Making Meaning for Children by Reading Together

IMAGE: Scholastic.com

“The child begins to perceive the world not only through his eyes but also through his speech."-Lev Vygotsky

Russian Developmental Psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1978) believed strongly that community plays a central role in the process of "making meaning." He theorized that children use their language experiences to become aware of their own thinking so they can link their ideas to the ideas of others, a process which serves to expand their own thoughts and learning. 

Following this theory, when second and third graders have multiple opportunities to pair with or 'buddy read' with preschoolers, children in both age groups feel more successful about their reading abilities. We observe that children learn and build confidence as they interact and converse with more knowledgeable peers in a relaxed, comfortable environment with no pressure. 

Younger children are sometimes easily frustrated when they don’t know a letter combination or sound or the meaning of a word or phrase, but having a reading partner makes it an enjoyable and positive reading experience and helps support the entire learning process.

Learn More About The Buddy Reading Project here.

Further Reading:

Lev Vygotsky

Book Buddies (Berks County PA)

Contact: bg.bgini@gmail.com

Show Some Love to Librarians

IMAGE: Digital Education

Show Some L♥ve today to a School Librarian! 

Please join us in recognizing this amazing, special group of people who are in danger of being forgotten and completely pushed aside. 

As schools struggle with both spending and budgeting, and give in to corporate and federal pressures to cut programming, we are losing our school libraries across the country.

What was once a gathering place of study and exploration for students is now slowly falling by the wayside. Our school librarians are facing layoffs as library hours are reduced or completely cancelled altogether.

My (8th grade) daughter was telling me how she misses her library time. She and I were talking about the joys of our weekly visits to our respective school libraries-looking through the bookshelves, looking for an interesting title or colorful illustrations.

As a little child, there was always story time, and as I got older there was research time. I remember that huge card catalog (40+ years ago). But most of all I remember the people in the library who were always there, willing to help me find what would satisfy my love for reading and further my knowledge. Nothing makes me happier, even today, when I can sit in the quiet of my office, living room or patio and be transported to another time, place or land, just by simply reading a book!

Corporate reformists may not see libraries as essential to the educational life of a child since they do not implement the Common Core nor have a direct impact on those all important test scores that can then be tracked by data. But we as parents and educators, know that libraries are an essential part of a nurturing school environment and in the lives of both students and teachers.

So send the school librarians some love here at the StoryBook Studio.

Or to the American Library Association on Facebook and ALA-APA National Library Workers Day

Tweet some love to American Association of School Librarians: @aasl



Feel free to Thank your school Librarian personally, below in the comments area.

Contact us: bg.bgini@gmail.com


Additional Reading:

Five Key Ways to Learn English By Reading

International Children's Book Day

Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, (April 2), International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to the beauty and imagination of children's books. 

Join us in the celebrations throughout the world by telling us below: what were your favorite books as a child?

See the links below for a list of our recommended favorites by Hans Christian Anderson and others!






Further Reading:

Unique Teaching Resources: April Writing Prompts

About International Children's Book Day


Our Recommended Children's Favorites:

The Little Mermaid (Hans Christian Anderson)

The Snow Queen  (Hans Christian Anderson)

The Emperor's New Clothes (Hans Christian Anderson)

There's a Dinosaur in My Bathtub  (Catalina Echeverri )

Sam's Sandwich (David Pelham)



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ALERT: Is This (Inappropriate) Book in Your Child's Elementary School Library?

There has been a growing concern over content and lessons that are not age appropriate, with the advent of the Common Core Curriculum. I came across this post on Victoria Jackson's Blog:

Mama Bears Web Site reports:

“A Mom in Shelby County, TN sent us images from a book that her child checked out of his elementary school library. Her son knew that there were some forbidden words in the book that he was not allowed to say, so he showed it to his mom. Smart boy!”

I am posting this so parents and educators can be aware that there are too many inappropriate books like these being recommended for kids by those who are selling a product or service-and whom so NOT have any level of understanding of child development. With that in mind, I am working on adding a database on this blog to keep everyone informed as to what to look out for.

Warning: Rated R words and sexual innuendo below at the links


Read more at:

Victoria Jackson's Blog

Mama Bears Blog


Do you know of any inappropriate books that are floating around out there in school libraries? Please post a link or title for us below along with the city and state where you found it !


Contact: bg.bgini@gmail.com 

Celebrate Spring with the Very Hungry Caterpillar!

Its hard to believe that this year marks the 45th anniversary of  "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"!

It has been one of my daughter's favorite books since her grandfather gave her a copy as a child. She will not part with the book even though she will be entering high school. Reading it with her grandfather will always be one of her most treasured memories.

Next week, on the first day of spring, programs will be held around the world to celebrate Spring and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Day on Thursday, March 20th. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce young children to simple picture books, such as "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and to continue to encourage older children to read!

How about organizing a "Mobile Library" in a local playground? Or a story time picnic outdoors? A community park with a pavilion or gazebo is a perfect place to celebrate any day of the year!

How will you be celebrating? Tell us in the comments below!

You can listen to & watch Eric Carle read the story of the Very Hungry Caterpillar here on You Tube.



And Happy Spring Everyone!

Purchase you very own Very Hungry Caterpillar Finger Puppet Book here!

Visit the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA

Contact: bg.bgini@gmail.com 


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