2020 was a lousy year in so many respects. As we reflect on the year, it’s easy to dwell on the bad and talk about all the challenges that came with the year. Instead, we choose to celebrate. 2020 wasn’t easy, but it sure did have some bright spots at Best Beginnings. 17,405 Alaska children Read More
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Books about Favorite Things
The Favorite Book by Bethanie Deeney Murguia (Preschool) Do you have a favorite color, or plant, or food? How do you know? Sometimes it is easy to pick a favorite and sometimes you keep changing your mind. This book poses questions and gives ideas about what is means to have a favorite but points out that the Read More
Ways to Embrace Your Child’s Favorite Things
Embracing repetition can create routine and add a little imagination to your child’s day. Re-reading and re-reading and re-reading… Have your child help retell the story with the pictures Use the story as the starting point for play Draw pictures inspired by the book Try other books by the same author Favorite characters Use the Read More
Embracing Favorite Things
“Again!” may be one of the most popular quotes from young children. It’s definitely up there with uh-oh, more, up, and mine. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that your child really wants to re-read the same books, play the same game, watch the same movie, or eat the same lunch for the umpteenth time. You Read More
Books, Books, Everywhere!
Recently my sister, brother, and I were tasked with clearing out our parents’ home and getting it ready to sell. There were books everywhere! As we took box after box of books to the local Goodwill, I reflected on how my parents’ interest in reading influenced my own. I don’t remember not being able to Read More
Books About Telling Our Stories
Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons (Preschool) When Lil Alan, his parents, and sister go down home, they join great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for a family reunion. They tell stories of the ancestors and visit the land that means so much to all of them, paying tribute to family history. All Read More
Tips for Telling Stories
The power of storytelling for children cannot be underestimated: Teaches problem solving skills and highlights resilience Activates the imagination Builds social emotional intelligence through empathy Aids development of listening and recall skills Gives them source material to use in imaginative play When telling stories, there are several ways to engage your child story: Add Read More
Stories We Tell
November is Native American/Alaska Native Heritage Month – and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to focus on oral storytelling. For most of us, no matter what your culture, there are stories that are passed down through the generations. No matter if you use a story knife or words, stories have Read More
Books to Explore the Sounds of Language
Babymoon by Hayley Barrett (Infant) This sweet and serene book celebrates the period after bringing a newborn baby home. During their babymoon, this family spends time together after the birth of their new baby, getting to know each other, learning about each other, and enjoying time together. This book is perfect for families who have recently welcomed Read More
Talk is Cheap – and Priceless.
People say talk is cheap, but for babies, talk is priceless. Talking with babies has been shown to have an amazing impact on the growth of their brains and development of language, key to their future success in school and in life. And, unlike products that are advertised to parents as critical to making their Read More