#TipTuesday: Reading ability is like a muscle - Use it or lose it!

Did you know...

Graphic by Robin Wallace

This is also why it is important for children to read across a variety of reading levels. Evidence suggests that readers should read both below and above their reading level. Reading easier text helps novice readers to build confidence, enjoyment of reading, and gain fluency. Reading more complicated or advanced text, with support, challenges the reader to expand their vocabulary, comprehension, and encourages growth.

For more info, check out this great article from Psychology Today: Three Myths About "Reading Levels"... and why you shouldn't fall for them!

Cards for a Cause Fundraiser - Usborne Books & More

Usborne Books & More proudly offers Cards for a Cause, a unique fundraising program, open to any individual or organization. Cards for a Cause is value-for-money greeting cards with a high return to the individual or organization raising funds.

The Cards for a Cause program offers four boxed sets of 30 beautifully embellished, handcrafted cards with matching envelopes.

Here's how it works:

• An order forms will be provided to the organization contact and an online order form link will be set up as well.
• You'll work with your consultant (me!) to set the start and end date of your fundraiser.
• Each box is sold for $30 (an incredible value at just $1 per card!)
• The organization (or individual) makes $13 per box*
• You'll have cash-in-hand as soon as your fundraiser ends - no need to wait for a check!
• Shipping is FREE**
• Your cards will arrive 7-10 days after closing your fundraiser.

*If the organization is NOT tax exempt, sales tax will be charged on each box.
**Shipping is free to ONE location. If cards need to be shipped individually to different states/locations, a shipping fee of $6 per box will be charged.

It's really that simple! 

What cards are available?

 All Occasion Box #1 comes in a charming organizer box with subject dividers and includes an array of 30 cards covering birthdays, new homes, new babies, weddings, sympathy, and more!





All Occasion Box #2 comes in a charming organizer box with subject dividers and includes an array of 30 cards to meet most needs from birthdays to thank you notes, and get well to weddings!

The Kids Birthday Box contains a wide assortment of cards suitable for children. Birthdays are a blast and who doesn't love a birthday card? These come in so handy whether you've got your own children who frequent the birthday party circuit or you need to stock up for the special kids in your life!  

Thanks & Blanks Box is an adorable organizer box including 19 blank cards and 11 thank you cards. 

Who could benefit from this fundraiser?
The number of groups who could benefit from this fundraiser is limitless! For example...

• Cheerleaders and sports teams to cover uniforms, travel, competitions.
• Churches for summer camps, mission trips, volunteer work.
• School Parent Associations for library books, field trips, plays, or sports equipment.
• Sororities and Fraternities for literacy supporting activities
• Hospital Auxiliary Groups
  ... and many more!

For more information or to set up your own Cards for a Cause Fundraiser, please contact me at UsborneErob@gmail.com OR fill out my contact form here: https://members.fiitfu.com/pages/ErinRobbins/customer-form

Hoppy Easter!

Easter Bunny scavenger hunt! Complete and ready to be discovered in the morning! Thank goodness for this gem of a book so that I... I mean, the Easter Bunny, could draw a self -portrait! I have the drawing ability of a hamster. Actually, a hamster might draw better... 🤔

Normally, I write up my own Easter Bunny scavenger hunt clues, but I was EXHAUSTED after a busy weekend, so I got some inspiration from Pinterest! I used ideas (and some wording!) from this cute printable by Party Delights. Thanks again to Nichole for sending me this pin!

I don't like to fill my kiddo's baskets full of sugar and I also like to keep Easter SUPER simple, so they each got an egg with some gummies and the rest of the goodies were fun things they needed (tablet chargers!), books to read (Bug Hotel for the 5 year old, 3 Little Frogs bath book for the 2 year old, and Bug Brother and Billy and the Mini Monsters: Monsters on the Loose for the 7 year old), and a fun surprise! Walkie-Talkies for the boys and cute barrettes for the girl. They were so excited to hunt for their baskets! It actually was COLD and snowy here on Easter, so an indoor basket hunt worked out perfectly!

Wishlist Wednesday: The Outdoor Book

The Outdoor Book

#WishlistWednesday: The Outdoor Book! I love, love, love this book for my outdoorsy kids! It's filled with ideas for all weather and seasons -- even nighttime activities! My kids have learned the different types of clouds, all about camping, how to identify trees by their leaves, birdwatching, and so much more! This book is a MUST-HAVE for kids who love to learn about the world and explore the environment. Grab yours for just $9.99! What would your explorers love to learn about? 📚: The Outdoor Book

#TipTuesday: Nursery Rhymes

Literacy Tip of the Week! Nursery rhymes are fantastic foundations for early literacy They contain the 3 R's of early literacy: Rhythm, Rhyme, and Repetition! These help develop language and information retention and recognition of letter sounds and common word sounds. What was your favorite nursery rhyme? Can you remember?

We Love Books & Hope You Do Too!

A Thanksgiving Story

Thanksgiving Story

Mom never ever gets to get herself fully ready on holidays because she's usually cooking, cleaning, and organizing everyone else. Today she vowed to change that by getting everyone moving early, planning an easy breakfast, and using pre- chopped ingredients for her contribution to the dinner. They WILL be on time. They have to be there at 1130.

Dad declares at 9 that the 3 children all need baths before they leave. He proceeds to lay in bed and watch tv for an hour. Mom reminds him at 930 that the children have had cinnamon rolls and are covered in frosting so now would be a good time for quick baths. At 10, he starts running bath water. They have to be there at 1130.

At 1030, baths are complete yet the shower continues to run with no one it. Mom reminds Dad (who is playing Mario Kart) to turn off the shower. Dad says, "I'm getting in." At 1045, Mom (who is finished cooking and is cleaning up) yells, "Turn off the damn shower or get in it! You are wasting hot water and I would also like to shower today!" Kid turns shower off. Dad suggests Mom shower and quit complaining. Mom suggests Dad take over cleaning and packing up meals. Dad gets mad at Mom. Mom gets in the shower and uses up the rest of the hot water for spite. Dad gets in shower at 1130 to spite mom. Once again they were not there by 1130.

The end.

(Disclaimer: They are grateful for hot water and plumbing and family to fight with. Food to cook and a house to clean.)