Category: bela and lily
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Free Printable: Making New Friends Helpful Thoughts Poster for Back to School
The start of the school year always reminds me of when my son, Kian, started kindergarten. He loves socializing, but tends to be cautious in new situations. So making friends the first few months of kindergarten was a journey for him. We live next door to our elementary school, so every day during recess I…
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Free Toolkit: Drawing Friends in the Style of Natasha Khan Kazi
Seeing my books in a library is always a thrill. I understand the consideration and cost that goes into curating a library collection. But I would be lying if I said seeing Bela and Lily in the inaugural collection of the Chicago Library Obama Presidential Center branch wasn’t a little extra special. I knew thousands…
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Easy Watercolor Collage Pollinator Art Inspired By Picture Book
A One-Class Mixed Media Pollinator Art Lesson Using Watercolor, Colored Pencil, and Collage for Grades 2-5 One of the most important skills artists develop is learning how to see. When children first begin drawing, they often believe every part of a picture deserves the same amount of attention. Every flower needs petals. Every blade of…
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Not Just Another Friendship Read Aloud
Bela and Lily is a friendship picture book read aloud that helps elementary students explore empathy, communication, and making friends across language barriers. This SEL-focused story opens meaningful classroom discussions about kindness, inclusion, and connection. 5 Ways to Use This Friendship Read Aloud in the Classroom When I wrote Bela and Lily, I tapped into…
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Free Printable: Qualities of a Friend Poster
Why Teaching Kids About Friendship Matters Friendship skills aren’t just a “nice to have” — they’re a core part of children’s emotional and social development. As a parent, educator, or caregiver, one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a clear understanding of what it means to be a good friend and…