Tools for the Taking

Engaging the Picture Book Crowd

Here’s a short piece I wrote a couple of years ago. But it seems even more appropriate on the eve of World Read Aloud Day. Enjoy your reading, everyone! Engaging the Picture Book Crowd Whether it’s through quiet, cuddle time, conversation or comic relief, engaging the picture book crowd is a delightful task. I like… Read more »

Tuesdays for Teachers: The Inside Out Quiz

The Inside Out Quiz Author Skype Session by Ashley Daniels I am blessed with the opportunity to student teach twenty-six wonderful second graders. One goal I set for myself while finishing my degree was to bring technology into the classroom in a tangible way. With 21st century technology available, I decided to use Skype to… Read more »

Story Universe Writing Prompt for Young Writers

Recently in an interview about BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! on the Mom Read It Blog I was asked  – MRI: You’ve also written a book called ALL THROUGH MY TOWN that features animals as the main characters. Do you think these two books could take place in the same storytelling universe? Could the kids from… Read more »

Busy Builders, Busy Week! Book Bash Day 2

Welcome, friends, to Day 2 of my BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! Book Bash. In my latest book, each day of the week features a colorful cast of animal characters and a different construction activity as the digging, dumping and ‘dozing lead up to one stupendous surprise! So, it seemed only fitting that for a days-of-the-week… Read more »

My 1-3-1 Poetry Exercise

When I was a child, I loved reading poetry. But later in life when I learned to analyze and deconstruct poems, my passion faded. Poetry can be hard to decipher. And when you try too hard, the deciphering can bog you down. I developed this quick poetry exercise to help me read and think about… Read more »