Recently educator Mandy Swan of the Kinderberry Hill Child Development Centers in Plymouth, Minnesota , used  the very popular Bur Bur's Boating ABC's children's book as part of curriculum for her pre-schoolers. Below is an interview about how she built upon the theme. The book is the first in a series of educational stories that use a cast of multilcultural characters, Bur Bur and Friends, who educate kids about sports, outdoor exploration and active play.

How did you choose Bur Bur's Boating ABC's book as part of your lesson plan?

We decided to incorporate "Bur Bur's Boating ABC's" into our lesson plan based on the fact that we were doing a unit on summer and summer activities. In Minnesota (the land of 10,000 lakes) boating is a common summer activity and we felt it might make the children more familiar with boating safety and be more apt to enjoy it.

How did you use the book in your lesson plan?

We chose to read the book on day during our group time activity and then we discussed all the things we learned. We talk a lot about safety and how to stay safe when you are on a boat. We also discussed the animals we saw especially those the children didn't know like the Egret.

What was the response from the kids?

The kids love all the Bur Bur books and always want to read them so when it came time to read the book they got very excited. It was their favorite ABC book and we would always incorporate the Bur Bur books into our lesson plans they are great books and both educational and fun.

Any Advice to other educators considering the same theme?

I highly recommend using the Bur Bur books as part of the pre-school curriculum. The books are fun and they also teach meaningful lessons. They are also very versatile and go with many possible classroom themes.

Note: These beautifully illustrated children's books are a must see. To view pages within the Bur Bur and Friends books for kids, please visit   http://burburandfriends.com/products

 Great Children's Book Review Award Testimonials from Bur Bur's Boating ABCs

"I have never seen another book that offers young children an introduction to the world of boating. We are on the lake every weekend in the summer and this was a perfect addition to our library for our young daughter."  — iParenting Media Awards reviewer

"I loved the diversity in this book. It also offers questions on many pages, which promotes interaction between parent and child while reading." — Learning Magazine Teacher's Choice Awards — For the Family reviewer

 "My kids were very interested in the active role they were able to play as this book was read. The details in the pictures amazed them!" — Learning Magazine Teacher's Choice Awards — For the Family reviewer

 Originally posted at http://burburandfriendsblog.com

http://burburandfriendsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/boatingcvr1207seal.jpg

 Using a diverse cast of characters, Bur Bur and Friends stories take children along on a series of first-time experiences. Simple text and colorful illustrations nurture young imaginations and inspire kids to get active. The characters are based off of real kids and the stories are real experiences.