These reviews appeared in the Stratford Gazette on April 28, 2011
Written by Sally Hengeveld, Librarian
Beyond Bedtime Stories: A Parent’s Guide to Promoting Reading, Writing, and Other Literacy Skills From Birth to 5, by V. Susan-Bennett-Armistead, Nell K. Duke and Annie M. Moses. 208 pages.
@ SPL: J 028.55 Ben
Few moments shared between a child and an adult are as close and magical as those spent reading a favourite book together.
A story can easily be “extended” with young children in fun and stimulating ways, fostering their reading (and pre-reading), writing, drawing, imaginative, listening and speaking skills. Stories can be acted out, discussed, enacted with puppets (try simple stick or paper bag puppets, or stuffed toys), and pictures of the characters from a story can be drawn and labeled.
In fact, a “literacy throughout the day” approach can be easily carried out at mealtime, playtime and bedtime – in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc. Singing the ABC song (or another favourite song), reading and sounding out signs together, printing family names, and playing guessing games are just a few of the many simple yet practical suggestions provided in Beyond Bedtime Stories. Ways to build phonological awareness are also suggested in this very helpful resource, as well as a list of some children’s stories which emphasize specific phonological awareness skills.
In addition, the theories behind the suggestions to increase emerging literacy skills – and why they work – are provided.
The three authors of this helpful, authoritative book are child-development experts, and the foreword has been written by Norman Bridwell, creator and author of the popular Clifford the Big Red Dog series.
** Recommended for parents, grandparents and caregivers.
Seven Skills for School Success: Activities to Develop Social and Emotional Intelligence in Young Children, by Pam Schiller, 128 pages.
@ SPL: 372.21 Sch
Why are social intelligence and emotional intelligence interdependent, and why are they so important in establishing a foundation for lifelong learning skills?
Researchers have known for some time that social and emotional intelligence “connections” are developed in the brain during the first 48 months of life, but what has more recent neurological research revealed about the forming of these capacities? How can parents encourage their child’s abilities to relate and play with others, understand how others feel, and express feelings?
How are the seven skills of confidence, curiosity, intentionality, self-control, communication, relating to others and co-operation fundamental to becoming successful learners? How can parents nurture and encourage the development of these skills in their preschoolers?
Author Pam Schiller, Ph.D, an early childhood author, speaker, consultant and former professor, answers these questions and more in Seven Skills for School Success, and provides useful information, activities and experiences to develop these skills. Relevant stories, songs and action rhymes are also listed in this practical, easy-to-use resource.
** Recommended for parents, grandparents and caregivers.
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