Games With Books: Twenty-eight of the Best Children's books and How to Use Them to Help Your Child Learn-From Preschool to Third Grade

by Peggy Kaye

Everyone knows how important it is to read with children. But how can you continue your child's learning experience and enjoyment of a story once you close the book?

In her engaging new book, Peggy Kaye shows parents and teachers how to play learning games based on classic children's books. Games with Books features 14 picture books, from Harold and the Purple Crayon to Bluesberries for Sa l and 14 chapter books, from Winnie the Pooh to Charlotte's Web . For each book, Kaye provides a summary and then offers three to four games that will keep kids entertained while they are practicing valuable reading, writing and math skills. The games require few materials and can easily be played both in home and at school. They cover a wide skill and age range. In addition to her creative and fun approach to learning, Kaye offers a wonderful bonus in her new a selective list of great children's books that no reader -- young or old -- will want to miss.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Parenting

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 21, 2002

About the author

Peggy Kaye has a master's degree in early childhood education from Columbia University's Teacher's College, and has taught in both public and private elementary schools in New York City.

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed through most of this book and played a lot of the games for the picture books with my kindergartner. He really enjoyed them. I think he liked every single game we tried. He didn't like every picture book and one of the chapter books (The Search for Delicious), but the games were all fun (while still learning).

I checked out at least 4 other learning games books by Peggy Kaye, but didn't have time to read through them. I chose to read this one since I love reading books so much to my kids. I had already read most of the chapter books to my boys (Charlotte's Web, Winnie-the-Pooh, Pippi Longstocking, Stuart Little). I will try more of Peggy Kaye's books of games in the future.

[Diann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great ideas. Even got me thinking about some ideas for other books that were not listed here. Really glad I read this!

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

In her engaging new book, Peggy Kaye shows parents and teachers how to play learning games based on classic children's books. "Games with Books" features 14 picture books, from "Harold and the Purple Crayon" to "Blueberries for Sal." For each book, Kaye provides a summary and then offers three to four games that will keep kids entertained while they are practicing valuable reading, writing, and math skills.
Great suggestions but not perfect for story time since there are only a couple of picture books highlighted and the activities are not always appropriate

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that we need to own because I can't do everything in it during the month we have had it from the library. I like how it ties things together and has simple games. Not something we'd do every week, but I plan on doing some of them this winter while we are locked inside.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Peggy Kaye's books that I've read so far; I need to stop bothering with the library with these and just buy them all. Her ideas are fun, practical, do-able and interesting. She's a treasure for homeschoolers and public schoolers alike!

[Karla]

I liked it, but I didn't love it.
While targeted for preschool and up, the majority of activities were not appropriate for the youngest audience, and it took more time than anticipated to find a good activity.

Recommended for first grade teachers and families.