Category Archives: literacy

Reading with a child can lead to new understanding… for both of you.

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This is a great reminder of how parents can change the conversation and endorse reading… Reading it aloud has done something to us. Teddy and I take turns, alternating pages. I listen to his voice and he listens to mine. … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, early childhood education, ECE Early Childhood Education, education, literacy, mental health | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Reading with a child can lead to new understanding… for both of you.

NPR, Kwami Alexander and The Undefeated

Posted on February 6, 2020 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Kwami Alexander has been sharing poetry on NPR for a few years now, and each time I hear him, I get inspired. His latest children’s book, The Undefeated, just won the Caldecott Medal. More about the book, which I have … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, education, global skills, leadership, leadership in children, literacy, parenting | Comments Off on NPR, Kwami Alexander and The Undefeated

Japan Day #7: Each group to a different school…

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Given the raucous conversations at the end of the day, each group had some terrific opportunities to interact with students ranging from kindergarten through 9th grade. I have a few pics of other group activities, as well as mine… Pretty … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, Japan, leadership, leadership in children, literacy, Seven Hills Japan Trip 2016, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek, social emotional learning | Tagged | Leave a comment

Diversifying Children’s Books

Posted on May 19, 2016 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Some great reads in this list for children from ages 2-10 years old. There is nothing like the feel of a great children’s book read aloud, sometimes over and over… Enjoy! Diversify Reading Lists for children! MindShift  

Posted in 21st Century Skills, diversity, leadership in children, literacy, parenting, Seven Hills School, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek, social emotional learning | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Always make time for a read aloud at home…

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I recently had the chance to share some of Mo Willem’s Elephant & Piggy Books with one of our kindergarten classes. Most of them knew the books and squealed wildly with delight in anticipation of what would come next. Some … Continue reading →

Posted in 21st Century Skills, academic excellence in elementary schools, childhood development, literacy, parenting, Seven Hills School, Seven Hills School Walnut Creek, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Must Read Picture Books for the Fall of 2015

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

Since we know there is no such thing as “too early” when it comes to reading to young children, telling stories and promoting literacy, even in very young children, by allowing them to listen to language, here is a great … Continue reading →

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