Reading Buddies {and a Little Lakeshore}
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This year I wanted to introduce reading buddies to my students. I’ve seen baskets full of them on Pinterest, and I’ve read that reading to stuffed animals can actually lead to improved reading among littles. I’ll try anything to get my kiddos excited about reading, so I knew I had to pick up some buddies!
Do you notice anything about my little friends? Here, take a closer look:
YUP! My reading buddies are actually shower puffs! Haha! It makes me giggle when I think about it, but they are seriously cute, and they were seriously cheap! Best of all, my firsties get a kick out of them, too, and love reading to them!
When I was on the search for reading buddies, every stuffed animal I picked up was $10 or more. It wasn’t in my budget to spend $50+ on this little addition to my classroom, so when I spotted these shower puff cuties at Pier 1, the wheels started turning! They have six different puffs: zebra, giraffe, lion, elephant, turtle, and duck.
Each puff is $3, so I was able to fill my basket for $18 🙂 Also, now that Christmas is coming {sort of}, Pier 1 came out with a few holiday themed puffs, like this adorable reindeer:
I will probably own him soon 🙂 Another plus: the fact that these guys are shower puffs makes them easily washable! Maybe someday I will upgrade to real stuffed animals, but for now, I’m in love!
Something else I’m in love with:
These games from Lakeshore Learning!
Phonics Language Lacers will help your little ones match words to the correct sounds while using fun shoe-shaped activity boards. This game has been great for my little firsties who are still struggling with this skill. The Shape Sorting Magnetic Board comes with 8 shapes and 40 picture cards so your kiddos can practice sorting by shape. My class is having a blast with these games during center time! If you’re interested in these products, or anything else from Lakeshore, be sure to use {THIS} coupon code for 25% off when you shop!! The offer expires 11/01 🙂
Disclaimer: A representative from Lakeshore Learning contacted me to do an honest review of these products. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and were not influenced by the company or the incentive given.
