The Field Guide to Parenting

 

Great Advice and Book Reviews
for Parents, Teachers, Child Care Providers,
and Anyone Who Loves a Young Child

 

www.fieldguidetoparenting.info

 

Workshops in Early Childhood

Presented By Shelley Butler

Co-author of The Field Guide to Parenting, educator, webmaster, book reviewer, and freelance writer, Shelley is available to present a variety of workshops to your parent, caregiver, or family professional group.

 

Workshop Descriptions

Opening the Magic Doors of Children’s Literature:
New Kids Books to Amaze and Amuse

It’s all about wonderful, inspiring, colorful, and fun new picture, board, lift-the flap, and non-fiction children’s books! With approximately 5,000 new kids books each year, how can one parent, librarian, or child care provider find the gems? Come find out what one book critic chose as the best new books of the past few years, and how to find more good books. Then, catch a sneek peek at a few new books not available in stores or libraries yet.  All children's book lovers welcome.

 

What’s in a Picture Book? You Be the Judge!  
Just what makes a picture book a great picture book? Expand your critical skills and learn how to judge the quality and appropriateness of a book for yourself, based on criteria of critics and award judges. Find out what not to read to children, also. Workshop includes presentation of good new books, small group activity, and children’s book drawing. Bring your favorite books to share.

 

Fun in the Summertime:
Reading, Play and Learning for Preschool and Early Elementary Aged Kids

School may be out, but children keep on practicing and developing new skills through reading, play, and summer fun. Come discover how to keep children actively learning all summer long with great children’s books and easy activities. Make-it-take-it activities and book drawing included. Bring your favorite books and activities to share.

 

Peace, Courage, and Confidence:
Using Picture Books to Introduce Big Concepts to Young Minds
If you have ever struggled in helping children understand the importance of values such as gratitude, kindness, peacefulness, or to gain the confidence to say “I can” instead of “I can’t,” you are not alone. Discover how children’s books that are carefully crafted to speak a child’s language through words and pictures help young kids learn about hard-to-explain, big ideas while having fun. New and classic children’s books will be presented, as well as activities to enhance the fun and learning. Feel free to bring in your favorite children’s books to share.  
Available as a single two-hour session or a series of two two-hour sessions.

 

A Story is a Great Start: Helping Young Listeners Become Successful Readers
Find out how you can have a major impact on the young children in your life by reading, talking, and play. Learn how to create a simple, practical, yet powerful environment that will help set children on the path of reading success. Great new children's books will be presented as well as fun and easy activities to enhance the reading experience. Time for Q&A, sharing and small group discussion included.
Part 1: Babies and Toddlers, Part 2: Preschoolers on Up
Available as a single two-hour session or a series of two two-hour sessions.

 

Coming Soon

 

Playing Smart: Books and Activities that Foster the Many Ways that Kids are Smart

 

Do Play with Your Food

 

Heroes and Sheroes