The Field Guide to
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Tools
to Help You Raise or Care for the Young Children in Your Life
The
Field Guide to Parenting
Children's Bookstore
The
Bilingual Edge: Why, When, and How to Teach Your Child a Second
Language by Kendall King and Alison Mackey
HarperCollins, 2008
What Your Preschooler Needs to Know: Read-Alouds to Get Ready for Kindergarten
edited by E. D. Hirsch, Jr.
Delta Trade, 2008
In The Bilingual Edge, two professions of linguistics at Georgetown University take a strong stand that not only is it never too late to learn a second language, but it is never too early either. The "edge" is the advantages of bilingualism which are many: enhanced creativity, elf-esteem, academic ability, cross-culture understanding, and later on, a plus on job applications. The good news is that parents don't have to know a second language them self to help their child learn one. With a startling 1 of 5 households in the US speaking a language other than English, the arguments in favor of stating early are compelling.
A well organized book, it includes Quick Tips, Spotlight on Research, Points to Remember, Exercises, and Wrap Up at the end of chapters. There is much information here divided into four sections, the first of which is the argument for two languages . Then, advice on how to choose a language and when to start is followed by "how?" and a final section answering all the "what if" questions. The authors have outlined a clear and compelling case for bilingualism at an early age, and offered everything you need to know to get your child started.
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Race: A History Beyond Black and White
by Marc Aronson Ginee Seo Books/Atheneum, 2007 The author of this sweeping, in-depth history of race from the dawn of mankind to the present in the West is white, and confront his own biases head on. In fact, he believes that people are wired, so to speak, to be prejudiced not only from experiences and the models around us, but separateness, "them" against "us" has been passed on to us from ancient people. While the history of race is tragic and horrific at times, the lesson to be learned is that prejudice is real and part of human nature; awareness of that and what we do with it is what matters or makes a difference. Do we believe everything or do we question? Are we in touch with many kinds of people, or only those that think like us or share physical features? Do we accept whatever is spread across the Internet, or do we become conscious of how easy it is today to spread baseless, senseless hatred? At over 300 pages including photos and graphics, ample notes, bibliography, and index, Race may be a challenge to tackle in both size and scope, but it is well worth the effort. An important resource, especially for white American blissfully ignorant of the depth of race issues in our country. |
The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program to Safeguard Children Against
Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience by
Martin E. P. Seligman
Houghton Mifflin, 13th edition, 2007
Still, one of the most influential books for parents, this edition includes a new afterword by Seligman called, "A Progress Report on Optimism." The program outlined in the book now has studies proving its efficacy, and a training program for parents has been created as a result, among other developments. U.S. Department of Education grant funded a pilot project to teach Language Arts with Positive Psychology, and has implications for a new way of teaching history, math, and science, too. Not only does this book help prevent depression at home, but now is working in education, too. It's great to see positive results and applications from this work. A work full of hope.
by Arianna Huffington , Little
Brown, 2007
Fear is universal. It touched everyone--
but it clearly doesn't stop everyone.
Who better to show us the way to fearlessness than the outspoken, undaunted Arianna Huffington, founder of the influential online Huffington Post. The things we fear at work, in parenting, about money and aging can limit us--women sacrifice much for the things we fear. Arianna speaks from experience and gathers stories from women to illustrate the nature of common fears as well as the courage to face those fears. Women are encouraged to be all they can be and experience all there is in life, and in the process of overcoming fear, we may just find our inner voice that "helps us align with our purpose."
An excellent read for the brave and about-to-be-brave women, especially the last chapter about fear of and our connection to our culture and the world. Well done.
Unplugged Play: No
Batteries. No Plugs. Pure Fun.
Publisher: Workman Publishing Company (July 11, 2007)
From the 20-year host of NPR's radio show, The
Parent's Journal, comes
The pay ideas are well-organized and readers can see at a glance the age range, the number of people required, and which activities are quick and easy. All are appropriate for home or child care, require only inexpensive materials, and are child-tested. Some familiar games are included but there is something new for everybody as well.
The Introduction about the power of non-technological play (in other words, running, jumping, playing large motor skill games, etc.) is convincing. Our world may be changing but the needs of children to play in the timeless way, play freely, play alone and with others, in ways that help them explore, experiment, and experience their world haven't changed all that much. Bobbi challenges us to "dare to unplug" and then demonstrates how to play for joy, intelligence and connection.
As activity books for parents go, this is a cut above the rest.
by Jackie Silberg
Gryphon House, 2006
Over 200 games, crafts, activites, and poems foster the development of the senses in young children. Many include titles of children's books to read. Organized by the senses, each activity further states which specific skills it teaches. Short activities, inexpensive materials, and easy directions make this a practical book to have on hand, both for planning curriculum and for spontaneous activities.
by Pam Schiller, Gryphon House, 2006
Sturdy large cards with bright borders and clear pictures are divided
into 8 categories than young ones will recognize, such as "Me and My
Body." The back of each photo card is well organized for easy us with
added vocabulary, conversation starters, rhymes, activities, American
Sign Language, and books for further reading. Perfect for new parents
learning how to talk and play with babies and toddlers; a must-have for
every infant and toddler classroom or caregiver. Perfect for a small
group or to use one on one. Comes with a zippered carrying case and
dividers. A great teaching tool; an even better play thing!
A
Running Start:
How Play, Physical Activity and Free Time Create a Successful Child
by Rae Pica, Marlowe and Co., 2006
Does your child play enough?
A simple question, but the parents, teachers, and child care providers of today may not find the answer quite so easy, and may be surprised to learn that free play time is essential to a child's growth and development. A Running Start shows you why, when and how to help foster a child's growth and development with active games and activities, and sometimes, by leaving your children alone to explore, practice, and learn new things naturally on their own.
"Helping Your Child Master Movement" is an excellent guide to the types of motor skills mastered in childhood, including locomotor and gymnastic skills. The understanding of physical development provides the basis from which parents can work in deciding about everything from when a child is developmentally ready to start a team sport to evaluating the amount of play time vs. standardized testing at school.
A great chapter on organized sports, competition, and the common pitfalls parents and coaches often fall into should be recommended reading for all parents and coaches who are contemplating team sports.
Physical and movement skills are taken one step further than just helping children develop--these skills are one of the multiple intelligences that are valuable to children throughout their lives. That is, being strong in bodily and kinesthetic skills is a kind of intelligence, as surely as math and science.
With a title that has "running" in it, you may be surprised at how simple, easy, and sometimes quiet it can be to give your child what they need. "The Power of Boredom" section shows the value of free time and quiet time. So, don't underestimate the importance of star gazing or skipping, jumping, hopping. If you let the children play and play with them sometimes, they will have a running start on lifelong skills.
An important, well-researched,
easy-to-read book. I can't recommend it highly enough.
Over
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