Mystery Books Pique Curiosity for your Kiddos

What makes a whodunit so fun to read?

The suspense, of course!

Here's why mystery books are great tools for skill-building, too:

1. They're BIG on Details

• Was there a footprint in the attic?  
• A sock left on the floor?  

Mysteries are full of little details that could prove to be important clues.
Learning to pay close attention to such specifics is a key skill that readers will have to master to deepen their understanding, and it will make reading more rewarding for them. 



2. They make KIDS ask "WHY"

Mysteries are all about cause and effect.  Recognizing a suspect's motives is a big part of appreciating a mystery, and trying to figure out why a culprit did it keeps those pages turning.  

Even the most hesitant readers will want to get to the end to see how the story unfolds.  Understanding cause and effect early will make tackling the concept in longer stories and novels easier later on.




3. They encourage Re-Reading!

Nothing improves reading skills like practice, practice and more practice. Revisiting a familiar text can help young readers build confidence, and it's a lot of fun to go back and see what clues they missed. 

Plus, sometimes a story is EVEN better when kids know how it ends- it's almost like being let in on a secret!

Some Great Page Turners to check out:


Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

The boy detecitve who "likes to work along" finds lost balloons, books, slippers - even a goldfish.  A great introduction to chapter books for newly independent readers.  Random House. $6.  Ages 5 to 8.





Alphabet Mystery by Audrey Wood

A colorful book that makes learning lowercase letters a breeze, this story tells of the disappearance of the letter x, who leaves the alphabet after realizing that he's hardly ever used.  Scholastic, $12.  Ages 3 to 5.






The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

Sixteen people are invited to hear the reading of millionaire Samuel.  Westing's will. Who will inherit his fortune?  And more importantly, who murdered him?  Follow the will's clues to find out!  Penguin, $8. Ages 8 and up. 

@KelleyAmstutz

/kel.amstutz

KAMSTUTZ09

Also posted on: https://kam0900.wordpress.com

Personal Post : Today you started school....

Today was a day that I wish life were different.  

I wish that I was there.  

My big girl started Pre-K today and although I was able to take some time to see her off to her very first ever day of school, I had to miss hearing all about her day.  I had to miss hearing about the new friends she just made. I had to miss seeing her enthusiastic face as she saw familiar faces at the end of the day. 

It is these things that make it hard. 

To Miss Four (4) -

You were awake before Mommy this morning. 

We were sure not to make a mention of your big day all weekend long. 

It was at this moment, at a bright six o'clock a.m. that you had your first melt down. Your tears were abundant and left a trail of wet riverbeds on your rosy cheeks. 

"I don't want to go to school." 

It was your sis who came to the rescue, telling you all about how much fun Pre-K would be, the new friends you were sure to meet (yes, you were insistent that your new friends would be named Kait, like yourself) and the toys you would play with, the things you would learn and the infamous "snack time" that was to be had. 



This caused those tears to disappear.  

You were finally excited that today had begun. (Mommy, eh, not so much) 

We got you dressed. Did your hair. Fed your rumble-y tummy. We said our good-bye's to sis as she boarded the bus, as you eagerly waited (backpack on and ready to go) for  your time to come. 


We set on our journey a short time later and had a picture session (mini for course) before we entered your new Pre-School. You were being such a Big Girl, putting your tough face on proudly. 



You found a hook for your backpack, grabbing on to my hand for support. You said your goodbyes and I walked you, hesitantly into the classroom. It was here you made your first friend, who took you by the hand and lead you to the toys and a group of other new girls who were sure to make you smile. 

I left you. 

I want to say that it was without a well of tears in my eyes, but the truth is, this was the hardest day for me, ever. I mean, you are my baby. It left me silent for a long while. Thinking. 

• Were you having a good time? 
• Were you crying? 
• Were you looking back wondering where we went? 

Today is not about me though. 

Today is about you.  

I went off to work only to call to check on you through Nana and Papa and find out that you did cry for a minute, but otherwise you had a great day. 

I can not wait to hear your stories, which we all know you are sure to tell.  I can't wait to see your face and find your excitement to go back on Thursday. 

This has been hard. 

I fear it will only get harder, but it is done.

We survived. 

Bring on Kindergarten!

Love you girls! 

~Mom~

RECIPE ALERT: Garlic Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Garlic Chicken Rigatoni Recipe

Here’s a punchy chicken and mushroom pasta that’s a family standard. 

Total Time:    30 Minutes

Makes:         4  servings

Ingredients:

8 ounces uncooked Rigatoni large tube pasta

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

1/2 cup boiling water

1/2 lb boneless chicken breasts, cubed

1/4 tsp garlic salt

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

1 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

3 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup white wine (or additional chicken broth)

2 tbsp minced fresh parsley

1/4 tsp dried basil

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

1/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Cook Rigatoni according to package directions. 

2. In a small bowl, combine tomatoes and boiling water; let stand for 5 minutes.  Drain. Chop tomatoes.

3. Sprinkle chicken with garlic salt; add flour and toss to coat.  

4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.  Add mushrooms and garlic; cook and stir until tender.  Add in broth, wine, parsley, seasoning and chopped tomatoes; bring to a boil. 

5. Stir in chicken; heat through.

6. Drain rigatoni; add to chicken mixture.  Sprinkle with cheese and toss to coat.

Serve with a nice french loaf bread!

@KelleyAmstutz

/kel.amstutz

KAMSTUTZ09

Also posted on: https://kam0900.wordpress.com