Books and Stories
Top 5 Things to Do Before Summer is Over
August 04, 2009
After I purchased my son's backpack for preschool (eek!) and got the "welcome" letter from his school; I started to panic. What had we not accomplished this summer that I had vowed to do? Was there anything we couldn't possibly do once school starts or would be harder to do? I came up with a list that our family is going to be crossing off as well get done. Are there any on your end-of-summer-must-finish-before-school-starts list?
Read more...Upcoming Events in the Alamo City
July 30, 2009
The start of school is in a few short weeks! This time of year is very hectic and busy. If you aren't busy enough snapping up the must have backpack, latest clothes and school supplies, and need something to fill your time- I have it. Or if one parent is going to knock out the shopping and the other wants to keep the kids busy- there is plenty events to do just that.
Read more...Llama Llama Day
July 24, 2009
Saturday, July 25 at 11:00 a.m., Learning Express will have Llama Llama Day. All children can wear their pajamas while they listen to Llama Llama Red Pajama. There will be crafts and all Llama Llama books are 20% off. This will be happening at the Stone Oak location. If you aren't already aware of how awesome Learning Express is as a parent and child friendly store- then you need to check it out. Be sure to become a part of their VIP program where you will get a stamp card. Every time you make a purchase over $10 they will put the amount on your card. After 15 purchases they will average all of your purchases and give you that amount in store credit!! I smell a nice Christmas coming our way. Look out for their Double Stamp Days to fill up your card even faster. (I put a link to the calendar that has them listed). I love how kid-friendly the store is. There are trikes, scooters, grocery carts, and tiny cars to play with. My son spends most of his time hanging out at the train table. My daughter plays with the dollhouse and dolls that are out. I have now declared it my birthday gift store. Any item you pick out to buy they will personalize and gift wrap for free. I couldn't be more in love with this store.
Every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. they have story time. They offer snack and craft afterward! The store is packed with kids having a blast.
Read more...
Summer Reading Programs
July 16, 2009
Normally I take you through upcoming events in San Antonio on a Thursday, but I really wanted to highlight all of the great summer reading programs that are running (and some of them are not for much longer). Most of them are age appropriate for babies on up, but a few have age or grade restrictions. Please email me or comment below if you have heard of one that I didn't list- I would love to put my son in it!
Read more...It is Waaaay Too Hot To Be Outdoors
July 09, 2009
First off, could it be any hotter? Watching the weather is depressing- even more so for the mother of a pre-schooler- because my first thought is, "what the heck am I going to do with my kids that is indoors?!" We will sometimes go to the pool in the morning but usually stay indoors the rest of the days. If we dare brave going out in the afternoon, we are sweating just getting in the car! With a high of 100 degrees forecasted for Saturday and the rest of this weekend, here are a few air-conditioned! places to take advantage of.
Read more...Happenings Around Town
July 02, 2009
You already know about all the outdoor activities taking place this weekend for the Fourth of July, but there are indoor (read= cool) activities to attend as well.
Read more...Fourth of July Foods, Crafts and Fun
June 30, 2009
Alright, we know where to go for fireworks on the Fourth, but we need to make sure kids have a background about the holiday. There are many (fun!) ways for your child to get involved and be in on the appreciation of the holiday. I always bring in crafts, books, or pictures and stories to get the point across. Being the parent, you know which way your child learns best. I know my son would probably rather read a book first and do a small craft. He is just now getting into crafts, but is really just a huge reader. He also enjoys listening to facts about the topic and looking at pictures. Here are some suggestions to do with your little one before the Fourth of July.
Read more...Beach Reading My Son (a fellow pre-schooler) Recommends
June 16, 2009
Alright, books that at least my preschooler and me recommend to read right now! I feel like this could be that article Oprah always has in her magazine where she has celebrity's share their favorite books. They give a little summary and why they enjoyed it. There is always a picture of all the books stacked together. My son is definitely not a celebrity, but he is an avid (almost) preschool reader. So, here is his library summer reading list!
Read more...In Honor of Earth Day: Green Books
April 21, 2009
Gearing up for Earth Day tomorrow. I showed you the links I used to get my son excited about recycling items and turning them into crafts. I want to drive all of my harping ("Did you put it in the recycle bin?! Turn off the water while we brush your teeth. Let's open the blinds and use natural light instead of your light. Now that you finished your drawing, flip it over and use the other side.) home with a few good Earth Day books.
Read more...Easter Basket Alternatives and Weekend Events
April 09, 2009
If your family celebrates Easter, then you are probably trying to figure out what to put in the kid's baskets. No doubt my three-year-old would be delighted to see a basket full of candy, his dentist however probably wouldn't. Both of my kids are young yet to have tons of candy in their basket, so I have to get creative while thinking of things they will enjoy- but keeping the price down. Here are some ideas straight from my kiddo's basket:
Read more...Books for Springtime
April 06, 2009
This is a wonderful time of year, especially in South Texas. We haven't hit our unbearable 100 degree weather yet, but it is still warm enough to attend an outside event and not melt. Springtime is San Antonio's favorite time of year. Exactly the reason why we need to be in our gardens, going outside to learn about Science and reading. I incorporate a book into any activity, season or upcoming event in our household. I pulled these "springtime" books for preschool age kids right from our bookshelf. These are favorites and will have your little guy or gal clawing at the door to get outside. (I couldn't find all of them on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, but they are all available at the library).
Read more...Don't Forget about Your Local Barnes and Noble!
March 26, 2009
I am not sure we fully appreciate all our local Barnes and Noble has to offer. I know their events had slipped my mind until my son and daughter happened in there one rainy day during Spring Break to get out of the drizzle. We found ourselves sitting in their little children's reading area and completely lost track of time. I then saw events they had coming up and wondered why I wasn't in here more often. The events I have listed below are for Barnes and Noble at Northwoods (281 and 1604), but the link I have will allow you to plug in any area of town to check when the exact times are at your Barnes and Noble.
Read more...Guest Post on Infertility
February 16, 2009
I want to welcome Julie Irwin Zimmerman as our Guest Blogger today!
Julie is a jounalist and regular contributor to Cincinnati Magazine.
She has also worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and the
Cincinnati Enquirer. Today, she has graciously prepared this post to
introduce you to her book, "A Spiritual Companion to Infertility".
Now, if you yourself have (thankfully) not suffered with infertility,
I'm sure you're like me and you know someone who has. Below, Julie
offers her thoughts about the the Octuplets' mom and her struggles
with infertility.
Winter books
January 21, 2009
Most of our kids haven't seen snow and may not see snow for a long time. My son still has an immense interest in it! They are studying it at school and he told me about how wet it feels and how he wished Santa had brought him a sled to use in it. He really enjoys learning about it- especially through books. Here are a few favorites and a couple of new ones we are going to try. Winter (The Read more...
10 best posts of this year
December 30, 2008
I love the end of the year when they recap everything and make the top/worst lists. We at Savvy Source thought we make one of our own for you. Here are the top 10 posts of this year. 1. The 5 best day trips within an hour (or so!) of San Antonio 2. How to be a cowboy or cowgirl for a day 3. The 5 things you must do with your child in San Antonio before they grow up Read more...
Christmas books
December 19, 2008
I thought I would share some holiday books that are favorites in our house. We borrowed a few of these from the library and now I want to keep my eyes peeled at the after Christmas sales to hopefully add them to our collection. 1. Dream Snow by Eric Carle. What kid hasn't dreamed of a white Christmas? The illustrations are the best, as usual! 2. Dora the Explorer- To the North Pole by Read more...
Borrowing Library books
December 05, 2008
We frequent the library pretty regularly. If we aren't there every two weeks to turn in books and check out new ones, we are there in between, sometimes weekly. My son understands the concept that they aren't his for keeps and that he gets to pick new ones each time. He absolutely loves it. We have come across some helpful hints we have just come by that might make your library trips go more Read more...
How to develop a writing center
December 03, 2008
I have taken a few different tours of preschools lately. I am trying desperately to get my son into one for next school year, but they all seem to have waiting lists. He is on two right now, but I am always hovering at the playground or playgroup hoping to hear any new word on a preschool. As I go to each tour, I am usually so impressed. It makes me want to go straight home and implement a Read more...
Books that are tasty
November 26, 2008
If you are hungry for a good book, check out these favorites. I also included some yummy board books for the little ones- they will enjoy reading or just chewing on. 1. My Very First Book of Food by Eric Carle. This is for younger kids, lots of nice pictures like all of his books. 2. The Magic School Bus: Gets Eaten: A Book about Food Chains . This is for older children (ages 6-9) Read more...
Savvy picks for books
November 24, 2008
I have chosen 5 books to review from the main website Savvysource . Some are tried and true favorites, or some might be ones that you have been meaning to try but just didn't know if your child would like it. Now is the chance to get some books for your child- if you have been needing an excuse, it is the holiday season. You Were Loved Before You Were Born by Karen Barbour. This is Read more...
Laughable books for tots
November 18, 2008
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 have Read more...
It's Halloween tomorrow, or are you tired of Halloween yet? Recap, did you miss...
October 30, 2008
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...
Halloween Reading
October 09, 2008
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...
The Read-Aloud Handbook
October 02, 2008
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...
It takes two...
September 23, 2008
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...
Don't pass up the dollar aisle
September 01, 2008
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...
In anticipation of preschool, a few good books...
August 18, 2008
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 Read more...
A great book nook with room to run? It must be Landa Library.
July 11, 2008
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 Read more...
Finding fireworks on the Fourth of July
July 02, 2008
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 Read more...
The Top Five Things to Do in San Antonio on a Rainy Day
May 27, 2008
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 FUNdamental San 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 Read more...
History Lessons
May 22, 2008
The Alamo Taking 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 Read more...
Book nooks for tots: Best story times and reading rooms
May 16, 2008
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 Read more...
Magazines for Little Guys and Gals
March 09, 2008
As adults, we are excited to get magazines in the mail. I have a subscription to a couple different magazines. I have always been excited to get my kids "into" magazines, as well. I am in luck, because there are many different magazines for kiddos starting at age 3. After some research, asking around to my Mommy friends, and a few issue test drives we have decided on a magazine to subscribe to. If you are in the market for a good kids magazine (many different ones for kids of all ages 3 and up) check out the suggestions I have compiled.
Read more...More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in san antonio
Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle
Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune
Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues
Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors
Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun
A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories
Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites
Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet
The Most Fun in Life Is Free!
The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots
The Voice of Being Savvy san antonio:
Emily, Colleen Pence
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