Literacy and the Youngest Learner

by V. Susan Bennett-Armistead, Nell K. Duke, Annie M. Moses

Research shows that literacy—the ability to listen, speak, read, and write - begins developing long before children enter elementary school. This book helps early childhood educators nurture that development. It begins with an argument for offering children literacy-rich activities and creating an environment for carrying out those activities. It then focuses on enjoyable and effective ways to build essential skills, such as oral language and phonemic awareness, and create dramatic play areas, book nooks, writing centers, and other literacy-rich spaces. Includes photographs, student work, and straight talk about kids and learning, Literacy and the Youngest Learner is destined to become a classic.

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Andria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this book was written for educators in day care and preschool settings, I picked it up off the half-price table at the parent/teacher store to see if it would give me some good ideas as a stay-at-home mother. Scholastic publishes some of the best educational texts! This book gave me plenty of new ideas for incorporating literacy development into playtime and storytime, as well as during grocery shopping and other errands. Some ideas will work now, but most work best when the kids are talking more.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the subtitle directs the book toward ‘educators,’ many parents would gain significant insight from this informative volume. After reading it, our state library consultant told the author that this should be given to every parent in the state. However, the author has done just that! She has also written “”Beyond Bedtime Stories” which is directed at parents and gives many practical, easy activities to incorporate into even the busiest of days. Both of these books also give ideas for how to talk, and even how to listen, to preschoolers. One of my favorite sections is “Things Not to Do When Talking With Children.”
Each section is well-organized with large headings and subheadings. The “Concluding Thoughts” sum up each chapter. Additional relevant information is highlighted on partial or full light blue pages, as well as in sidebars. Black and white photos showing children in various activities are scattered throughout, but do not enhance the text although the captions do reiterate points made in the text. The helpful photos are the ones showing actual writing done by children. Also very helpful are the developmental signposts, such as what sounds a normally developing three-year-old should be able to use
The section “Frequently Asked Questions” provides additional practical ideas, including using commercial book clubs (such as Troll, Scholastic) and asking civic groups to help with specific needs. The tone of the book is very friendly and supportive but not condescending. It’s like you are sitting down with the authors and they are using their experience and knowledge to help you build a literacy foundation for children with whom you work. I chuckled at the statement in response to how do we do this with limited funds: “You are resourceful and smart. If you can get a 3-year-old to eat peas, you can solve this!”
This book should be read by anyone working with preschoolers in day cares, Head Starts, nursery schools, and preschools! Next we need a chapter or similar book about integrating the use of handheld devices with literacy for preschoolers.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Research-based information very well presented for practical use, with photos, lists, examples, etc.

[Rye Thomasdatter · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice resource but heavy in "letter of the week" style of teaching.