Write Exciting Things for Children

Today, I am on the Write2Ignite! blog. I hope you will stop by.

Some of you know that I am a teacher as well as an author. I learn from my students and fellow teachers every single day, even  - and sometimes especially - those who are brand new to the profession.

What does teaching have in common with writing?

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If You Take a Children's Author to a Bookstore

If you take a children's author to a bookstore, what will she do?

• She will carefully examine the new releases specially displayed for young readers to see.
• She will make check out the end cap displays of the titles that have gained a high level of popularity.
• She will stop to look at the seasonal books, with an eye for her own proposal ideas... and
  consider purchasing a few (or more) for the young readers in her family. 
• She will explore the creative, reading areas that call to young readers and their families and
  
  consider making such a magical place, again, for her own young reader family members.
• She will stop to chat with the manager about what is popular with kids and what the manager wishes would be published.
• She will search for books in all the genres she writes - devotionals, nonfiction, chapter books, and middle grade fiction.
• She will sit for a bit and make notes, all the while listening to the excited requests from young readers for this title or that one.
• She will check the shelves for her own titles and be thankful for the opportunity to be there.

What do you like to do when you visit a bookstore? 

Bedtime Bible Story Routines

This is the first Monday in January. Many kids are returning to school. Many parents are returning to work. Many of us are returning to the our routines.

Some activities will be the same as before Christmas. They are established routines. Other activities will be new ones that we hope will reach the routine status.

The New Year is a wonderful time to start a bedtime Bible story routine.

What are some benefits of a bedtime Bible story routine? Here are four benefits for the child who ends the day with a Bible story.

1. Predictability at the end of the day
2. Calming activity to wind down
3. Reassurance that Jesus loves them
4. A natural connection to bedtime prayers

What benefits would you add to the list? What are some of your favorite bedtime Bible story books for children?