Old-fashioned Ways To Raise Smart Kids
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Walk through any toy store and you will see walls and walls of toys that are loud -- toys that require batteries, have flashing lights, or that look like your child's favorite movie character.

But, what about those of us who want to raise children with imagination and curiosity? I'll tell you what we do. We choose to fill our houses with some of the following old-fashioned items.

Books
No house can have enough books. Make sure your house has a representation of great Fiction Books and non-fiction books. A mix of the two is very important. Most homes have a deficit of non-fiction books, so fill your home with Science, History and Art books. Children need to learn to read and appreciate non-fiction books in order to do well in research when they reach higher levels of study.

Felt Boards
Children love to tell stories with felt. You'll need a felt board to start. You can make your own board from a sheet of felt or purchase a board from one of the suppliers below.

Once you have the board, let the fun begin.

Go to a craft or fabric store and buy sheets of felt in all colors. Then, cut out shapes in all colors and sizes. (You'll be amazed at how quickly a child will make an alien, ship, house, or person out of nothing but a few circles, rectangles, and triangles.)

Blocks and Legos
Children can play for hours building towers, bridges, cities, creatures, and more with these toys that inspire creativity, patience, and small-motor skills. When the masterpiece is finished, have your child pretend to be a giant and smash through the blocks -- or grab a few small cars and drive around
the new city! Be sure to name the city and have your child tell you all about it.

Art Supplies
Give your child some crayons, scissors, junk mail, and glue. He or she will be entertained for hours if given encouragement. Please SUPERVISE closely if you don't want your child to have a self-induced bad haircut or attach the dog to her artwork!

Puppets
Make puppets out of socks, paper bags, felt, cloth, or popsicle sticks. Make a stage and tell stories. Get out the video camera and capture your child's brilliance!

Musical Instruments
Whether your musical instruments are home-made with a comb and wax paper or store bought, making music is a wonderful way to spend the day. Teach your child that music can be made from anything, from an old oatmeal container, to scratching two pieces of sandpaper together. Go on a walk and just listen to the sounds of the world -- music is everywhere in our lives.

Dress-up Clothes
Get out old prom dresses, big hats, shirts and ties, old Halloween costumes (or buy extra pieces after Halloween for year-round fun!). Bring out a box of costumes and watch the shows with your children as the stars. Keep a camera handy to capture the fun. Also, keep an eye on the pets.(Cats don't always appreciate wearing a sombrero. Trust me, I have the scars to prove it!)

Doll-houses
There is nothing more fun than watching your child make up stories as the family members move around in a doll house. Plus, if it is a wooden dollhouse, there is the added benefit of decorating it with some wallpaper scraps and carpet remnants! Your dollhouse could be a family heirloom if you put enough love into it.

In the Kitchen
Kids love to play Kitchen, whether it is mixing air, or getting to play with food. Give your child a great time by giving them safe kitchen utensils to play with in the bathtub. Mixing, pouring, and scooping bubbles and water entertains my children long enough for them to look pruny. Or for a fun alternative,g ive them puffed rice cereal, bowls, and utensils on the kitchen floor. Just plan to vacuum afterwards as there'll be quite a wonderful mess!

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Nicole Dean co-created www.kidsactivitycalendar.com to help her child and others prepare for Kindergarten in a fun way. To get your free sample lesson, stop by Click here Kids Activity Calendar now


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Five Best Ever Children's Books for Toddlers
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Start your children off early with their love of reading. Read to them whenever you get a chance so they can learn about books and how special they are. Here are my picks for the five best ever children's books for toddlers.

1. Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell- When Emily Elizabeth gets her very own puppy, neither she nor her family have any idea of how he will change their lives. She names him Clifford. Clifford is a special dog as Emily Elizabeth soon finds out. Clifford grows up and up and up until he's too big for their apartment. That's when Emily and her family move to Birdwell Island so Clifford can have some room to play. Through Clifford's adventures, children learn the values of sharing, apologizing, making friends, and helping out.

2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle- All of Eric Carle's stories feature loveable creatures from nature in bold colors and shapes. As soon as you see a cover, you know that it is one of his books. The first one that I ever read was about the caterpillar. It seemed that caterpillar was never satisfied and always hungry. Why was he so hungry? Then one day, he disappeared inside something called a cocoon. What happened to caterpillar next will surprise and amaze your toddler!

3. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein- This book is one that your toddler will ask you to read over and over again. The Giving Tree is a touching book about life and love as told through a young child's relationship with a tree. Sometimes, though we forget what our parents and friends have done for us. It hurts them when we turn out backs on them, but they always welcome us back with open arms. Parents will like this story!

4. Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne- Who hasn't heard of Winnie the Pooh? Pooh belongs to Christopher Robin, a young boy who joins him on many adventures. Winnie the Pooh lives in the Hundred Acre Wood in a tree house surrounded by his friendly neighbors. Your toddler will meet Tigger, the orange and black tiger that bounces around on his tail. They'll also meet Kanga and Roo, the mother and son duo who live near Pooh. There is Rabbit who tries to keep order in the community and seems to be the only responsible party besides Kanga. Pooh's favorite fearful friend is Piglet, who runs to Pooh when he's in trouble. I don't exactly know what Eeyore is, but the pinned up tail suggests that he is a blue donkey of sorts. He may seem sad, but he comes through for his friends when they need him most. Owl is the wisest of the group, always giving advice to the others on practical matters.

5. Corduroy by Don Freeman- Children love animals especially cute, cuddly teddy bears. Corduroy is a stuffed bear that sits on a shelf in the department store day in and day out waiting for someone to buy him. When a young girl's mother points out that he has lost a button, Corduroy goes in search of it. As he explores his surroundings, he notices all of the wonderful things that are kept in the store. Does Corduroy ever find his button? Read the book and find out. Corduroy will become one of your toddler's favorite stories.

When they are not old enough to read, you must do the honors. Any of these books will offer adventurous and heartwarming stories your child will love.

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Five Best Ever Nighttime Books for Young children
By: Kids Activity Calendar

No evening is complete without a bedtime story. I would always fall asleep to the sound of my mother's voice reading one of my favorite books. As I drifted off into dreamland, I imagined that I was a character in the book having the same adventures. Try these best ever nighttime classics the next time your child asks for a story.

1. Where the Wild Things Are? By Maurice Sendak- If your child likes monsters this book is full of them. They may look scary but they are of the gentle variety. The story is about a boy named Max and his adventures on an island of monsters. Max becomes king of the island and wants to tell everyone what to do. What will the monsters do? This will become a nightly favorite as will other titles by Maurice Sendak.

2. Arthur by Marc T. Brown- Arthur has become a favorite story book for kids. He has even become a television series on public television networks. Arthur is a young boy who is learning about himself with the help of friends like Buster Bunny and his parents and a sister named D.W. Through interesting stories, Marc Brown uses Arthur to teach children about sharing, telling the truth, selfishness, helping others, finding self-worth, and treating others the same way you want them to treat you. Your children won't be able to wait until bedtime to see how Arthur gets himself out of his latest situation. Grown-ups figure prominently in the Arthur series which demonstrates to kids how parents, teachers, and neighbors work together to raise the next generation in their community.

3. Stellaluna by Janell Cannon- Stellaluna is the story of a baby fruit bat that tumbles into the nest of a group of baby birds. The story shows that friends come in all shapes and colors. The baby birds befriend the helpless bat and try to find the way back home. This will become a favorite for your child at any age. It is a heartwarming bedtime story they will ask you to read over and over again.

4. Tikki Tikki Tembo retold by Arlene Mosel- Children love tongue twisters. This bedtime story is a classic. A young boy called Tikki Tikki Tembo for short has a mishap and falls into a well. He calls for help and the story twists and turns as each person that is told must recite his entire name in order to tell what has happened to him and to get help. His full name is Tikki Tikki Tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. That's a mouthful! But, what everyone wants to know is: Does he get rescued from the well? Read the fascinating book and see for yourself.

5. Go Away Big Green Monster by Edward R. Emberley- This book at first sounds scary, but it is a designed to help those children who are afraid of what might be lurking in their rooms in the dark of the night. This book uses bright colors to reveal with each page, the features of a scary nighttime monster. Once the monster is revealed, slowly page by page he starts to disappear because he has been told to go. The features of the monster disappear one by one until the monster itself is gone. If our child is afraid of monsters in the dark, this book will teach them how to banish the imaginary monsters from their room and get a good night's sleep.

Nighttime is a special time. It's easier to go to bed with an interesting story that will replay in your dreams as you sleep. Choose a book from the list above and make it a favorite for your child.

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Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? Boardbook
Price: 7.95

Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages that are combined with Bill Martin's singsong text to create unforgettable images of endearing animals. Author: Bill Martin Jr Illustrator: Eric CarlePublisher: Holtzbrinck Publishers

In The Tall Tall Grass Paperback
Price: 7.95

This book is a backyard tour that no child will want to miss! Author: Denise Fleming Illustrator: Denise Fleming Publisher: Holtzbrinck Publishers

The Going to Bed Book Board Book
Price: 5.99

This whimsical and hilarious book, featuring nontraditional texts and some of the author's famous animal characters, has been printed on thick board pages, and is sure to educate and entertain children of all ages. Author: Sandra Boynton Illustrator: Sandra BoyntonPublisher: Simon & Schuster

But Not the Hippopotamus Board Book
Price: 5.99

This silly, rhyming board book is sure to be a hit with your little one! Author: Sandra Boynton Illustrator: Sandra BoyntonPublisher: Simon & Schuster

Blue Hat, Green Hat Board Book
Price: 5.99

This silly book is sure to be a hit with kids of any age! Author: Sandra Boynton Illustrator: Sandra BoyntonPublisher: Simon & Schuster

Little White Duck Hardcover
Price: 15.99

This silly sing-along story brings the beloved children's song to life with bright and bold illustrations! Lyrics By: Walt Whippo Music By: Bernard ZaritzkyIllustrations By: Joan PaleyPublisher: Little, Brown and Company

Dear Zoo Board Book
Price: 6.99

This lift-the-flap book will be a hit with your little ones! Author: Rod Campbell Illustrator: Rod Campbell Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Wheels on the Bus Board Book
Price: 6.99

This board book brings one of the most loved children's songs to life with colorful pictures! Author: RaffiIllustrator: Sylvie WickstromPublisher: Random House

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed Paperback
Price: 5.95

Children will love the pure silliness of this book! Author: Eileen Christelow Illustrator: Eileen Christelow Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Can't You Sleep, Little Bear? Paperback
Price: 6.99

This tender account of a sleepless night in the bear cave shows how Big Bear sets out with all his patience and understanding to show Little Bear that the dark is nothing to be afraid of. When all the lanterns in the cave aren't enough to quell Little Bear's troubled emotions, Big Bear offers--in a final loving gesture--nothing less than the bright yellow moon and the twinkling stars! More comforting than even the best of lullabies, this bedtime story is destined to become a classic. Author: Martin WaddellIllustrator: Barbara FirthPublisher: Candlewick Press

Rediscover Coloring Books
By: Kids Activity Calendar

With the world of computers, children are learning to do everything on them. What ever happened to coloring books? They seem to have faded into the woodwork as technology has taken the forefront. Teach your children a love for good old-fashioned coloring again. Buy them a coloring book.

The basic concept of coloring books has not changed in the last twenty years or so. They are books filled with outlined pictures that children use crayons to decorate. In fact, the whole point of crayons was for coloring books. Crayons were less messy than paints and they made different types of lines depending on how you held them. If you used the point, the line was thin and bold. If you used the side of the crayon, the line was wide and lighter. The main rule that teachers wanted children to learn was how to stay inside the lines. As long as you stayed within the confines of the pre-printed picture, you could do anything.

Coloring books suspended the concept of reality. You may have a picture of a house and a sun on the page, but who said that the sun had to be yellow? With the invention of new colors beyond the basic eight or ten colors came a whole new world of color for kids. The sun could be an orange-red and the sky could be periwinkle or midnight blue instead of the standard light blue or blue. The grass could be forest green or lime green instead of light or dark green. Pictures of ordinary animals and objects became extraordinary with a little bold coloring. Crayons were the paint and the coloring book was the canvas for creating new works of art.

Coloring books are teaching tools. Since kids weren't allowed to write in their textbooks at school, companies created coloring books that also taught the letters of the alphabet and shapes. As the child looks at the letter "T" and makes the sound, they can also trace the letter with a crayon. On a coloring book page, you could draw anything else you wanted. It was yours and only yours to do with as you wished. Coloring books tell bible stories and nursery rhymes. They also have coloring books for holidays where you can color Easter eggs and Christmas trees and cut them out for decorations. Coloring books became functional.

Now, children have no-line coloring books. With these, the children have a page where they are supposed to draw the object themselves, like a butterfly, and then color it. They can be the picture creator and its painter. Story books have become coloring books. A child can learn to read a classic story and color the pictures when they are through. The possibilities are endless, but the fun of drawing is there, too. You don't even have to stay inside the lines if you don't want to.

Coloring books are larger now, too. I have seen coloring books as tall as a small child. They contain poster-sized pictures of people and places. When I was in Sunday school as a child, I won a wall sized nativity map that I could color and then hang on my wall to display. Coloring books have come a long way, but are they being replaced by video games and painting programs on the computer? As long as parents keep buying them, they will have an important place in the lives of children.

Bring back the love of coloring to your child. Buy them a coloring book today. Computers will still be there when they get older. For now, let them explore for themselves through the pages of a coloring book.

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Five Best Ever Children's Books for Young Girls
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Reading opens the world up to young readers. They can fly a plane or sail a ship around the world, all from the comfort of their own bedroom. Reading gives children the imagination they need to dream of a future in vivid color!

1. Freaky Friday by Mary Rodgers- Young girls always think of their mothers as wonderful and loving. But then, one day all of a sudden young girls think that their mothers don't understand or know anything. Mothers begin to think that they've stumbled into another universe where their daughters are totally alien beings who make no sense. What would happen if mothers and daughters could change places and see how the other half lives? That is exactly what happens in Freaky Friday. A mother and daughter get to experience each other's lives.

2. Charlotte's Web by E.B. White- Fern is a caring, compassionate young girl that wants to keep Wilbur, the runt of the new pig litter. Her uncle says that he won't survive, but Fern is determined to prove him wrong. She takes Wilbur under her wing and nurses him until he is as fine a pig as there ever was. But then she faces a new challenge-how to save Wilbur from the supper table. With the help of a creative spider named Charlotte who lives in the barn, Wilbur embarks on an adventure from unknown runt to famous pig. Through it all he learns who his real friends are and how, despite tragedy, life must go on.

3. 101 Dalmatians by Dodie Smith- Pongo and Missis Pongo are two pampered Dalmatians that meet and fall in love. Their owners, the Dearly's love them very much. The pair has a litter of fifteen puppies. All of them are adorable with their little black spots. Someone else becomes interested in the puppies-Cruella De Vil. She wants to use their coats to make Dalmatian fur coats. She hires a couple of bungling idiots to kidnap the puppies. Unfortunately for them, Pongo and Missis Pongo have friends in canine places that help them to locate the kidnapped puppies.

4. Are you there God, it's me, Margaret by Judy Blume- Judy Blume has always been a favorite for young girls and this book is no different. Meet Margaret Simon. She is a young girl who is coming of age and has questions about her body and who she is supposed to be. She is a typical young girl who is dealing with moving away from her grandmother, her school and her friends. Will she make new friends in New Jersey? Judy knows how to get at the heart of a young girl and address the tough issues that we all want answered. This book is a must for young girls the world over.

5. Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll- Mr. Carroll has a wonderful imagination and puts it to good use in this tale of a young girl who escapes into a magical world. Alice finds her way into wonderland. Once there, she meets the March Hare, the Cheshire cat, Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, and the Mad Hatter amongst others. She must also battle the Red Queen to save herself and her friends. How will she do it? You'll have to read the book. If you've ever read anything by Lewis Carroll, you'll notice many fabulous twists and turns in this book. Young girls will feel as if they are traveling along with Alice.

The world of adventure begins with a book. Young girls want to get lost in this world too. Give a young girl one of these terrific books and watch her mind soar!

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Charlotte's Web: Special Read-aloud Edition
Price: 12.22

Wilbur, the pig, is despondent when he discovers that he is destined to be the farmer's Christmas dinner, until his spider friend, Charlotte, decides to help him.

Five Best Ever Children's Books for Young Boys
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Reading is a wonderful way to spend the day. Readers become armchair travelers that are transported through space and time to different worlds and time periods in search of adventure and new friends. No one who has ever picked up a good book was happy when the story ended. It's like losing a friend. Here are five of the best ever children's books for young boys.

1. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl- This is the story of Charlie Bucket. He is a poor boy who lives in a broken down house with his parents and his two sets of grandparents. Most of the town lost their jobs when a mysterious man by the name of Willy Wonka closed his factory. Then, there comes the announcement that Willy Wonka will open his factory again to five lucky children who each find a golden ticket hidden inside a bar of Willy Wonka chocolate. Charlie doesn't think he has a chance of being one of the chosen children. But, when chance brings a golden ticket his way, what he discovers about himself and life within the walls of the Wonka factory, changes things forever.

2. Verdi by Jannell Cannon- Verdi is a small yellow snake with black racing stripes. He is a daredevil of the worst sort like all young males are. When talking to the older green snakes one day, he explains to them that he will never get old and green and lazy like them. Verdi is determined to stay young and reckless forever. He hasn't yet realized that getting older doesn't mean that he has to change who he is along with his color.

3. Goosebumps by R.L. Stine- Hold on to your covers and close your eyes. Goosebumps is the horror series that answers the question of what actually goes bump in the night. Tales of terror and the supernatural frighten young readers with vivid imagery and all too real situations. Boys will love to sit up at night with a flashlight under their covers or around a campfire and read these works of fiction. Who loves to be scared out of their wits more than boys?

4. The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary- Enter Ralph S. Mouse. He is one of several mice living in the Mountain View Hotel. Ralph is a restless mouse, though. He longs for adventure away from home, with only the wind on his face and his little red motorcycle under his feet. Ralph has many adventures away from home and boys of all ages will enjoy going along for the ride in this and other books in the Ralph S. Mouse series.

5. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- Never has a book series taken the country by storm like that of the adventures of a British lad named Harry Potter. Harry grows up neglected and unwanted by his aunt and uncle until one day he discovers the truth about his parent's death and that he is, in fact, a wizard. That is when the real adventure begins. At the age of eleven, Harry enters Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry located within a world of magic that Harry never knew existed. He meets Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger and the three become fast friends. Follow Harry and his friends through a variety of adventures that will test their skill as young wizards and witches and their friendship. Harry learns that life is full of many exciting and dangerous things. The only way to make it through is to fight for what you believe in and the ones you love. The last book in the Harry Potter series debuts in July, 2007.

The best trait you can pass on to your children is a love of reading. Within the world of the written word no door is closed to an enquiring mind. Young boys will enjoy hours of adventure with any of these books.

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Best Ever Children's Books for Babies
By Kids Activity Calendar

Just because babies can't read doesn't mean that books are no good to them. Babies need stimulation and to hear the sound of your voice. Reading picture books and soft touch books will introduce them to new ideas and familiarize them with their senses. Here are the best ever children's books for babies.

1. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt- This is my all time favorite book for babies. In Pat the Bunny, babies get to use their sense of touch to learn about the bunny rabbit in the book. They can feel various surfaces and you can even rub the pages against their face or arms so they can see how soft and tickly the book is. As your child grows, they will be intrigued by the pictures that they can touch. This should be the first book for all children.

2. Are You My Mother? By P.D. Eastman- No matter their species babies need the loving touch of a mother. They will search out their mother by her voice or facial recognition until they find the one they belong to. The baby bird in this book had to do just that. When he hatched, his mother was off gathering food. He had no idea that he was even a baby bird. He walked to the edge and fell out of his nest to the ground. In order to find out where he belonged he asked everything he saw if it was his mother. This book is offered by Amazon.com as a cloth book. Cloth books are perfect for a baby. They can spit up on them and all you need to do is throw it in the washer and dryer and it is ready to read again.

3. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss- I adore all of Dr. Seuss' books with his nonsense rhymes. Your baby will meet Sam I Am. Sam is trying to get a fellow traveler to try green eggs and ham. The more the fellow protests, the more Sam I Am insists that he must try his product. Just when the traveler thinks he's lost him, Sam pops up again. He follows the guy everywhere, not taking no for an answer. Your baby will see Sam and the traveler on a train, in the dark, in a house, and with a mouse. As your child grows, the tongue twisters will bring hours of laughter and fun. By the end of the journey, does Sam I Am convince the traveler to try the green eggs and ham? You'll have to read the book with your child to find out.

4. Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb! By Al Perkins- In this fun rhyming book, as the monkeys demonstrate each hand, finger, and thumb show your baby his/her hands, fingers, and thumbs. It's never too early to start familiarizing them with who they are. The monkeys also discover what they can do with their hands. They can wear sparkly rings on their fingers. They can clap and make music on the drums with their hands. Show your baby how to clap their hands together and pat with them.

5. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. - This book is full of bright colors and letters. The book introduces each letter of the alphabet as it makes its way on stage and up into the coconut tree. Say the letters of the alphabet slowly and point to them on the page. Your child is not old enough now to say them, but in time they will be and they will recognize the letters that you have been showing to them.

Babies need to start early with reading. If you read to them when they are young, they will want you to continue reading to them as they get older. Any of the above favorites will get the ball rollin!.

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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Paperback
Price: 7.99

This silly rhyme book will throw kids into fits of laughter as they start to learn their ABCs. Author: Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault Illustrator: Lois Ehlert Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Five Best Ever Classic Books for Young Children
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Throughout my childhood I read many books. Some of them I liked more than others, but there are always a few that stick in your mind. My children have even read some of the books that were good to me when I was there age. These five best ever classics have stood the test of time for me and many others.

1. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco- This story is about love and friendship. The child in this tale has a stuffed rabbit that they love dearly. When a toy is well loved it wears out from all of the hugs and kisses that it receives. Some people may throw out such a tatty old thing like the velveteen rabbit, but this rabbit is special. His velvet covering starts to wear really thin from being squeezed and played with by this child. But, do you know what happens next? The rabbit come to life! I always wanted my favorite stuffed animals to be real. In this story, your child will get a chance to see what that's like.

2. Babar the Elephant by Jean de Brunhoff- Babar is a young elephant that lives in the jungle with his family. Babar is no ordinary elephant, though. He is the son of a king. Babar will take over the kingdom one day. This delightful young elephant journey's from childhood to adulthood to become king. Once he is king, he marries and raises his own family with children who are much like he was as a child.

3. Curious George by H.A. Rey- If you thought Babar had fun wait until you meet George. He is a young monkey that makes his way back from the jungle to the cities of America. George is cared for by the Man with the Yellow Hat. That is who George refers to him as. The man has no proper name that I can recall. The Man with the Yellow Hat teaches George all about living in the city. Being an inquisitive young primate, George gets himself into lots of trouble and the Man with the Yellow Hat has to come to his rescue. Your children will laugh for hours as you tell them about all of George's mishaps and misadventures.

4. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss- The list wouldn't be complete without one title from the best loved children's author, Dr. Seuss. The Cat in the Hat meets two young children who are bored out of their minds. They can't go out to play and there's nothing to do in the house. That's what they thought until The Cat in the Hat shows up. He brings along two of his entourage, Thing One and Thing Two. The children are having fun at first but then things get out of hand. Let your children go for the ride of their lives with the mischievous cat with the red and white striped hat.

5. The Bike Lesson by Stan and Jan Berenstain- The Berenstain's have written countless children's books featuring Momma and Papa Bear and Brother and Sister Bear. The Bike Lesson is my favorite because it is often funny when parents try to teach certain things to their children. In this story, Brother Bear wants to learn how to ride his bike. Papa Bear, being the proud bear that he is, offers to teach his son the fine art of bike riding. The lesson starts out okay, but quickly Papa gets into trouble. Does this fact slow him down? No it doesn't. He continues to try and teach Brother to ride. The book is hilarious. And, Brother ends up carrying Papa to safety on the handlebars of his bike.

I hope that these books are on your list of favorites as well. Reading is a hobby that will bring lifelong joy and fulfillment. Every new book is like a meeting a new friend.

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Five Best Ever Christmas Books for Young Children
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Christmas is a special time of year. Time spent with family and friends during the warmth of the season provides us with cherished memories of our childhood. Favorite stories told or read during the holidays also bring back treasured memories of when we were young. These are the five best ever Christmas books for your child.

1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss- I don't know a child alive who doesn't long to hear this one every Christmas. I still love to hear it. The Grinch is an unhappy creature that lives high atop a mountain that overlooks the town of Whoville. To say that the Grinch is mean is an understatement. But, as mean and unpleasant as he is the people down in Whoville are doubly cheerful and full of the Christmas spirit. The Grinch devises a way to ruin the Who's Christmas-steal all of their presents. He outfits his dog, Max like a reindeer and he dresses up like Santa Claus. When robbing the people of Whoville doesn't take away their Christmas cheer, the Grinch must decide what to do next.

2. The Night before Christmas by Clement C. Moore- This poem/story is one of my favorites. Everyone, ever the adults, are in bed fast asleep awaiting the arrival of the most famous of all night visitors, Santa Claus. The story describes how one man was awakened by a noise and got the chance to see Santa Claus with his own two eyes. Hearing the story will make visions of sugarplums dance in your child's head, too.

3. The Polar Express- If a train roared through your street in the middle of the night, would you go out to meet it? That was the dilemma one boy faces when a noise outside woke him from his sleep on Christmas Eve. He threw open his front door to view a train sitting in front of his home with a conductor beckoning him to come aboard. It is not your traditional Christmas story which is what makes it such fun. You can't even imagine what will happen next. The conductor tells the lad that this is his last chance to decide if he believes in Santa Claus or not. To find out what happens at the North Pole, pick up this book.

4. Santa Mouse by Michael Brown- In a big empty house on Christmas Eve there once lived a little mouse. He was the only mouse in the house. He was the only living thing in the house for that matter. To occupy himself, he played with his imaginary friends. He pretended that they would dance and sing. But, when he tried to touch them, they would disappear. The mouse was lonely. He even wondered if Santa Claus knew that he lived there. Would this be the year that Santa Claus showed up? Santa Mouse is about the hope of a little mouse who just wanted friends.

5. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens- This story has been adapted using cartoon characters instead of people. But, the premise is still the same. On Christmas Eve we meet Ebenezer Scrooge. He has just buried his business partner Jacob Marley. Seven years pass and Scrooge is still the meanest and stingiest man in town. In an attempt to save his immortal soul, the ghost of Jacob Marley warns Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits-Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future. The only chance he has of escaping the fate of his partner is to heed the advice given by the spirits. The story demonstrates that no one is beyond redemption, even someone as hopeless as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Christmas stories help to prepare us for the holiday season. Their meanings are timely and the advice they share can be applied all year long. Make Christmas come alive for your child-read a book!

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6 Ways to Make Reading To Your Child A Habit
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Words can open up a world of knowledge and adventure for your children, and reading to them is so important in their development.

Here are 6 ways to make reading to your child a habit.

1-Set up a book shelf in your child's room and place all of his or her books there.
2- Read your child's favorite book over and over.
3-Go to the library and let your child pick out books.
4-Read together with your child.
5-Read to your child at bedtime every night.
6-Choose a book with a particular character whose stories are serialized (for instance Amelia Bedelia, Harry Potter, or Magic Treehouse).

For some, perhaps the only time you read to your child is when Santa or the Easter Bunny makes their appearance every year. Reading to your child should be a daily and ongoing event. Perhaps you do read to your child frequently, and become caught up in one particular book that your child absolutely loves. Whether that is the case or not, this is the beginning of their interest in books and stories. Have you noticed the huge variety of children's books available today? This is due to the fact that reading has become the focal point in our society, especially since many public school children are lacking in reading skills.

Have your child participate in the act of picking out books by taking them to your local library. Sign them up with their own library card. The myriad of books are overwhelming, and there are certainly enough from which your child can choose his particular genre. All the colorful books and titles are incentive enough for your child to take home a stack of books for you to read at bedtime. Has your child become fascinated with a particular magazine, either at a store or a medical office? If so, subscribe to the magazine in your child's name. Think of how excited they will be when their magazine arrives!

Do you have bookshelves at home filled with books? This is no longer the case today. Children can have their own private mini library at home. Between garage sales, discount racks, and bargain books, you can find books to fit any budget. Undoubtedly, this will give them a sense of ownership as well. While you are having family dinner, why not discuss the stories you have read to your child. This will keep the interest alive and your child will be full of anticipation; wanting to know more about the characters they have come to love.

These 6 ways to make reading to your child a habit are just the beginning of a long journey leading to enlightenment. The bond you form with your child by reading to them is immeasurable. The stories can take you and your child on new and exciting adventures every time you open a new book. Take the time to read to your child. It is that important!

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Nicole Dean co-created Kids Activity Ccalendar to help her child and others prepare for Kindergarten in a fun way. To get your free sample lesson, stop by Click here Kids Activity Calendar now


The Real Mother Goose
Price: 6.99

Find 15 of the best-loved verses and pictures from the original Mother Goose in this beautiful board book. Your young child will be delighted to hear these familiar rhymes for the first time and many times thereafter. A great edition for your home library. Manufacturer: Scholastic

I Spy Treasure Hunt: A Book of Picture Riddles
Price: 13.95

Welcome to I Spy Harbor, where, with the help of a pirate's treasure map, you can find your way from one spectacular location to the next, including an idyllic waterfall, stormy Lighthouse Point, and creepy Skull Rock . . . all on the way to discovering a treasure trove of gold and jewels! Ages: 4-8 Manufacturer: Scholastic.

I Spy Super Challenger
Price: 13.95

Are you up to a real I Spy challenge? The special collection of challenging new riddles accompanies favorite photographs from the first seven books in the I Spy series Ages: 5-8 Manufacturer: Scholastic

I Spy: A Book of Picture Riddles
Price: 13.95

The classic debut title in the national best-selling series! Each rhyming riddle in this bright collection of photographic challenges invites children to find objects hidden throughout thematic pages.Ages: 4-8 Manufacturer: Scholastic

I Spy Little Book
Price: 6.99

The original board book that allows even the youngest children to join in the I Spy fun! Featuring specially-selected and adapted photographs from previously published I Spy books, and new, age-appropriate rhymes, Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick create a unique learning game for toddlers and preschoolers based upon their best-selling I Spy books. Age: 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, 1,2 Manufacturer: Scholastic

I Spy Little Letters
Price: 6.99

Teach your preschooler the letters of the alphabet with this engaging collection of I SPY puzzles. Jean Marzollo's delightful text has been tested and reviewed to ensure that the words and objects in the book are age-appropriate and educationally sound. Beautiful, hand-painted letters cleverly illustrate the alphabet. Ages: 2-5 Manufacturer: Scholastic.

Is My Child Ready for Kindergarten?
By: Kids Activity Calendar

Before you know it, that beautiful young baby boy or girl of yours will be old enough to start school. Kindergarten is the first step but you begin to wonder if they are ready or not. If you are trying to decide if this is the year for your child to start school, read on to find out what you should consider when making the decision.

Did your child attend preschool? - Children that attend preschool are better prepared to enter kindergarten when the time comes than those children who spent the year at home. Classroom settings in kindergarten are not what they were thirty years ago. When I was in school, kindergarteners played a lot and they learned colors and shapes but the environment was relaxed. Today, with the pressure to succeed and achieve certain academic goals at an earlier age, the kindergarten classroom is more structured. Attending a preschool program introduces your child to a traditional classroom setting. They sit at their own desk and learn to raise their hands when they need the teacher's attention. Children learn to recognize colors, shapes, animals, and more. Having other children around gives them a chance to practice their interpersonal skills with one another.

How old is your child? - Children typically start kindergarten when they are five years of age. Depending on the state, the cut-off date for age can range from September of the current school year to January which is half way through the current school year. If your child turns five after the cut-off date they would normally roll over into the next school year to enroll in kindergarten. Now, some schools are leaving it up to the parent's to decide if their child is ready at the age of four. Four year old children must meet certain criteria to qualify for that school year. The child must be potty trained. Most kids are going to the bathroom by age four, but there are exceptions to that rule. The children must be able to follow basic commands like, "sit down in the chair" or "pick up the toy on the floor".

What if you wait an extra year? - There is no benefit or drawback to waiting another year unless your child is prepared and you hold them back for whatever reason. If a child has not attended preschool and you want them to have the background, then that is okay. The child will be actively learning for that extra year and the skills they learn will help them in kindergarten. If the child will be the youngest in the class and you want them to be older, that is an ambiguous reason for waiting an extra year. If your child is mature enough to be in a classroom setting no matter how young they are, you should send them to school. If your child will be staying at home with you and relaxing for the extra year then they are better off in school where they will be gaining instruction in basic skills.

Just because your child is four or has not attended preschool does not mean that they can't handle kindergarten. They will get a better start if they are five and preschool trained, but if the teacher is good, your child can catch up with the other students. Don't make them feel bad by holding them back if they can do the work. Talk to a kindergarten teacher in your school district. Ask them what they like to see in a student who is attending kindergarten for the first time. Make a list of the skills they mention and test your child to see if they can at least demonstrate half of the list. Then, make your decision with the information you have gathered.

Kindergarten is the first step on your child's road to getting an education. Start them off right. If they are ready let them enroll in school.

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Are you ready to challenge your preschooler's mind even more? Take a look at www.kidsactivitycalendar.com for Alphabet Fun for your preschooler. The alphabet audios, coloring sheets and other activities are a great way to prepare your little one for kindergarten. To get your free sample lesson, stop by

Click here for a free lesson on the Letter "A". Printables and more!

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I Spy School Days: A Book of Picture Riddles
Price: 13.95
School is open for I Spy fans!

Brain Quest - Preschool by University Games
Price: 10.95

This new, updated edition includes a parents' guide to help your child get the most from the cards. Preschoolers will love questions you ask them involving animal riddles, alphabet puzzles, number quizzes, rhyming words and what's wrong with this picture? pictures. Plus an adorable Panda named Amanda pops up in lots of questions to make learning even more adventurous. There's 300 questions in all!Age: 4,5 Manufacturer: University Games

Brain Quest - Kindergarten by University Games
Price: 10.95

This new, updated edition includes a parents' guide to help you help your child! Kindergartners will love questions you ask them involving alphabet puzzles, opposites, first letter sounds, number quizzes, mix-and-match games and lots of what's wrong with this? pictures. Plus a Lion named Ryan pops up in lots of questions to make learning more ferociously fun! There's 300 questions in all!Age: 5,6 Manufacturer: University Games

Brain Quest - 1st Grade by University Games
Price: 10.95

What coin is the same as 25 cents? In The Lion King, what does Simba call his wicked uncle? What is our nation's capital? Kids will love these simple-to-read questions about everything under the sun! They can play with a partner, in teams or enjoy a game alone. They can keep score or not - the choice is theirs. Either way, they're sure to learn that It's O.K. to Be Smart!Age: 6,7 Manufacturer: University Games

Brain Quest - 2nd Grade by University Games
Price: 10.95

What kind of food is a cantaloupe? Which has more people, an urban area or a rural area? Fish can learn to talk - is this certain, possible or impossible? Kids will love these simple-to-read questions about everything in the universe! They can play with a partner, in teams or enjoy a game alone. They can keep score or not - the choice is theirs. Either way, they're sure to learn that It's O.K. to Be Smart!Age: 7,8 Manufacturer: University Games

Brain Quest - 3rd Grade by University Games
Price: 10.95

How many cups in 1-1/2 pints? Which has 8 arms, an octopus or a squid? Find an insect in the word mother. Kids will love these simple-to-read questions about everything in the universe! They can play with a partner, in teams or enjoy a game alone. They can keep score or not - the choice is theirs. Either way, they're sure to learn that It's O.K. to Be Smart!Age: 8,9 Manufacturer: University Games

Brain Quest - For the Car by University Games
Price: 10.95

How much do your kids know about America? This best-selling Q&A card set has questions about all 50 states, and covers People, Geography & Nature, History, Culture & Customs, and other odds & ends. Kids can play together, or play alone. This fact-packed Brain Quest For The Car Game makes riding in the backseat fun! Includes scorekeeping pad & pencil. Ages: 7,8,9,10,11,12 Manufacturer: University Games.

Educational TV Programs for Kidsy:
Kids Activity Calendar

Have you watched television with your kids lately? Most of the cartoons are entertaining, but they really don't teach your child any practical knowledge. To ensure that your young boy or girl are getting the most out of their television watching, here are a few educational programs you should check out.

1. Sesame Street- Sesame Street has been around since I was a child. I loved to watch Big Bird and all of his friends sing, dance, and laugh. Sesame Street featured The Count who teaches all about numbers. Big Bird and his other friends like Oscar the Grouch who lives in trash can and Bert and Ernie teach about colors and shapes and words. They performed funny skits while you learned so it didn't seem like work. Learning was actually fun. Sesame Street airs on public television in most states. You will be surprised what your children will tell you when you ask them what they learned from the show.

2. Discovery Kids- This is a fairly new show. Discovery Kids teaches children about animals and their behaviors and about science and various aspects of nature. The children learn about the world around them and how the world affects them. Discovery Kids stems from The Discovery Channel on the cable television network and the shows offer valuable information not only for kids but parents as well. The show will only be interesting to older kids that can understand the concepts they teach.

3. VeggieTales- VeggieTales is a Christian based show featuring Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber as your fun-loving hosts who each week answer a letter from a child who has a question about life. Concepts such as forgiveness, fear, courage, love, selfishness, gossip, and lying are featured in the show. They are taught to children through the retelling of popular bible stories featuring vegetable characters like Laura Carrot, Junior Asparagus, the French peas, and a host of others. The show has even produced a movie called "Jonah" and many videos and DVD's. The characters are lovable and shown in full color to catch your child's eye. Children of all ages will sing along as they learn how to be better citizens of the earth.

4. Blue's Clues- Blue is a dog who has a human friend named Steve. Blue and Steve and their friends look for items around the house each week. The kids that are watching can help Blue and Steve to find the missing things that she has in her notepad. The show teaches recognition and association. Steve does most of the talking, but he does his best to get the kids at home involved.

5. Arthur- The television show is based on the series by Marc T. Brown. Arthur is a young boy who must learn to get along with his family and his friends. He has a tough time with his sister and making the right decisions when it comes to his friends. Arthur mirrors most young boys and girls about eight to ten years of age. They want to be independent but they also want to stay their parent's favorite child. This show is entertaining and also teaches kids about interpersonal skills. The same way Arthur makes mistakes and must learn from them, so should they. The environment is non-threatening and they learn more from the show than a lecture from Mom and Dad. After the show, ask them what they thought. This could spark a family discussion about important issues.

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The Story Of Doctor Dolittle: Being The History Of His Life At Home And Astonishing Adventures In Froeign Parts
Price: 5.39 - Doctor John Dolittle loves animals. He loves them so much that his home and office overflow with animals of every description. When Polynesia the parrot teaches him the language of the animals, Doctor Dolittle becomes a world-famous doctor, traveling even as far away as Africa to help his friends. This edition of the beloved children's classic contains black-and-white illustrations by Michael Hague and has been edited by award-winning authors Patricia and Fredrick McKissack for modern audiences.


Anne Of Green Gables
Price: 3.81- Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm and proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her. Original.


The Wizard of Oz
Price: 2.74 - After a cyclone transports her to the land of Oz, Dorothy must seek out the great wizard in order to return to Kansas.