"The Graham Cracker Kid and the Calico Girl" Picture Book

I am very honored to interview Tommy Overstreet, legendary singer/songwriter who co-wrote The Graham Cracker Kid and the Calico Girl with Dale G. Vest. It is a beautifully written poem with 46 pages illustrated from oil paintings by Jesse Anderson. This book is a touching and timeless story about two charming children in the Old West, filled with humor, suspense and a host of delightful characters that add joy and delight to every page. {Below is a link to adorable Free Printables to go with the book.}

Tips for a Successful Parent Teacher Conference

Both teachers and parents may be nervous before conferences. If the focus remains on what is best for the child, then all should end well. Like all conversations, parent-teacher conferences are best when both sides talk and listen. Here are some tips for a successful conference.

 
BE PREPARED AND STAY POSITIVE
Focus on Strengths before Discussing Concerns

• Don't Criticize
• Don't Compare
• Don't Complain

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Prevention Tips & Kid Bloggers GO PINK BLOG HOP

Tonya Valentine on Pink Ribbons

Breast Cancer is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. Join some Kid Bloggers in our GO PINK BLOG HOP to increase prevention and awareness. This post is in loving memory of my mother-in-law, Joan Case, who lost her fight with breast cancer. And also to my sister, Diane Atkinson, who is a breast cancer survivor of seven years! The following Prevention Tips are taken from Breast Cancer Awareness.com.

Halloween Book Reading, Craft and Feelings Google+ Video

Autographed copies from Nancy Robinson Masters

Halloween can be an exciting time for children—or it may be a bit scary. Picture books provide an excellent opportunity to help children express their emotions. Encourage children to identify their feelings through the use of books, crafts, art, and by expressing your own emotions. This will enable children to better cope with various situations, or when things don’t go as expected, or when they need comfort. 

Help children know that all emotions are okay, but it is how we handle our emotions that can be good or bad. You always want children to know that you love them; it is the behavior that may not be appropriate. Reward good behavior and help children know how they can discuss any feeling with you.

How to Make Slime with Recipes and Video

Do you want to make Slime, Flubber, or GAK for a great sensory experience? It is very easy and requires only a few ingredients. It is not that messy. You can do it! Here is our video demonstration on "How to Make Slime." Rachelle Doorley of Tinkerlab and I want to thank Steve Spangler Science and have added links to his amazing blog and a video on Ghost Bubbles for your enjoyment.

Parents Make Halloween Happen on Google Hangouts

October 8th - 12th, 2012

Monday

• Join +Angelique Felix and guest +Cerys Parker at 2:15 PM CST for a Witches story and cupcakes

Tuesday 

• Join +Angelique Felix and guest +Cerys Parker at 2:15 PM CST for a Monster song and craft
• Join +Susan Case and +Rachelle Doorley at 5:30 PM CST for HOW TO MAKE SLIME - Now available below: