Amanda Boyarshinov is one of the creators of the blog, The Educators’ Spin On It, a site that makes everyday moments into teachable opportunities. She has a Master of Reading Education for grades K-12 and a B.A. in Elementary Education. Additionally, she has her English Speakers of Other Languages (E.S.O.L.) endorsement and has received her National Board Certification in Early Childhood Education. In this post, we’ve been given permission to share her steps on building a family theme Love Book Basket, as well as how to create an “I Love You” book.
HOW TO BUILD A FAMILY THEME LOVE BOOK BASKET
1. Choose a Book
Select themed literature that is appropriate for your child’s age. Younger children may enjoy shorter stories. Older children may like more detailed picture books. Consider both non-fiction and fiction text. Lee and Low Publishing Company sent me the 3 books to read with my children for this article. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
How Far Do You Love Me?
How Far Do You Love Me? is a delightful tale of families all around the world and how much they love their children. Each page introduces a new place on the globe, with a sweet sentence about their love. Geared for 3-6 year olds Click here for the Teachers Guide
Grandfather Counts
Grandfather Counts (Reading Rainbow Books) is a picture book about making connections with your family, no matter what the language may be. Author Andrea Cheng draws upon her own family and friends experiences to weave this tale of love and family. Geared for 6-8 year olds It is a Reading Rainbow selection Click here for the Teachers Guide
Honoring Our Ancestors
Honoring Our Ancestors: Stories and Paintings by Fourteen Artists is a non-fiction picture book highlighting some AMAZING artists: Carl Angel, Enrique Chagoya, George Crespo, Mark Dukes, Maya Gonzalez, Caryl Henry, Nancy Hom, Hung Liu, Judith Lowery, Stephen Von Mason, Mira Reisberg, JoeSam, Patssi Valdez, and Helen Zughaib. Each short story and accompanying artwork gives the reader a snapshot into the importance of family to that artist. Geared for 8-10 year olds.
2. Gather the Supplies for the Selected Activity.
In this activity, children make an “I Love You,” book for a family member. This can be done with art materials around the house. Directions for each page below.
3. Arrange and Display.
Arrange the materials and books in a pleasing manor in a basket, bag or container. Then, leave it on a table or desk area as an invitation to explore. Snuggle in and read. Then make the activity!
You can find directions (and pictures) on how to make an “I Love You” book on The Educators’ Spin On It website.
Make your #LOVEdiverseBooks Basket today!
Stay TUNED!!!!
Next week, The Educators’ Spin On It will be highlighting author Andrea Cheng, author of Grandfather Counts. Here is a sneak peek…
Filed under: Activities and Events, Art and Book Design, Educator Resources, Guest Blogger Post, Lee & Low Likes, Musings & Ponderings Tagged: activity basket, Andrea Cheng, arts and crafts, Children's Book Press, educator activities, Educators, educators' spin on it, family activities, family basket, grandfather counts, honoring our ancestors, How Far Do You Love Me, i love you book, kid activities, Lulu Delacre 
