I recently started a toddler series on my You Tube channel where I am sharing lesson ideas, early literacy, and activities to do at home (Jaclyn Bridwell). As a former elementary teacher (first grade) and current ESL (English as a second language) teacher, I am passionate about early literacy and early education. I truly believe we (parents) can build such a strong foundation of learning in the home while creating a positive support system for our children as they progress in their education.

I shared a video of why reading is so important for young children and how it promotes early literacy. Feel free to watch below.

I thought I would piggie back off of this video by sharing some of my favorite toddler books and why I love them. As I have mentioned my son will be 2.5 at the June for reference.

I would love to know some of your favorites or any books your toddler is loving right now!

1.Finger Puppets

My son loved these books when he was a little younger! They are short, simple, and interactive with the puppet. They are also a good choice if your child’s attention span is shorter.

2.First Words

These are great books when your child is starting to  build their vocabulary! These were another favorite when he was a little younger because he could independently go through the books and name different objects or find the objects I read to him.

3.Sandra Boynton

Any of her books are great for younger children. They all have a nice cadence to them and are fun to read. He has memorized a few and still loves reading any of her books!

4.Gerald & Piggie (Mo Willems)

These were a favorite in my first grade classroom, and have become a favorite at home. They are extremely simple and silly (adventures of a pig and elephant). All books are dialogue (speech bubbles) where you can inflect and change your voice. He has loved them all!

5.Biscuit

This was another series I had for my beginner readers in first grade. They are simple stories that are easy to follow along.

6.Dr. Suess 

I am sure many toddlers love these books because of the rhythmn and rhyme throughout. We tend to stick to the shorter ones (or board books) because some can be too long and over the top for him at this stage. He thinks they are silly and fun to read!

7.Interactive 

Interactive books are great to experience together. There are so many great ones from auditory (pop books), texture, pop-up/flaps, etc. It makes it engaging to them, especially if they are wiggly!

8.Rhyme/Rhythm

We love any books that have a good rhythm to them or rhyme throughout. They are easy and pleasing to listen to and follow along. Here are some of our favorites!

9.Personal Interests

My son loves anything that has to do with vehicles or Sesame Street. They will definitely be excited to read books about things they are currently interested in!

10. Classics

We have loved all of the classic toddler/early education books and they continue to be favorites!

Keep Reading,

Jac

Like many of you, I am sure you are in a few weeks of self isolation or quarantine. Our family started the week of March 15th, so we are currently in our fourth week. Now that my son and I have a new groove and rhythm to our day, I have started to focus on my personal needs during this strange time. I recognize I am able to set the tone and energy for the day, so it is extremely important that I am filling up my own cup. My priority is to continue to make the days happy and joyful amidst the heartache, anxiety, and unknown.

I like to be mindful of all components of heath and wellness when taking care of myself. I think each area is so important and creates peace and balance. I thought I would share some simple things I am doing to take care of my physical, mental, and emotional health. Although there are more, I think these areas are extremely important during this season.

 I would love to know how you are taking care of yourself during this time.

1.Physical Health

Valuing our health and bodies is so important! They are the vehicles that provide for us throughout everything and I am appreciating mine more and more. I have continued exercising 5 days a week and maintaining our “normal” eating habits/meals. I know that movement and food will alter how I feel, and I want to feel good during this difficult time (as well as relieve some stress and provide nutrients/fuel). I am taking as many workouts I can outside, which has felt amazing, as well as playing outside as much as possible. We are still trying to eat as many fresh foods while working with what we have (or what is available) as well as remain diligent with our water.

Exercise, nutrition, water, and sunshine are ways I am choosing to take care of my physical health. 

2.Mental Health

Our mental health is also so important. I truly believe that our mindset and thoughts radiate throughout our bodies. Mental health has been challenging, especially in the first couple weeks of adjusting to our new “normal”. I really had to figure out how I could maintain a good head space and recognize what I needed to do to create that.

I have chosen to focus/read only a couple of news sources a day so my mind isn’t completely overwhelmed. I have been more diligent in my personal development in the mornings (sermons, faith training/courses) that I listen to after I teach so I can start the day in a good mental state. I have also continued to journal (gratitude) which is always a good shift in perspective as well as pray, pray, and pray some more (allocated quiet time with God).

Selective news sources, personal development, gratitude,and prayer are ways I am choosing to take care of my mental health.

3.Emotional Health

What we are feeling and personally experiencing is also so important to acknowledge and take care of. Even though we are all connected through this hardship, our reality and day-to-days are extremely different from one another. I am sure many of us are experiencing emotions/feelings we have never been through before, and that is okay.

During isolation, continuing to make connections is necessary. We are so blessed to have technology and to be able to have “virtual happy hours” with our friends or a family hangout with our loved ones. I am continuing to take advantage of technology to stay grounded with others. I also wake up early (and finish teaching an hour before the house wakes up) so I can have quiet time/me time. I think this is so important as a parent to have time to just be.

Connections and quiet time are ways I am choosing to care for my emotional health.

I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe during this time, and finding ways to take care of themselves. Sending all my love.

 

Blessings,

Jac

I wanted to share an easy dinner recipe that has quickly become one of our favorites. My husband and I love any recipe where we can get a good amount of vegetables in. We recently took my mom’s chicken tortilla soup recipe and jazzed it up to make our own. You can take the base recipe and then add any vegetables or spices! This is also great with beef if you prefer that over chicken. We like to cook it on low in the crock pot all day. You can also add Spanish rice at the bottom of the bowl! It is a great recipe to make your own!

What have been some of your favorite meals during this time at home?

Base:

• 2 Cups Shredded Chicken
• 2 Quarts Chicken Broth
• 1 (14.5oz) Diced Tomatoes
• 1 (10oz) Rotel
• 1 TBSP Ground Cumin
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• Salt (to taste)

Additions:

• Zucchini (1 large)
• Squash (1 large)
• Carrots (3-4)
• Onion (1 large)
• Frozen Corn (bag)

Toppings:

• Avocado Slices
• Sour Cream
• Tortilla Strips
• Shredded Cheese

 

@bridwell_wellness

Additional Recipes: Taco Casserole, Summer Smoothie

As always I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe.

Blessings,

Jaclyn