Posts tagged 'Kenn Nesbitt'

Writing Develops Creativity, Expression, and Concentration: How to encourage a reluctant writer or an already inspired young author

April 10, 2014

Tips to Encourage Your Young Writers from Put Me In The Story

(Artwork from Marianne Richmond's Hooray for You!)

Maybe your child already has plans to be the next J. K. Rowling, keenly writing away at their desk every day, or perhaps your child is a reluctant writer, not wanting to complete their social studies journal assignment. Either way, it's Encourage a Young Writer Day and we have something to celebrate! We have some tips and ideas to help your child bloom into an eager writer or expand and grow their love for writing and reading they already have.


Tips to Share with Your Young Writers

• Read, and read often.
• Read with a pen and notebook nearby.
• Write, and write often.
• Write about passions, experiences, real life (or imaginary life works too!).
• Write from the heart.
• Follow your curious mind.
• Learn form and structure first.
• Use family and friends to find character inspiration.
• Be observant. Bring a notebook wherever you go, writing down notes or interesting things that could later make it into a story, poem, or essay.
• Be daring with your words. Keep an interesting word log and record new words you come across—words you don't know or words you don't use very often. Other books you're reading or listening to others' conversations are great ways to collect interesting words or tidbits.


Ways to Encourage Your Young Writers

Make writing/journaling dates together. Go to a special local spot to grab a hot chocolate or smoothie, and bring your pens or pencils, journals or laptops. Write about what you observe, or how the smoothie tastes, or what you're most looking forward to over the summer. Writing by hand is always helpful for younger writers and readers, but if typing on a computer is more inspiring for him or her—let them go for it.

Encourage your child to share their work with you. Make sure you find three or four things to praise, and one suggestion to improve their work. It can be a school piece or something fun your child did at home.

Read together daily, as part of your routine. Or, if your child is older, check in and make sure your child is open to reading for leisure. Of course you can, and should, still read together too!

When you're reading together, ask your child to point out his or her favorite words, or words her or she doesn't know. Write them down in a journal, and look them up together. Later your child will have an entire well of word possibilities when feeling stumped.

Celebrate your child's imagination, always encouraging them to unleash their wildest thoughts and stories. Who knows—it could be the next Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or James and the Giant Peach!

Be as encouraging as possible, offering your child affirmation and positive reinforcement in their creative work.


Easy Writing Activities for Writers of All Ages

Make lists. Start with simple topics, like "10 things that remind you of spring" or "Five of your favorite animals." Then, see how your child can incorporate these ideas into a story, essay, or poem. Remember, they can be as imaginative as they'd like!

Use artwork, pictures, or photos for inspiration. You can even see if your child would rather draw a picture first before writing. Then they can use that drawing to create a story. Hint: These make great character or setting sketches!

Write a how-to piece. Let your child choose write about what their favorite thing to make, do, or practice is. For example, if she loves to ride bikes with friends, let her see if she can put together interesting directions on how to ride a bike. (It's harder than you probably think!) This allows the writer to really strip down their writing technique and get to the core of their writing. It's just a great way to practice simplifying your writing.

Make an "I Remember" collage. This exercise is inspired by author Joe Brainard, who wrote a collection of memories using "I Remember" at the start of each recollection. You should definitely do one too! Then, come together and read them out loud. You'll even sense a poem unfolding as you read/write these.


A Few Resources

Check out Second Story Window for some fun, prompted writing activities for kids, including workbooks, worksheets, etc. For example, find writing activities and crafts for each month of the year here.

Reading & Writing Readiness Pinterest board has some great resources for kids' writing and storytelling activities as well.


Inspiring Personalized Book for Young Writers

hooray-for-you-personalized-book

Hooray for You! Personalized Book

Hooray for You! is the perfect gift to show someone how special they really are. What better way to celebrate a child's unique traits than by giving them a personalized book made just for them?

Personalize your book now


More Bears! Personalized Book

More Bears! Personalized Book

Warning: More Bears! is not a bedtime story—it was written to be read (and yelled!) out loud. This delightfully silly personalized book is sure to have your child calling out "More Bears!" within the first few pages!

Personalize your book now


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Happy World Read Aloud Day: Raise your child to be a lifelong reader and an eager learner by reading aloud to your child!

March 5, 2014

Happy World Read Aloud Day!

(Artwork from Marianne Richmond's Hooray for You!)

First and foremost, it's never too early to start reading aloud to your child, or even to the bump in your belly! Reading to your little one, or simply reading together, no matter your child's age, is one of the most organic ways to bond with your child.


Furthermore, reading aloud helps develop your child's literacy skills at a young age. From vocabulary to phonics to comprehension, storytelling, and interaction with the printed word, reading books to children is a powerful tool for any parent looking to instill an early love of reading and learning!

If your child is getting ready to enter preschool or kindergarten, reading aloud together is a great preparation for this big, exciting change in his or her life. By reading books and stories aloud as often as possible, you're already introducing them to the importance of reading and getting them ready to start on their amazing journey of education.

If you have a baby or children and you're still feeling a smidge nervous to read aloud to your child (yes, it's normal!), choose books with a natural rhythm or rhyme to them. Perhaps practice when you're alone if you think it would help, and make sure you put yourself in a comfortable situation. Despite any sort of nerves you may feel, your child will be delighted and enthralled by the sound of your voice, even if you stumble over words or mispronounce a character's name. Go for it! You'll get used to it and learn to love it, we promise!


Every Parent Needs to Hear Some Positive Reinforcement…

• Babies love, love, love the sound of your voice! They also love to look at colorful pictures. Reading a book with your baby in your lap is one of the easiest, and most natural, ways to bond.

• Even if you think your child is too old to be read aloud to, think again! Reading aloud is great for older kids who are just starting to read aloud at school as well as voice their opinions in class. Take turns reading chapter books aloud, or let your child read the chapter book to you. Your child is never too old to enjoy a good book read aloud. Even though they may fight it at first, fight back and read aloud anyway!


Before You Read

• Start by turning off all distractions. This includes phones, televisions, laptops, etc.

• Find a comfortable place to read—a special rocking chair, find a seat on your favorite comfy couch or chair, or make a nest by the fireplace. Find somewhere that you can call your special reading spot.

• Commit to a routine time (morning or evening) and do your best to fit in reading aloud whenever possible. Reading aloud for at least 15 minutes each day will really make a positive difference in your child's development, as well as enhance their willingness to learn and read as they grow.

• Before you start reading the book you or your child has picked out, ask your child what they think the book is about. Show them the cover, read about the author, and look at some of the pictures together. Let them observe the book's details before you start. Compare your hypotheses once you've finished the story!


While You Read

• Get into your reading character. Use the book's cues to dress up or dress down your voice as appropriate. It's important for your child to hear you reading with changes in your voice and at a varying pace.

• Remember to use the correct tone, volume, and animation as you see fit. Incorporate sounds if you feel so inclined! There's no reason to hold back! Read with confidence and expression! Reading in a funny, intense, or loud voice to accommodate the tone of the book will really help your child get into the story, and they'll love it!

• Make sure you read slowly enough so your child can still soak the story in and have enough time to process the pictures and artwork.

• Let your child hold the book and/or turn the pages. Urge your child to point out pictures they like or things they find interesting in the illustrations or words.

• Encourage your children to ask about the characters, pictures, or words. Or, if they're reluctant, ask them questions about the story. Take the time to discuss the story afterward by asking your child about certain parts of the books, especially if there is a prominent lesson or powerful message (in most cases there is!).


After You Read

• If you have time, scan the book before you and your child get together to read and see if you can find connections to your family's personal experiences. You can then discuss them after you've finish the story!

• If you end up reading a story your child is particularly familiar with or it's already one of their favorites, challenge your child to tell you the story and praise them for their retelling!

Reading stories aloud is such a productive and happy way to enjoy books on a personal level together. Happy World Read Aloud Day!


Recommended Reads to Light the Way in Celebration of World Read Aloud Day! Find Below a Few of Our Personalized Books with Repetition and Rhyme:

Find Me If You Can Personalized Book

Find Me If You Can Personalized Book


Find Me If You Can is an interactive picture book designed to help your child develop observational skills in a fun search-and-find setting. Each spread introduces a new theme with vibrant eye-catching scenes. This book is especially great for both boys and girls with a lot of energy and who are eager to play and participate while reading.

Personalize your book now


More Bears! Personalized Book

More Bears! Personalized Book


Warning: More Bears! is not a bedtime story—it was written to be read (and yelled!) out loud. This delightfully silly personalized book is sure to have your child calling out "More Bears!" within the first few pages!

Personalize your book now


Home Sweet Tree Personalized Book

Home Sweet Tree Personalized Book


The Berenstain Bears clan invites your child into their home to explore all the fun places they play and eat lots of cookies, all while sharing the importance of home. This customized version will allow you to add your child's name, photo, and a message, and the bears will personally invite your son or daughter to join in on the excitement inside their Home Sweet Tree.

Personalize your book now


What Makes You Giggle? Personalized Book

What Makes You Giggle? Personalized Book


Come along for a roaring ride of tummy tickles and giggles as Elmo, Abby, and your child delve into all kinds of fun things that make us laugh and smile. Join all of your Sesame Street friends for a laugh at the zoo, a chuckle at Oscar's birthday party, and a smile in Cookie Monster's kitchen.

Personalize your book now

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Celebrate Read Across America Day with Put Me In The Story and discover where you can go with a good book!

March 1, 2014

Happy Read Across America Day!

Happy Read Across America Day from Put Me In The Story! Let's honor this nationwide reading celebration with unique, personalized books that will get your kids excited about reading and writing. Don't forget to read loud and proud with your little ones today…and every day, of course.


For fun reading tips to celebrate Read Across America Day, scroll down!


Save 33% on the titles below with coupon code USA33

Isabella: Star of the Story Personalized Book

Isabella: Star of the Story Personalized Book


An ordinary trip to the library turns into an imaginative, literary adventure! As soon as you open the pages of this book, your little girl will be flying as Peter Pan to the children's section of the library, searching for the book that is juuust right as Goldilocks, setting off on a legendary dive as Captain Nemo, and more.

Personalize Your Book Now


More Bears! Personalized Book

More Bears! Personalized Book


Warning: More Bears! is not a bedtime story—it was written to be read (and yelled!) out loud. This delightfully silly personalized book is sure to have your child calling out "More Bears!" within the first few pages!

Personalize your book now


Hooray for You Personalized Book

Hooray for You! Personalized Book


Hooray for You! is a celebration of "you-ness"—the grand sum of body, mind and heart that makes every person truly unique!

Personalize your book now


I Believe in You Personalized Book

I Believe in You Personalized Book


The title of this vibrantly illustrated children's book expresses everything that your child wants to hear. I Believe in You encourages your child to see their own strengths and talents as you do.

Personalize your book now


Inspire young readers today by…

• Reading a book with rhyme or song! Books with rhymes are great to read out loud, and are especially helpful for those younger kids just starting to read.

• Reading as a family, reading often, and reading aloud! Helping your child develop into a lifelong reader starts at home.

• Reading books that will take you somewhere you've never been today. It can be a book set in a unique location or an imaginary place.

• Embracing imagination! Imagination is one of your child's most powerful tools. Nurture it. Play dress up with inspiration from your child's favorite story. This will make reading the book that much more fun!

• Creating a colorful reading chart and putting together a realistic plan for you and your children to read more. Commit to your reading plan by taking a pledge together.

• Choosing books to read that celebrate reading, imagination, and your child's unique traits.


* Use coupon code USA33 to take advantage of this offer and receive 33% off our regular price shown on the website. Your discount will be applied to the following titles: I Believe in You, Hooray for You!, More Bears!, and Isabella:Star of the Story, and will be calculated at the time of checkout. Shipping and taxes are excluded from the discounted amount. Offer expires 3/05/14 at 11:59pm CST.
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New For You—More Bears

June 19, 2013

More Bears! Personalized Book for Kids

Great news! We're very excited to announce that a new personalized book has just been added to Put Me In Story today. Award winning author, and 2013 children's poet laureate, Kenn Nesbitt's popular book More Bears! is now available for personalization for the special child in your life.


More Bears! Personalized Book Warning: More Bears! is not a bedtime story. This story was written to be read (and yelled!) out loud. This delightfully silly, personalized story will have your child calling out "More Bears!" within the first few pages. This interactive book will also have your child eager for reading as well as for "More Bears!"

Personalized With Your Child's Name Throughout the Book

When you personalize More Bears! your child's photo will appear throughout the ENTIRE story!

More Bears! Personalized Book for Kids

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