Being Savvy: Activities, things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in San Antonio, TX

Book nooks for tots: Best story times and reading rooms

by Colleen Pence

Story time should be about making books come to life for children. The manner in which a story is delivered can mean the difference between captivated kids and yawning youngsters. Here are a couple of story times around town that never disappoint:Miss Anastasia's Friday Morning Story Time at The Red Balloon, 10:30 a.m. every Friday When you first meet Miss Anastasia at the independently-owned ... Read more >

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The Top Five Things to Do in San Antonio on a Rainy Day

by Colleen Pence

We haven't seen rain 'round these parts in some time but here's a list to keep handy for when the proverbial south Texas downpour arrives without warning (and you know it will!):1. The Library or Reading is FUNdamentalSan Antonians are lucky to have a wonderful library system that provides branches in all parts of town and it's a great (and free!) place to entertain your kids. In fact Delaney (3 ... Read more >

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History Lessons

by Colleen Pence

The AlamoTaking your child to the Alamo is a wonderful way to start the history lesson of how the Texians and Tejanos fought bravely, and lost honorably, against the Mexicans in a bid for independence. This beloved Texas landmark is here, in our city, for us to visit and revere. It only makes sense we'd want to share it with our children.Preparing kids for the visit can enhance their experience. ... Read more >

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Finding fireworks on the Fourth of July

by Colleen Pence

Yes, it rained yesterday for the first time in months! But that doesn't mean that Bexar County's fireworks ban will be lifted any time soon. If your preschooler wants to see the show in the sky this July 4th here are a few nearby celebrations:Fourth of July at Woodlawn Lake Park, Cincinnati, 10:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m.This city-sponsored, family-friendly, free party kicks off with a red, white and ... Read more >

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A great book nook with room to run? It must be Landa Library.

by Colleen Pence

My favorite branch of the San Antonio Library has to be Landa. The branch, which serves the Monte Vista, Alamo Heights and Olmos Park areas of town, was recently renovated and reopened on May 1. Now the library and its grounds are more beautiful and useful than ever. If you're in the mood for a great storytime, Landa offers four on Wednesdays: a 9:30 a.m. lapsit for children 0-18 months, ... Read more >

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In anticipation of preschool, a few good books...

by Emily

You will probably get many a book review out of me. I truly believe books hold possibilities, wonder, questions and answers for readers- especially curious kids! As a teacher, I saw the benefits kids that enjoyed reading had over kids who saw it as a chore. With that said, my first born is starting Mother's Day Out in a couple of weeks. This will be his first 'school setting, so that is what ... Read more >

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Don't pass up the dollar aisle

by Emily

Hello! It's your friendly shopper here coming to you today from Target! Where else? I am here to make sure you are taking advantage of the dollar aisles at the front of your Target store. No matter how rushed I am to get in and out, I take 5 minutes top to rummage through the goodies. Always the planner, I have upcoming events (birthdays, my own kids' parties, thank you gifts) in the back ... Read more >

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It takes two...

by Emily

Does your child get excited when told they will be seeing a friend? Preschool age is when kids finally show an interest in someone there same size. It doesn't mean they want to play and be with them nonstop, but they do seem to talk about and want to be with their pal. My preschooler loves school and especially playgroup. Basically anything that allows him to socialize with the other kids. ... Read more >

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The Read-Aloud Handbook

by Emily

When I was pregnant with my first born, my sister-in-law (she is also an educator) told me about a great book called The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. She explained to me that it had lists of books that children should read separated by age group. For instance, when your child is into Picture Books (like right now!) they have hundreds of books to let your child try. The list includes ... Read more >

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Halloween Reading

by Emily

If you read the posts regularly, you know I love a theme! Right now the theme is Halloween and we read books, bake Halloween shaped cookies, or go to pumpkin patches. Whatever we are doing, we have Halloween in mind! If you want to incorporate it into your daily reading, check these books out! 1. Corduroy's Trick or Treat by Don Freeman. Who doesn't love Corduroy? This is perfect for a ... Read more >

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It's Halloween tomorrow, or are you tired of Halloween yet? Recap, did you miss...

by Emily

The big day is tomorrow. Is your kid the one that sleeps in their costume the night before and you will have to end up peeling it off of her three days later so you can wash it? Or, do you have the kid that will scream bloody murder while you try to get whatever you can on him for a photo op and then relent- letting him merely hold the sword while his pirate costume sits wrinkled on the floor? ... Read more >

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laughable books for tots

by Emily

As I have said in earlier posts, we are huge readers in our house and have every book imaginable for our 3 year-old son. Books are one thing I don't feel guilty spending money on. And, of course we are at the library every chance we get. With all that said, the national writers of Savvy Source asked us to make a list of funny books your child might enjoy. I could quickly tick off four that ... Read more >

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