Celebrate Black History Month with Powerful Read Alouds!

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black individuals. What better way to honor this important month than by sharing powerful stories with young children? Read alouds are a fantastic way to introduce children to diverse perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and foster a love of reading. This year, I'm highlighting some wonderful books by talented African American authors that are perfect for your classroom or home library.

These stories offer a window into various experiences, celebrating family, resilience, and the magic of everyday moments. Let's explore these captivating titles:


  • "Spending Time with Mommy" by Frances Crouch: A heartwarming story that beautifully captures the special bond between a mother and child. This book is perfect for celebrating the love and connection within families.

  • "Slow Down Sammy" by Natasha Iregbu: This delightful tale reminds us to appreciate the small joys in life and encourages children to slow down and savor the present moment. A great reminder for us all!

  • "Four Seasons in One Day" by K. A. Mulenga: This enchanting story takes readers on a journey through the changing seasons, highlighting the beauty and wonder of nature. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to the concept of time and the natural world.

  • "My Mother is a Superhero" by CJ Charles: A vibrant and empowering story that celebrates the strength and love of mothers. This book will resonate with children and remind them of the amazing superpowers their own mothers possess.

These books offer a diverse range of themes and artistic styles, providing opportunities for rich discussions and learning experiences. I encourage you to incorporate these titles into your Black History Month celebrations and beyond. They are valuable additions to any collection and will be cherished for years to come.


Are You Ready to Conquer Your CDA Exam?

Are you ready to take the next step in your early childhood education career? My comprehensive CDA practice test is designed to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to succeed!

Developed by a CDA Professional Development Specialist with over 12 years of experience, this 130-page Word document contains 286 questions covering all CDA Competency Statement areas. The questions are a mix of multiple choice, straightforward knowledge checks, and realistic situational scenarios, mirroring the actual exam. A complete answer key is included!

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This test is divided into sections mirroring the CDA Competency Standards, allowing you to focus your studies and identify areas where you may need additional review.

The sections are organized as follows:

  • Competency Statement I: Setting Goals: Functional Areas 1-3 (Safe, Healthy, Learning Environment)

  • Competency Statement II: Choosing Developmental Activities: Functional Areas 4-7 (Physical, Cognitive, Communication, Creative)

  • Competency Statement III: Supporting Positive Self-Image: Functional Areas 8-10 (Self, Social, Guidance)

  • Competency Statement IV: Establishing Relationships with Families: Functional Area 11 (Families)

  • Competency Statement V: Managing an Effective Program Operation: Functional Area 12 (Program Management)

  • Competency Statement VI: Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism: Functional Area 13 (Professionalism)

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Hey Earth Explorers! It's Earth Day!

Today is a super special day to celebrate our amazing planet, Earth! It gives us everything we need – clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, and awesome places to explore. But just like our favorite toys, Earth needs a little care too!

Here on Storytime with Ms. Hill, we love reading books about cool kids and animals who take action to save the planet. So, grab your favorite stuffed animal and get ready for some eco-adventures with this awesome book:

  • Dogfish Saves the Ocean: Join Dogfish and his ocean pals on an adventure to clean up the sea! When Dogfish finds his friend Turtle in trouble, they learn all about ocean pollution. Don't worry, Dogfish and his friends won't let a little plastic straw stop them from having a fin-tastic time!

    This fun and colorful children's book teaches kids about the importance of protecting our oceans and working together to make a difference.

    #DogfishSavesTheOcean #OceanPollution #KidsBook #SaveTheOcean #LetsWorkTogether #MakeADifference

This is just one idea to get you started! There are tons of amazing books out there about protecting our planet. What are your favorite Earth Day stories? Share them in the comments below!

Remember, every small action counts! Here are some ways YOU can be an Earth Hero:

  • Plant a seed and watch it grow!

  • Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

  • Pick up trash on your next walk. ️

  • Ask your grown-ups about composting! ♻️

Let's all work together to keep our planet healthy and happy! Happy Earth Day!

Happy Reading!

xoxo,

Ms. Hill

Fall means Halloween + More!

Fall is a magical time of year, with its crisp leaves, changing colors, and cozy sweaters. It's also a great time to read with your kids. Here is a book recommendation for kids 3-5 that is perfect for the fall season:

  • Helping Hands on Halloween by Leah Bathsheba: This book is a heartwarming story about the power of kindness and compassion. It follows a group of children who set out to help others on Halloween night. It's a great book to read to your kids to teach them about the importance of being kind and helpful.


The book Helping Hands on Halloween is a great reminder that kindness and compassion are important all year round, not just on special occasions. When we are kind to others, we make the world a better place.

Here are a few ways to teach your kids about the importance of kindness and compassion:

  • Be a role model. Show your kids how to be kind and compassionate by being kind and compassionate yourself.

  • Talk to your kids about the importance of kindness and compassion. Explain to them why it's important to be kind to others and how kindness can make a difference in the world.

  • Read books to your kids about kindness and compassion. There are many great books available that can teach your kids about the importance of being kind.

  • Encourage your kids to be kind and compassionate to others. Help them to find ways to be kind to their friends, family, and classmates.

By teaching your kids about the importance of kindness and compassion, you can help them to make the world a better place.

Are you a CDA or ECE candidate…

who is building their portfolio? If so, you know that a well-written professional philosophy statement is essential. But writing a personal philosophy statement can be challenging, especially if you're not sure where to start.

That's why I'm excited to announce the launch of my new digital download CDA ECE professional personal philosophy statement!

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My digital download is perfect for CDA and ECE candidates of all experience levels. Whether you're just starting out or you're about to finish your portfolio, this digital download can help you write a personal philosophy statement that will impress potential employers.


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Win a TPT Gift Card to Help You Prepare for Back to School

In honor of teachers, & parents returning back to school, I'm giving away a gift card to buy educational resources for your classroom or child!

Back to school is a time of excitement and anticipation for students, but it can also be a time of stress for teachers and parents. There's so much to do to get ready for the new year, from shopping for supplies to planning lessons.

That's why I'm hosting a back to school gift card giveaway for TpT! One lucky winner will receive a $10 gift card to use on any educational resources they need for their classroom or child. Plus you can save up to 25%* during TPT’s Back-to-School Bonus Sale with promo code BTSBONUS23.

To enter, simply follow these steps:

The giveaway will run from August 29th to August 30th at 11:59pm. The winner will be announced on my website. at the end of the day August 29th.

I hope this giveaway helps you to start the school year off right! Good luck!

Here are some additional details about the giveaway:

  • The giveaway is open to teachers, parents, and homeschoolers in the United States.

  • The winner will be randomly selected.

  • The winner will be notified by email.

  • The gift card can be used on any educational resources on TpT.

I hope you'll enter for a chance to win this great prize!

Back To School~ Social Stories To Get Kids Ready For School

Here is an example of how social stories can help a child with back to school anxiety:

"Going to School"

  • School is a place where you can learn and make new friends.

  • There will be new teachers and classmates, but you will also see some of your friends from last year.

  • The first day of school can be a little scary, but it will be fun too.

  • You will learn new things and make new friends.

  • You will have a great time at school!

Read more

Mothers: The Strongest Women We Know


Happy Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is a special day to celebrate the love and devotion of mothers everywhere. This year, why not celebrate with a read-aloud book that features a mother's love? Here are a few suggestions:

  • I Don’t Like Wearing Shoes is a beautiful story about the unconditional love between a mother and daughter as they enjoy the great outdoors together.

  • The Adventure of Maddie & Mack: I Can be anything is a heartwarming tale about a mother's love for her child, who encourages her to pursue anything her heart desires.

  • Freddie in his own bed is a wild and imaginative story about a boy with the help of his parents ween’s himself off of his baby bed and into his big kid bed.

  • Sharing is the new cool is a delightful story about a young boy who decides that sharing is super cool.

  • Ebony and her crown is a fun and colorful story about a sweet little girl with the help of her mother, discovers that her hair is truly special.

These are just a few of the many wonderful read-aloud books that feature a mother's love. So gather your family together, curl up with a good book, and celebrate the special women in your life!

Here are some additional ideas for celebrating Mother's Day:

  • Make breakfast in bed.

  • Give her a gift certificate for a massage or spa treatment.

  • Write her a heartfelt letter or poem.

  • Take her out to dinner or for a walk in the park.

  • Spend the day doing something she enjoys, such as reading, gardening, or watching her favorite movie.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, make sure to let your mother know how much you love and appreciate her!

XOXO,

Ms. Hill

Cinco De Mayo: A Celebration of Mexican Heritage and Pride

Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. While Cinco de Mayo is not a major holiday in Mexico, it is widely celebrated in the United States, where it has become a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.

The Battle of Puebla was a pivotal moment in Mexican history. The French Empire, led by Napoleon III, had invaded Mexico in an attempt to install a puppet emperor. The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, was outnumbered and outgunned, but they were able to defeat the French forces. The victory at Puebla boosted Mexican morale and helped to turn the tide of the war.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in many different ways throughout the United States. People often gather to eat Mexican food, listen to mariachi music, and dance. There are also many festivals and parades that take place on Cinco de Mayo.

In addition to being a day of celebration, Cinco de Mayo is also a day to learn about Mexican history and culture. There are many books, websites, and documentaries that can help you learn more about this important holiday.

One great resource for learning about Cinco de Mayo is the read aloud book Max Celebrates Cinco de Mayo by Adria F. Worsham. This book tells the story of a young boy who learns about the history of Cinco de Mayo and celebrates the holiday with his family and friends.

Max Celebrates Cinco de Mayo is a great book for children of all ages. It is a fun and informative way to learn about Mexican culture and history. The book is also beautifully illustrated, with vibrant colors and detailed images that will capture children's attention.

If you are looking for a fun and educational way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I highly recommend reading Max Celebrates Cinco de Mayo. It is a great way to learn about Mexican history and culture, and it is sure to be a hit with children of all ages.

Here are some additional ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo:

  • Visit a Mexican restaurant and enjoy a traditional Mexican meal.

  • Learn some basic Mexican phrases and practice speaking them with friends or family.

  • Watch a Mexican movie or TV show.

  • Listen to some Mexican music.

  • Dance to Mexican music.

  • Make some Mexican crafts.

  • Read a book about Mexican history or culture.

  • Visit a Mexican museum or cultural center.

  • Attend a Cinco de Mayo festival or parade.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I hope you have a fun and festive day!

XOXO,

Ms. Hill

Teacher Appreciation

Teachers are the backbone of our society. They spend their days shaping the minds of our future leaders, innovators, and artists. They work long hours, often for little pay, and they do it all with a smile on their face.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we want to take a moment to thank all of the teachers out there for their hard work and dedication. We know that it's not always easy, but you make a difference in the lives of your students every day.

Here’s a gift for educators

We know this time of year is exhausting and to that end, we have teamed up with some amazing teacher-authors to create the ultimate collection of freebies!

All you need to do is download our Freebie Co-Op E-Book by clicking this link. Then you are able to shop till you drop, but unlike most of your shopping trips, this one is completely free!

Download and check out work from 12 amazing teacher authors to help you get through these last few months of school.

Here are just a few reasons why we appreciate teachers so much:

  • They are passionate about education. Teachers love to learn and they love to share their knowledge with others. They are always looking for new and innovative ways to engage their students and help them learn.

  • They are patient and understanding. Teachers deal with all kinds of personalities and learning styles. They are patient and understanding, and they always try to find a way to reach each student.

  • They are role models. Teachers are more than just educators. They are also role models for their students. They teach students about important values like hard work, perseverance, and respect.

  • They make a difference. Teachers have a profound impact on the lives of their students. They help students learn and grow, and they prepare them for the future.

We are so grateful for all of the teachers out there. Thank you for your hard work and dedication. You make a difference in the lives of your students every day.

Here are some books that feature teachers making a difference in their classrooms:

^^^^ Click the Book Cover to Read along^^^

Here are a few ways to show your appreciation for teachers this week:

  • Send a thank-you card or email.

  • Bring in a treat for your teacher's classroom.

  • Volunteer your time at your child's school.

  • Donate to your local teachers' association.

  • Simply say "thank you" for all that they do.

Teachers are the unsung heroes of our society. They deserve our respect and appreciation. Thank you, teachers, for everything you do!


xoxo,

Ms. Hill

Celebrating National Library Workers Day

Library workers are essential to our communities. They provide us with access to information, resources, and programs that help us learn, grow, and connect with others.

Library workers are also advocates for literacy and lifelong learning. They work to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to read, write, and learn.

This month on April 25th, we are celebrating library workers and their important contributions to our communities. We are also highlighting some great children's books that can help children learn about the importance of libraries and library workers.

How Library Workers Help Us

Library workers help us in many ways. They:

  • Provide us with access to books, magazines, newspapers, and other materials.

  • Help us find information on a variety of topics.

  • Offer programs and events for all ages.

  • Assist with research and homework.

  • Promote literacy and lifelong learning.

  • Connect us with other community resources.

Great Children's Books You Can Add To your Library

There are many great children's books that can help children learn about the importance of literacy and books. Here are a few of my favorites:

These books can help children learn about the importance of libraries, the joy of reading, and the power of imagination.

Thank you to all library workers!

We appreciate all that you do for our communities. You make a difference in the lives of so many people. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Earth Day & Arbor Day: A Celebration of Trees

Arbor Day is a day to celebrate trees and the many benefits they provide to our planet. Trees provide us with oxygen, clean air, and water. They also help to regulate the climate and provide habitat for wildlife. This year’s arbor day is Friday April 28th.

Did you know: The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska in 1872. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world. On Arbor Day, people plant trees, learn about the importance of trees, and take steps to protect them.

There are many ways to celebrate Arbor Day. You can plant a tree, volunteer at a local park or forest, or donate to an organization that is working to protect trees. You can also learn more about trees by reading books, watching movies, or visiting a tree museum.

Here are some Earth Day/Spring read aloud stories that you can share with your children to help them learn about the importance of treating our earth right:

These stories will teach children about the importance of loving, celebrating, and protecting the environment.

*Donate to the Arbor Day Foundation and they will send you FREE trees*

How to Plant a Tree

If you're planning to plant a tree on Arbor Day, here are a few tips:

  • Choose the right tree for your climate and location.

  • Plant the tree in the spring or fall.

  • Water the tree regularly, especially during its first year.

  • Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Protect the tree from pests and diseases.

With a little care and attention, your tree will thrive for many years to come.

Thank you for celebrating Arbor Day!

Happy reading,

Ms. Hill

Easter Book Recommendations & More

Easter is a time for family, friends, and of course, stories! If you're looking for some new books to add to your storytime rotation, be sure to check out Ms. Hill’s selection of Easter books. There’s something for everyone!

Here are a few of our favorite Easter books:

  • LaDonna’s Easter in Paris by Kimberly A. Gordon Biddle: This is a story of a young girl, LaDonna, who travels from the states to Paris to celebrate Easter. Despite encountering some traveling obstables, the family fully immerses themselves in Paris culture by sight seeing famous landmarks, eating traditional food, and meeting the locals. There is an added bonus section at the end of the book, for readers to sing an Easter song.

  • Milo The Really Big Bunny by Stephen Krensky: This Easter/Passover book is about a brave, albeit BIG bunny rabbit who despite his size never gives up on his dreams. This tale's inspiring message instills perseverance into all who read it! It's also a funny story- fit for the entire family not only during the holidays but all year round!

  • The Easter Bunny Who Overslept by Priscilla & Otto Friedrich: This funny story follows the adventures of an Easter Bunny who wakes up late on Easter morning. It's a perfect story for children who are always running behind schedule.

CDA Competency Statements & CS Collection Items Prewritten Address Labels

If you are completing your CDA portfolio, Our CS collection items prewritten address labels are a great way to keep track of your collection items and make sure your portfolio is organized. The labels are easy to use and can be customized to match your color aesthetic.

To order, please visit our website.

We hope you enjoy our selection of Easter books and other resources. We wish you a happy and healthy Easter!

XOXO,

Ms. Hill

Storytime Channel~ Autism Awareness Month!

Thanks for joining my Educational newsletter!

I Wrote My Master's Thesis On The Benefits Of Read Alouds. As A Young Child I Always Cherished Nightly Reading Time With My Mom. So, I Created A YouTube Channel called, Storytime with Ms. Hill. It is Geared Towards Elementary aged Children, To Share My Love Of Read-Alouds With Others. We All Spend So Much Time Looking At Screens, Why Not Listen To A Good Book?!

Together We Not Only Sing the Inclusion song, But Also Discover New Diverse Authors And Read Books That Amplify And Celebrate Each Other's Differences!

April is autism awareness month!! Here’s a playlist of books that celebrate autism and teach about neurodiversity.

Click the book cover photo’s to purchase the books for your bookshelf!

Please Subscribe, Like, Comment, And Share With Your Fellow Students, Families And Teachers

XOXO,

Ms. Hill