Ways to Recreate a Story: Kid's Co-op

A great way to encourage kids to love reading and to improve their comprehension is to have them retell the story in a fun and imaginative way.  I was thrilled to see such great ideas for recreating a story at last week's Kid's Co-op:

Mix and Match Clothespin Mermaids

I have a two year old who loves mermaids.  We've been enjoying the book Mermaid Dreams about a little mermaid who is getting ready for bed.  When I saw Red Ted Art's mermaid dolls, I was inspired to make my own.  I had the pinchy kind of clothespins, but it worked out great because my daughter can switch the tails.

Counting Octopus {Clothespin Craft}

My four year old is interested in learning about all sorts of things, so I love nonfiction books that are short and simple enough to read with him.  Octopus Under The Sea is one of those books.  With only a sentence or two on each page, it keeps his attention but provides enough facts to keep him interested.

Kid's Co-op: Under the Sea Activities

Some cute projects from last week's Kid's Co-op were inspired by the ocean:

Old Bear Book Giveaway

The giveaway winner was comment #16: Jackie H.!

We had so much fun doing our Old Bear seasons craft and now I get the privilege of giving the book to one of my awesome readers.  I don't thank you nearly enough but I so much appreciate you taking the time to leave comments and/or read my posts.

Thank you also to Harper Collins for furnishing the book for this giveaway.  If you missed yesterday's post, one of our favorite books by Kevin Henkes is Old Bear.  It's already snowing when Old Bear settles in his cave, ready to hibernate for the winter. He has a dream that it's spring and he's a cub again. His dream continues through summer, autumn, and winter. When he wakes, it really is spring.

To enter to win your own copy of Old Bear:
All you have to do to enter is leave a comment telling me your favorite season.  Please include an email address so I can contact you if you're the winner.

I'll choose a winner by random number on August 28 at 8:00 AM CDT.  If I don't hear from the winner within 48 hours, I'll choose a new winner.  Sorry, this giveaway is open to US addresses only.  For complete giveaway rules, please see my About page.  Thanks so much for entering!  Good luck!

And be sure to check out these other Kevin Henkes book giveaways going on this week:
No Twiddle Twaddle is also giving away Old Bear!
Toddler Approved has a chance to win Chester's Way.
Win SHHHH at The Pleasantest Thing.
Visit Ready. Set. Read! for a chance to win Chrysanthemum.
Crafty Moms Share is giving away My Garden.
Inspiration Laboratories has a chance to win Circle Dogs.
Juggling with Kids has a copy of Sheila Rae, The Brave to give away.
Mommy and Me Book Club is giving away a copy of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse.
Visit Crayon Freckles for a chance to win Jessica.
Adventures in Reading with Kids has a copy of A Good Day.
The Educators' Spin On It is giving away Wemberly Worried.
Win a copy of Owen at Royal Baloo.

*The book is being provided by Harper Collins.  I received no compensation for this post.

Old Bear 4 Seasons Craft: August Virtual Book Club

Old Bear by Kevin Henkes is the perfect book to talk about the four seasons with kids. For our Virtual Book Club project, we made a simple seasons craft to use with the book. Be sure to check out the other ideas for Kevin Henkes books below.

Gifts Kids Can Make: Kid's Co-op

Last week's Kid's Co-op had lots of great ideas for gifts that kids can make.  These would be perfect for Grandparents' Day or back to school teacher gifts:

10 Simple Ways to Make the Farmer's Market More Fun for Kids

Welcome to the August 2012 Carnival of Natural Parenting: Farmer's Markets
This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have written about something new they've learned about their local farmers.
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It's not like the farmer's market isn't fun and educational already.  But why not sneak in more fun and more learning whenever you can?

20 Fun Ways to Use Alphabet Flash Cards {for any age}

Of course, flash cards can be boring. But if you get a little creative, they are cheap, portable, educational, and fun.

Ideas for Teaching Letters and Words Through Play: Kid's Co-op

I love all the ideas for teaching letters and words through play from last week's Kid's Co-op:

Animals That Hatch From Eggs Project

My four year old came up with a great idea.  We were reading a Dinosaur Train book about how Buddy hatched from an egg when he said, "We should do a project about eggs hatching!"

Easy Edible Gold Medals & Blog Hop

Kid's Co-op: Playing With Old Toys in New Ways

My kids love getting new toys, but there's only so much room in the house and budget.  It's great when we can find a new way to play with toys we already have.  Here are four great ideas from last week's Kid's Co-op:

Virtual Book Club Author for August

Some of my favorite kid bloggers have teamed up to host the Summer Virtual Book Club this summer.  Each month we choose a different author, read at least one of his or her books, and do an activity relating to the book.  Then we celebrate with a big link party.  We hope you'll join us!!  If you missed the Mo Willems link up in June or the Don and Audrey Wood link up in July, be sure to check out all the amazing ideas that were shared!