Literacy Beginnings: A Prekindergarten Handbook

by Gay Su Pinnell, Irene Fountas

For prekindergarten children, language and play are the major tools for learning about the world, and they are also the most important tools for early literacy learning. The three- or four-year-old who takes a memo pad and marker around to family members "to take orders" for dinner, like all young children, makes no distinction between play and reading and writing. It all involves curiosity, learning, discovery, and excitement. Watch an overview webinar! In their latest professional book, Gay Su Pinnell and Irene Fountas show you how to tap into young children's excitement to introduce them to the world of literacy in joyful, engaging ways. As with their Continuum of Literacy Learning for grades K-8, they provide detailed descriptions of language and literacy behaviors and understandings for teachers to notice, teach, and support, while offering practical strategies for the prekindergarten classroom. Full of resources like songs, rhymes, and finger plays, Literacy Beginnings also includes 35 ready-to-use lessons to introduce young children to reading and writing. Start reading now!

Genres: Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Education

472 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2011

About the author

Gay Su Pinnell is Professor Emeritus in the School of Teaching and Learning at The Ohio State University. She has extensive experience in classroom teaching and field-based research, and she has developed and implemented comprehensive approaches to literacy education. She has been principle Investigator for two large-scale research projects, two utilizing randomized design. She has worked extensively in clinical tutoring and early intervention for young struggling readers. She received the International Reading Association's Albert J. Harris Award for research in reading difficulties. She also received the Ohio Governor's Award for contributions to literacy education and the Charles A. Dana Foundation Award, given for pioneering contributions in the fields of health and education. She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame.

Reviews

[Lisa Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive!

[Courtney K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to give me ideas for my 3, almost 4-year-old, as we aren't sending him to preschool. I've set up a writing station for him as a result of reading. I am relieved after reading this b/c I was worried about Bobo learning his letters. This talks about learning letters and reading all together. There are several features I loved about this book. The front and back covers show the set-up of the room and a suggested daily schedule. The appendix makes the book with all of it's language games and activities.

It is geared toward preschool teachers, as it should be (manual), so I wouldn't necessarily suggest it for parents or homeschoolers. I'm also reading Montessori, Waldorf and homeschool books. There is so much information out there, I could read forever. I would definitely suggest this book for an education class. It was easy to read, conversational and informational.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! This was a really well written example of what our preschoolers should be experiencing. I thought it was well written with a lot of examples and reasoning as to why they should be exposed to things.

[Sandy Citron · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent! One thing I've reflected on as a result, is the need to distinguish PreK from a Kinder classroom. I want to take play to the next level, and increase the rigor in kindergarten (while still respecting the development of the child).

[Jannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has every idea a preschool teacher would need to provide a rich literacy background for threes and fours.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book - describes how you can meet pre-k standards in a way that is fun for kids.

[Julie]

Lots of great ideas and lessons. I will use this book over and over.

[Nhensch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many useful and practical literacy ideas for my classroom.

[Angie Gajewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great early literacy resource for preschool teachers. It would also make a great textbook for a college class. I wonderful resource to have for preschools.