As a former first grader teacher and current ESL teacher, I am a huge advocate of early literacy. I believe it is so important to build a good foundation in children starting in their home environment. As our son approaches two, I am becoming more intentional with his learning and skills. However, I think there are so many easy and obtainable ways to encourage and promote literacy in young children. Today I wanted to share five things I have done with our son from ages 0-2. I would love to know anything that has worked for you!

1.Songs

Singing songs is something that is so easy to do throughout the day. We like to sing whenever we get a chance and have a song for almost everything (waking up, brushing teeth, cleaning up, taking a bath, etc). It can make routines fun and encourage mind-body connections. Children are exposed to vocabulary, rhythm, and meaning just through a simple song.

2. Books

Reading is so powerful with young children! They are naturally exposed to many concepts and skills which is amazing. Children will not only learn how a book works but will be introduced to vocabulary, phrasing, expression/inflection, dialogue, print, images, sounds and so much more!

3. Rhymes

Nursery rhymes are another simple, yet powerful tool to encourage literacy. Children are once again being exposed to sounds, syllables, and rhythm/rhyme, phonemic awareness, and more!

4. Conversation

I think it is so important to talk to your baby/toddler! Even if they are not responding they are developing listening skills and understanding of language. Once again they are exposed to rich vocabulary, expression, sentence structure, etc. Now that our son is taking a lot more, we are being more intentional with modeling questions, complete sentences and grammar.

5. Questions

Ask your child questions! This is something we started doing as our son began talking. Asking questions to your child will help with their comprehension and general understanding. It can also promote critical thinking, expression, and language!

 

Blessings,

Jac

 

 

 

My favorite time of year is here, and I am LOVING everything about it. My husband and I are having the best time with our toddler. This year feels extra magical experiencing everything through his eyes! It is so fun to watch him take it all in. We have started our family advent calendar (Advent Calendar 2019) and it made me think of the traditions we already have in place. I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite traditions we have as a family, as well as our favorites from growing up (we alternate holidays with our immediate families). I would love to know any that are special to you!

 

 

Family Traditions 

• Advent Calendar
  • This has MANY traditions within
• Matching PJS
• Family Pictures & Christmas Cards
• Angel Tree OR Someone In Need
• Jaclyn Sleepover (Night Out) & Nutcracker With Mother-In-Law & Sister-In-Law

Jaclyn Family Traditions 

• Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
• Clam/Oyster Chowder Christmas Eve (my dad’s tradition growing up)
• 1 Present Christmas Eve
• Movie on Christmas Day (started when we were older)
• Thanksgiving Foods Christmas Day

Mason Family Traditions

• Extended Family Dinner Christmas Eve (his parents host)
• Thanksgiving Foods Christmas Day
• Boxes Presents (each child has a stack of boxes with presents inside)

 

What are you excited about this year?

Blessings,

Jac

I have been creating and putting together a family cookbook for one of my husband’s Christmas gifts. It has been a larger task than I initially anticipated, but so much fun! We would love to be able to gift our favorite recipes to our family down the road, as well as have everything in once place.  I thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite recipes throughout the upcoming year. I know I am always looking to try something new, and love discovering a meal that everyone enjoys! I also love meals that are fast and easy, especially being a mom. I will alternate the type of recipes I share including crock pot meals, pastas, casseroles, side dishes, breakfast, snacks, and more!

Today I wanted to share a dinner recipe that we love! Let me know if you make it. I would love to know your thoughts!

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef/ground turkey
• ½ white onion (diced)
• 1 can corn (or steam bag)
• 1 can black beans
• 1 TBSP taco seasoning
• 2 TBSP taco sauce or salsa 
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cheddar cheese
• Toppings (tomato, green onion)

Preparation

• Preheat oven 350
• Saute meat with onion.
• Combine meat mixture, corn, beans, seasoning, and sauce (or salsa) in a bowl.
• Spoon half of mixture in a sprayed casserole dish.
• Spread thin layer of sour cream and cheese on top.
• Repeat and cover with cheese.
• Bake for 15 minutes.
• Add favorite toppings

 

Blessings,

Jac