon and thought I’d share some of what I found with you here.  Children love Valentine’s Day and love hearing stories about love. 

Here are a couple of books on my shopping list:

Caveboy Crush

By Beth Ferry Illustrated by Kuefler

 A caveboy-meets-cavegirl tale, with a twist!
 
Neander is a young caveboy. He spends his days doodling on cave walls, chasing mammoth butterflies, and playing with his pet rock, Rock. But one day, he meets Neanne—and he’s CRUSHED! She’s short, she’s hairy, she’s perfect! Neander does everything he can think of to get Neanne’s attention. He picks a bouquet for her from the Field of the Bees. He fetches a conch shell for her from the Waves of Salt. As Neander’s gestures get grander and grander, Neanne remains unimpressed. But then Neander hatches the grandest gesture of all, and it’s Neanne’s turn to do some crushing. From Beth Ferry and Joseph Kuefler comes this sweet celebration of first love—perfect for Valentine’s Day and read-alouds all year long.

You Are My Happy

by Hoda Kotb Illustrated by Suzie Mason

From Hoda Kotb, the Today show co-anchor and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of I’ve Loved You Since Forever, comes a book about gratitude for the things in life—both big and small—that bring us happiness.

As mama bear and her cub cuddle together before closing their eyes for a good night’s sleep, they reflect on the everyday wonders of life that make them happy.

Inspired by her own nighttime routine with her daughter, Haley Joy, Kotb creates another beautiful treasure for parents and children to enjoy together. With charming and lush illustrations from bestselling artist Suzie Mason, this soothing yet playful lullaby explores the simple joy of taking a moment to be grateful.

No App to Replace Your Lap

Reading To and With Your Children Helps With Discussing Difficult Issues

As a mother and as aa teacher, it wasn’t difficult to see that lecture mode turned the lights out with my daughter and my students as far as listening goes.  Kids tune out when we start telling them what to do and what not to do. 

But if you read s story where a character is struggling with serious conflicts and the consequences of their actions or facing discrimination or facing any issue they are asked to come to grips with today – the story becomes the way in to start the discussion.  The pressure to comply is moved to the character in the story – and away from the child.  Complex, relevant topics are easier to talk about when once removed.  Google comes in pretty handy when you are seeking a book on a topical matter today.

Jeannie Ann’s Grandma Has Breast Cancer is a good example of a book that can be used as a tool to begin a conversation that is not so easy to begin.  The books are out there.

Happy Reading!

No App to Replace Your Lap

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Here my friends is a great list of books to get you started on your read-aloud time with your children.  I’m a lot older than 12 and I must say I have not read all of these books – YET!  Many of them are best loved stories from my teaching days and some I’ve learned of with my grandchildren.

One of the things I really like about this list is the fact that it includes picture books to graphic novels and more.  Boys and girls  both will get hooked on these books. Cultural touchstones are also included.  These books have been kid-tested overtime and deserve a look see for you and your budding readers. 

Have fun checking out this list many of which you’ll remember reading in your own childhood.  Enjoy!  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/50-books-all-kids-should-read-before-theyre-12

Meet CA Nobens - Illustrator

No App to Replace Your Lap

By Diane Davies

1/29/2020

A Real Heartbreaker

While doing research for my blog, I came across an article titled:  10 Reasons You Should Read Aloud to Big Kids, Too!  The article included by now the familiar list:

            It’s wonderful for bonding.

   It provides positive modeling.

            It improves listening skills

            It’s a way to discover the classics.

            It helps with discussing difficult issues.

            It’s a way to introduce different genres.

            It’s a portal into your kids interests.

            It sparks curiosity and a thirst for learning.

            It builds  vocabulary.

            It improves comprehension.

The part that broke my heart was a comment from Kid, 11 years old in the comment section following the article.   It read:  Yeah I wish my Mom would do read-alouds with me still.  She reads to my 7-year-old brother before bed and sends me up to my room to read on my own.  I miss three years ago when we still read together.

That brought the tissues out for me.  Why not continue to read to older children?  Think of the adventures you can enjoy together!  Reading books on subjects or genres kids love (sci-fi, fantasy, mysteries, thrillers, graphic novels, Norse mythology, Minecraft,  whatever!) gives you something to share and discuss, while also putting you on a level playing field – rather than you always being the teacher who knows more than they do.  Hey – even at my age, I enjoy being read to!

Blog #7 No App to Replace Your Lap

Reading together encourages a thirst for knowledge.

There is nothing better than seeing a child that loves to learn.  So how do you make that happen as a parent?  There are a number of things you can do and the first is to read to your children.  Reading leads to questions from the child and the questions present a real learning opportunity.   Here are a few more devices to try:  (BILINGUAL KIDSPOT)

·      Create a bedtime reading routine where you read every night to your children

·      Read WITH your child not TO your child.  Talk about the pictures, ask questions, make comparisons to familiar things in the home.

·      Let them skip pages.

·      Keep a variety of books in your home.

·      Let them choose the books they want to read.

·      Do activities together involving the books you read.

·      Don’t push children to learn to read – read for the ENJOYMENT of reading together.

·      Be a good example and read books yourself.

·      Visit the library together.

·      Limit technology.

As a first grade teacher many times around the holidays parents would stop by and ask me what I thought about this set of reading tapes or this digital app costing hundreds of dollars where the child could sit in front of a screen and learn to read.  My reply was always to take the money and invest it in real books the child can hold, and smell and sit in your lap and be read to by YOU.  Your investment of TIME doing this is the best investment you can make.

Happy Reading!

Family Reading Time - can be as little as 15 minutes a day!

Something to ponder …

In this time of goal setting and resolution making, I’d like to share this poem with you by Pablo Nerudo entitled You Start Dying Slowly. Listen thoughtfully to the words and let them wash over and through you as you look forward to the new year ahead. Happy 2020 my dear friends!

You start dying slowly

If you do not travel,

If you do not read,

If you do not listen to the sounds of life,

If you do not appreciate yourself.

You start dying slowly

When you kill your self esteem;

When you do not let others help you.

You start dying slowly

If you become a slave to your habits,

Walking everyday in the same path . . .

If you do not change your routine,

If you do not wear different colors

Or you do not speak to those you do not know.

Your start dying slowly

If you avoid to feel passion

and their turbulent emotions;

Those which make your eyes glisten

And your heart beat fast.

You start dying slowly

If you do not change your life when you are not satisfied

With your job, or with your love,

If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain,

If you do not go after a dream,

If you do not allow yourself,

At least once in your lifetime,

To run away from sensible advice . . .

Written by Pablo Neruda

Life in the Neck Christmas

Life in the Neck Christmas

By Diane Davies

Winter came early turning the long narrow strip of land called the Neck into a frosty wonderland of snow and ice.  The pine trees along the drive hung heavy with the untimely snow in the fall of Minnesota this year.

Eli and his new pals from the squirrel family, Chatter, Whistle and Squeak had come to an agreement for sharing the fort for the time being, at least until spring.  The peanuts and peanut butter treats were delivered daily when Eli came home from school.  Mr. & Mrs. Red Squirrel and family had it made for what looked like a long snowy winter ahead.

Delaney, Rocket, Cardinal Red and even Old Coyote had to button down early with the arrival of the first snowfall.  Winter settled in and survival of the long cold stretch moved high on the list for all of the animals who made their home in the Neck.

Elsie, Eli’s big sister, and Eli had school every day until the long awaited Christmas Vacation.  Sledding down the driveway and over the mound of snow piled up at the end became the after school activity for the two of them.  Wet jackets, mittens, scarves, snow pants and boot liners were daily added to the clothes dryer to make ready for use the next day.

As Elsie and Eli made the trek up the hill and through the forest to Eli’s Fort to deliver the daily peanut treats to the squirrel family, Elsie had an idea.  “Eli, let’s celebrate Advent this year at your fort.” 

“Sure!  What’s advent?” questioned Eli.

“Well Advent is celebrated in our Church.  Remember?  It is the four weeks leading up to Christmas when we are getting ready for Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day,” explained Elsie.

“Oh, is that when we light a special candle each Sunday and read from the
Bible?”, asked Eli.

Being the older sister and twelve, Elsie went on to explain to her brother about the traditions surrounding the Advent Wreath in the Christian Church.  She explained that evergreen branches are placed in a circle to remind us of life and God’s never ending love for all of us.

“Even the birds and the animals?  Does God love them too?”, quizzed Eli.

“Even the birds and the animals,” responded Elsie.  “God loves all of His creation.”

Using Google, the two siblings researched this thing called Advent.  Combining what they learned online with their lessons from Sunday School, they began collecting the items they would use for their Advent celebration at the fort.  First they found evergreen branches in the forest and fashioned a wreath.  A wreath is a circle that has no beginning and no end just like God’s love for his creation.

“We clearly can’t use real candles.  Mom and Dad would be so mad.  We don’t need another fire in the Neck,” questioned Eli.

“I saw some battery operated lanterns in Papa’s shop.  Let’s ask Papa if we can use them for our Advent Wreath.  Surely he won’t mind when he knows what we are planning,” answered Elsie.

The animals of the Neck watched in curiosity as the pair of children set to work building the wreath on the porch of Eli’s Fort.  On the first Sunday of Advent, all was ready.  After getting home from church, they gathered on the porch and Eli turned on the first lantern while Elsie read from her Bible in the book of Isaiah Chapter 9:  “For a child has been born for us.”  The first lantern represented the Prophets that told long ago of a Savior’s coming.  “What is a Savior?”, Eli wanted to know.  “Someone who saves us from our sins.  We believe that Jesus is our Savior,” explained Elsie.  Delany and Rocket looked on in astonishment. 

The scene repeated itself on Advent’s second Sunday.  This time Elsie turned on two lanterns and Eli read from his Bible in Matthew Chapter 1:  “She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus.”  This second lantern represented the angels who played a part in the Christmas story by talking with both Mary and Joseph and later the shepherds regarding Jesus’ birth.  Delany and Rocket were joined by Cardinal Red and Old Coyote as they marveled at the coming of the light into the forest.

Elsie and Eli were amazed at the number of animals joining them on the third Sunday of Advent for the lighting of three lanterns.  Eli turned on the lanterns and Elsie read from Luke Chapter 2 in her Bible: “You will find the babe wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”  This light represented the Shepherds who had been told by the Angels where to find the Baby in a manger.  The manger was used long ago for feeding farm animals.  The kids found an old wooden manger upstairs in Papa’s shop and drug it out to the fort and placed it front of the Advent Wreath.  The animals no longer feared the growing light but began to look forward to its coming and wondered about what the manger would be used for.

At last the fourth Sunday in Advent arrived right before Christmas Day.  Elsie and Eli were now on Christmas Vacation.  Arriving home from Church, they once again visited the fort to turn on the fourth lantern.  It was Eli’s turn to read from the Bible in Matthew 2: “They followed the star until it stopped over where the child was.”  This fourth light was for the Wisemen who came bringing the first Christmas Gifts to the Baby – gold, frankincense and myrrh – all three precious substances found in the natural world.  The animals were anxious to join in with the children to do their part in the celebration of what was to come on Christmas morning.  Very carefully straw was added to the manger making it a warm nest for the new child to come. Eli crawled to the roof of the fort and added his star fashioned of wood and painted gold.

Christmas Day dawned with bright sunshine and unseasonable warmth.  As the kids made their way to the fort, they were followed by others from the Neck including both the two legged and four legged variety.  Mom and Dad, and Papa and Grandma joined with the animals to experience the love and joy present in this Christmas morning.  Elsie had carefully wrapped her old baby doll in a soft blanket while Eli carried the last of the lanterns to the fort.  The baby doll was placed in the manger, the last lantern was turned on and Elsie read from John Chapter 1 in her Bible: “And the word became flesh and lived among us and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”  The final lantern bringing the light into the world represented Jesus the Christ coming to save us from our sins.

Delaney looked over to her special friend Rocket and asked, “Do you know who that child in the straw is there in the manger?”

As the animals placed their treasures from the natural world around the manger where the child in the straw lay sleeping, Rocket answered Delaney question, “Yes! He is light, hope, joy and love!  He is Jesus!  Come to bring light, hope, joy and love to our world.”

And right there in the middle of the Neck in front of Fort Eli, the peace and love of Christmas Day settled on all present and the light came into the world once again for one and all indeed!

                                                   Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas to one and all! May 2020 be filled with friendship, peace and love!

European Christmas Markets - Viking River Cruise From Budapest to Passau

Diane Davies and Kathy Norton -
December 1 - 11, 2019

There is Squirrel Trouble at SC Toys in downtown Hastings

Local author, Diane Davies, launches her much anticipated second book in her Life In The Neck series, Squirrel Trouble. It was a festive Sunday afternoon filled with family, friends, and fans of Diane. The star of the children’s book, Eli, was on hand to help Diane read and sign books.

Visit SC Toys in downtown Hastings and pick up a copy of Diane’s latest book, Life In The Neck: Squirrel Trouble, this holiday season. It’s an incredible adventure and a perfect gift for young readers.

Blog #7  No App Can Replace Your Lap

By Diane Davies

Reading together encourages a thirst for knowledge

There is nothing better than seeing a child that loves to learn.  So how do you make that happen as a parent?  There are a number of things you can do and the first is to read to your children.  Reading leads to questions from the child and the questions present a real learning opportunity.   Here are a few more devices to try:  (BILINGUAL KIDSPOT)

·      Create a bedtime reading routine where you read every night to your children

·      Read WITH your child not TO your child.  Talk about the pictures, ask questions, make comparisons to familiar things in the home.

·      Let them skip pages.

·      Keep a variety of books in your home.

·      Let them choose the books they want to read.

·      Do activities together involving the books you read.

·      Don’t push children to learn to read – read for the ENJOYMENT of reading together.

·      Be a good example and read books yourself.

·      Visit the library together.

·      Limit technology.

As a first grade teacher many times around the holidays parents would stop by and ask me what I thought about this set of reading tapes or this digital app costing hundreds of dollars where the child could sit in front of a screen and learn to read.  My reply was always to take the money and invest it in real books the child can hold, and smell and sit in your lap and be read to by YOU.  Your investment of TIME doing this is the best investment you can make.

I’m taking off a few days BUT will be back December 12, Don’t forget to come back to No App For Your Lap then. Blessings for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Happy Reading!

Blog #6 No App Can Replace Your Lap

Reading enhances a child’s concentration

By Diane Davies

“Wait – you want me to sit down with my toddler and read?  I can hardly get that child to sit down, let alone try and read to him!   He’s grabbing for the book, turning pages, trying to get off of my lap, pulling my hair, squirming to be let go.  His attention span is only a few seconds.  You’ve got to be kidding!”

That is exactly why you need to start reading with a young child.  Being able to concentrate is a learned behavior.  So why not get started?  Beginning a new routine can be difficult especially with children.  Helping a child learn to concentrate is one of those things that definitely takes time to develop. Toddlers and younger need time to learn to focus and give their attention to a task at hand.  A daily reading routine will enhance this skill.

Remember to start small.  There are a multitude of books for the very young.  They are bright and colorful as well as full of pictures and textures.  The secret is to read WITH the child not just TO them.  Take time to talk about the pictures, point out details, make comparisons with things in your home, even guessing what’s going to come next.  Helping your child understand what they are reading is just as important as the reading itself.  Your interest will help spark their interest and assist the skill of focusing to develop.

Be able to focus and concentrate is a big part of school success.  Your read aloud routine helps that happen.

Happy Reading!

Blog #5 No App Can Replace Your Lap

Exposure to reading exercises your child’s brain

Compiled by Diane Davies

American Academy of Pediatrics. "Reading with children starting in infancy gives lasting literacy boost: Shared book-reading that begins soon after birth may translate into higher language and vocabulary skills before elementary school." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/05/170504083146.htm (accessed November 21, 2019).

"These findings are exciting because they suggest that reading to young children, beginning even in early infancy, has a lasting effect on language, literacy and early reading skills," said Carolyn Cates, PhD, lead author and research assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at New York University (NYU) School of Medicine. "What they're learning when you read with them as infants," she said, "still has an effect four years later when they're about to begin elementary school."

As simple and enjoyable as creating a daily reading routine is with your children, research shows on top of that, that what they gain from that reading gives them a boost four years later.  Why not continue the reading routine well into their elementary years or as long as they allow you to, to continue the boost going forward?  It only makes sense to me. 

Happy Reading!

Blog #4 No App Can Replace Your Lap

Reading is important to develop language skills

By Diane Davies

The four language skills are reading, writing, listening and speaking. These four abilities allow us to understand and produce spoken language in order to communicate effectively with others.

As parents we speak with our children every day which is how we pass on language.  However, we tend to use the same words and phrases in our everyday speaking. Reading books with our kids adds to their vocabulary on many differing topics while also exposing them to unique phrases and various ways of saying things.  The more words they are shown the more words they will know and the more words they know the better. 

Reading to our children facilitates the development of these language skills in them and expands their confidence in using them making for improved communication.  Once again these skills show their importance of reading.

Happy Reading!

Blog #3 No App to Replace Your Lap

Reading to young children sets them up to succeed.

By Diane Davies

We all want our children to be successful! Right?  So how do we define success?  When I checked the Thesaurus, I found words like make it, arrive, pull it off, work out, be a winner, be a smash hit, achieve something or make the grade.  I also came across flourish, grow, prosper, increase, blossom, deliver, and come through with the goods.  The dictionary tells me that successful is resulting or terminating in success. Now that is certainly helpful and makes it all really clear!?!?!?

I found an article online entitled Defining the Successful Child from a site called familyeducation.  “Success means having a favorable outcome or obtaining something that was desired or intended. As we all have individual desires or intentions, we all have different ideas of what a successful life includes. Generally, people define a successful life as being happy, healthy, and able to enjoy life to its fullest.”

‘Reading to young children sets them up to succeed’ perhaps needs to explain what they will succeed at doing.  I believe that children who are read to will absorb more knowledge and develop a better understanding about the world around them and everyday life.  Studies definitely show that children who are read to have enhanced vocabulary skills and are better prepared to learn how to read themselves.  That alone makes the reading routine worth it don’t you think?

Blog #2 No App can Replace Your Lap. Importance of Reading With Your Kids

By Diane Davies

Here’s an article that I found that describes well 10 benefits your children will be receiving by you setting up a nightly reading out loud routine where you read to them.  So at what age should you start this nightly reading habit?  My thought is that it is never too early.  I read to my daughter before she was even born!  But then that’s me.  There are many books written for toddlers and even younger to enjoy.  So don’t be afraid to get started.  Continue reading to the children even after they learn to read for themselves.  Sometimes it just feels good to have Mom or Dad do the reading and the child can just enjoy.  I’m not saying you should not have your child read aloud to you – that is good practice.  However, don’t stop reading to them until they no longer want you to.  My granddaughter is in 7th grade and still enjoys the nightly reading routine. You will find that you too will enjoy the reading and the time of togetherness.

Importance of Reading With Kids: 10 Great Benefits

Posted by Bilingual Kidspot on October 19, 2017

1. Reading to young children sets them up to succeed.

2. Reading is important to develop language skills.

3. Exposure to reading exercises your child’s brain.

4. Reading enhances a child’s concentration.

5. Reading together encourages a thirst for knowledge.

6. A range of books teaches children about different topics.

7. Reading develops a child’s imagination and creativity.

8. Reading books with children helps to develop empathy.

9. Books are a form of entertainment.

10. Reading together helps to create a bond.

Happy Reading!

Blog #1 No App can Replace Your Lap! By Diane Davies

A few days ago I posted a picture of a rabbit with a baby rabbit on her lap reading a story. Under the picture it said; “No App Can Replace Your Lap.” What a perfect blog title for a retired elementary teacher turned award winning children’s author. That be me!

This is the first post in my new blog called “No App Can Replace Your Lap.” In the first few posts I plan to talk about why it is so important to read to your children. After that I will be suggesting books new, old and in between that will make great reading possibilities for the on your lap reading time each day. Across my twenty-six years of teaching experience in elementary grades, I’ve read thousands of books to hundreds of kids. I’ll be recommending some of those but also putting forward some brand new books that are hot off the presses. My plan is to advocate as well for some of the really old books and stories that are always fun to hear over and over again. So sign up today and stay tuned for fun and exciting ideas regarding good books to read during that all important lap time.

Happy Reading!

Good Advice

So true!!!

Midnight Marauder in the Neck

Enveloped in the midnight darkness of a cloudy night, I sit on my great room sofa surrounded by the quiet of the hour.  One small light shines over my shoulder as I bend my head above my laptop completing my writing for the evening.  Butch is down the hall sleeping off the effect of last night’s redeye from Anchorage.  I’m alone.

Without warning the stillness is shattered as the hummingbird feeder crashes to the deck outside.  Then another thump and the collision of metal hitting wood followed by the sound of running padded feet.  Someone or something is right outside on our deck.  Bear sightings and stories have been circulating the neighborhood for the last week as well as news reports of three escaped prisoners from Wisconsin.  Frozen in terror, I visualize the morning headlines:  Woman Eaten by an Enormous Black Bear or Elderly Grandmother Beaten to Death by Crazed Escapees!  I’m not sure which fate I’d prefer.   

Taking action, I ran through the kitchen grabbing my butcher knife for protection and flipping the switch to flood the deck with the illumination of eight one hundred watt bulbs.   And I see  N O T H I N G!  Really?  Checking closer I find the broken feeder and the live trap sprung and laying on its side.  Paying attention to only the peanut butter sandwich in his paws as he reaches through the bars from the outside of the trap, is a raccoon happily enjoying his late night snack.

Diane Davies Lives to Write Again