March Into Reading Month with Big Play Freddy

As a little boy, children’s author John Ribbing was a voracious reader. While his classmates ate lunch and enjoyed recess, John could often be found wrapped up in a favorite new book. These days, getting kids excited about stories, books, and reading has been one of John’s passions. It only stands to reason that the entire country celebrating literacy together throughout the month of March is something he finds to be extra special!

Let’s back up and get into how this father of four, former Marine, coach, entrepreneur, and marketing specialist went from lover of reading as a child to lover of writing … and added ‘author’ to his repertoire!

What inspired ‘Big Play Freddy: The Greatest Football of All Time’?

Our oldest son loved football from as far back as anyone can remember, and he also loved being read to. As a little guy, his favorite book Kick, Pass, and Run by Leonard Kessler was that “Again! Again! Read it again!” book in our house. My wife and I knew it by heart, our son knew it by heart, the dog may have even known it by heart. On my 300,000 th reading of Kick, Pass, and Run, I thought that perhaps a new football book might be in order! Because I love to read, I also love to write, and so the journey of, ‘Big Play Freddy: The Greatest Football of All Time’ began.

Can you tell me a little bit about the story?

In a nutshell, Freddy is the star of the Mustangs football team, but he’s not a player…Freddy is a football! Throughout the story, Freddy is busy preparing for the big championship game and, more importantly, helping his friend Slippery Sam along the way. It’s just a really endearing story that’s engaging for kids with an underlying message of working hard to achieve your goals while being willing to accept a helping hand along the way.

There are lots of personal connections nestled throughout ‘Big Play Freddy’ that are meaningful to my sons and myself, like team colors, for example. These touches makes it an especially neat read for family and friends, yet are so subtle that they go unnoticed by anyone else enjoying the book.

What do you want readers to take away from ‘Big Play Freddy’?

In addition to the themes of perseverance, supportive relationships, and giving your all that are woven throughout the story, I want children who are aspiring authors, and all kids for that matter, to know that their stories matter. No matter who they are their stories are worthy to be shared.

Ready to order your own copy of ‘Big Play Freddy’ today? Just click here.

Find out how GrapeSEED can help your budding authors builds the bridge to from oral language to reading and writing by clicking here.

Ready, Set, Grow! A New Year with LittleSEED & GrapeSEED

August 17, 2026
The first few weeks of school have always mattered, but this year they may be more important than ever!
#BackToSchool2026 #ClassroomCommunity #StudentBelonging #SEL #DifferentiatedInstruction #StudentEnga

Starting the School Year Strong: Building Community, Confidence, and Connection

August 3, 2026
The first few weeks of school have always mattered, but this year they may be more important than ever!

Crayons, Confidence & Kindergarten: Getting Your Young Students Ready!

May 25, 2026
Kindergarten is a big step in a child’s learning journey. It’s a time of exciting growth, discovery, and new routines. For families and educators of PreK and Young 5s children—including multilingual learners—preparing for this transition can help set the stage for a confident and joyful start to school. What Does “Kindergarten Ready” Mean? Kindergarten readiness is more than knowing letters and numbers. It includes a wide range of skills that help children feel safe, connected, and capable in a classroom environment. These skills include: Social & Emotional Skills : Can your child follow directions, express emotions, take turns, and ask for help? Language & Communication : Are they comfortable speaking and listening, even in their home language? Early Literacy & Math : Can they recognize some letters, numbers, and perhaps write their name? Motor Skills : Can they hold a pencil, use scissors, and manage clothing zippers or buttons? Supporting Multilingual Learners Children who speak more than one language bring unique strengths to the classroom! Here’s how we can support them: Honor Their Home Language : Encourage families to keep speaking and reading in their home language. A strong foundation in one language supports learning in English. Build Vocabulary : Use real-life experiences—grocery shopping, playing at the park, cooking—to teach and repeat new words in both languages. Create a Welcoming Environment : Use visuals, gestures, and routines that help all children understand and participate.  Simple Ways to Prepare at Home Read Daily : Share books in any language. Talk about the pictures and ask questions. Practice Routines : Try morning and bedtime routines similar to what they’ll experience in kindergarten. Talk Often : Describe what you’re doing, ask open-ended questions, and give your child time to respond. Play Together : Board games, pretend play, puzzles, and outdoor play build thinking and social skills. A Partnership Between Home and School Kindergarten readiness is a team effort. When teachers and families work together—especially in support of multilingual learners—children gain the confidence to thrive. Each child develops at their own pace, and readiness is not about perfection, but progress. Let’s celebrate every small step on the path to kindergarten! At GrapeSEED, we’re all about supporting children as they develop and prepare for their own next steps in their education journeys. Learn more about us by clicking here and consider getting started today!

English in Motion: Engaging Multilingual Learners with TPR

May 4, 2026
For teachers of multilingual learners, one of the most powerful tools for teaching English is something you already use every day: your body! Movement and physicality can unlock understanding and make language memorable for learners. One highly effective approach is Total Physical Response (TPR) , a method developed by Dr. James Asher that connects language with physical actions. What is Total Physical Response (TPR)? TPR is a teaching method where teachers give commands in English and students respond with physical actions. For example, when you say, "Stand up" or "Open the book," learners act it out. This approach mirrors how children learn their first language—through listening and doing before speaking. Discover how using movement and physical actions can make English come alive for multilingual learners. This short guide shows you how Total Physical Response (TPR) builds confidence, comprehension, and classroom energy—without needing any extra materials Why Use TPR? Supports comprehension : Physical actions give students visual and kinesthetic clues to understand meaning. Reduces stress : There’s no pressure to speak right away. Learners can participate by simply listening and moving. Builds memory : The body helps the brain remember. Actions anchor vocabulary and structures in long-term memory. Engages learners : Movement keeps energy high and focuses attention, especially with younger students or those new to English. Discover how using movement and physical actions can make English come alive for multilingual learners. This short guide shows you how Total Physical Response (TPR) builds confidence, comprehension, and classroom energy—without needing any extra materials. How to Use TPR in the Classroom Start simple : Begin with everyday commands—sit down, stand up, raise your hand, touch your nose. Demonstrate each one clearly. Repeat and vary : Use repetition but change the order or speed to keep it fun. Add new vocabulary : Introduce verbs, classroom objects, or actions related to topics—run, jump, draw, point to the window. Involve students : Let them give commands once they’re ready. This encourages speaking without pressure. Use it across subjects : Combine TPR with songs, stories, or content lessons like science and math to support language across the curriculum. Movement is not just a break from learning—it is learning. When student teachers use TPR and physicality in English instruction, they make language come alive. Whether you're teaching young learners or newcomers of any age, using your body to teach builds confidence, comprehension, and connection. So next time you plan a lesson, don’t just say it— show it, move it, and live it . GrapeSEED’s Daily Lesson Plans each include movement called “Action Activities”. Learn more about these Action Activities, our other components, and how to get started with GrapeSEED in your classroom !
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