Nerd and Healthnut: Children's Books

Showing posts with label Children's Books. Show all posts

6.17.2013

Father's Day Gift

Aaron came from a home where children were read to and books were highly valued.

His mom said some of her best memories were laying on the bed with all her kids reading their favorite books. It didn't matter the broad range of ages, they all cuddled up together and listened. Today, Aaron is an avid reader and loves to spend his time reading fantasy and sci-fi, as well as a healthy dose of non-fiction :)

I also came from a home where reading was a favorite parent-child bonding activity. My mom would read the Boxcar Children, Anne of Green Gables, and Little House on the Prairie to me and my siblings.

Aaron and I both loved being read to and want our children to have the same experience.

I really wanted to find an activity that would be reserved just for Aaron and our baby. I first thought of infant massage, but Aaron didn't seem too excited about that. I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier, but reading will be the perfect activity for Aaron to bond with our baby! Especially at night when he is home from work/school and just wants to relax and unwind.

I decided start a collection of children's books as a first Father's Day gift. In preparation I read the book Baby Read-Aloud Basics which outlines the basics of reading to baby from birth on. This got me really excited, plus it gives a list of the best books for babies during different stages of development.

I bought some of Aaron's favorite children's books as well as some books from the list in Read-Aloud Basics. I bought most of the books for under $4 at various consignment stores, and the rest I bought used on Amazon.

I can't say enough good things about reading to your infants and children. It is the foundation for language and reading skills.
Let me repeat that: It is the FOUNDATION of language and reading skills!

Why is reading so important?

Becoming a good reader is not so much about being able to sound out words as it is the comprehension of words. When you read to a child they are learning the meaning and context of words.
Books contain words that are not usually used in everyday speech: i.e. "gloomy," "stumble," and "mischief." Being exposed to unfamiliar words helps build a more advanced vocabulary for later reading and language skills.
Children learn about intonation, grammar, and other speech skills. Especially when read rhymes and rhythmic passages.
There are many other benefits that I won't mention, but I highly recommend reading Baby Read-Aloud Basics to learn more about the benefits of reading to infants and children.

I started this collection of books for Aaron so that he can create a ritual with our baby, a ritual that not only helps them create a special bond, but helps set a strong foundation for future language and reading skills: One of the best things that any parent can do for their children.

What are some of your favorite children's books? Any suggestions for adding to our collection?

2.05.2013

Children's Book Review: Counting

I am thoroughly enjoying my children's literature class. Seriously. I actually look forward to my "homework" and I'm learning so much about children's books. It's amazing!
One idea I plan on implementing in my future home is going to the library every 1-2 weeks and checking out a whole basket of books and then just having them at the house for my kids to look through and read. It's a lot easier than trying to supply your own shelves with a variety of books, and you're kids will have more incentive to read because they always have new and exciting books. Well, at least that's my hope ;)

Anyway, here are a few books that I have read and found fun, and below is a list of my professors favorites.

What are your favorite counting/mathematical books?

The Baker’s Dozen
-It has rhymes and counts all the different types of pastries that a baker creates. The illustrations are fun, too.

Anno’s Counting Book
-This book counts all the way up to twelve by using the twelve months. The inhabitants and creatures of the town increase with each month. I really like this book because there are so many little surprises.

How High Can a Dinosaur Count?
-There aren't many dinosaurs in this book, but there are a lot of other animals and basic math problems. The problems in this book would suite elementary age kids.

How Many Blue Birds Flew Away?
-This book also has mathematical problems, which might be more for kids of at least 1st or 2nd grade.

1 Hunter
-This was one of my favorites, mainly because of the illustrations. If you have a child that loves animals they will love this one.

One Grain of Rice
-I am definitely adding this to my personal collection! It introduces the concept of exponential growth in a way that children can easily understand. Kids as young as preschool will enjoy the story, and older ones will understand the math concept (and enjoy the story, too).

I haven't personally read these books, but they are on my professor's favorites list:

The Water Hole. Graeme Base.
Paddington at the Beach. Michael Bond.
Click, Clack, Splish, Splash. Doreen Cronin
Pizza Counting. Christina Dobson.
Count! Denise Fleming.
Pigs from 1 to 10. Arthur Geisert.
Full Count. Brad Herzog.
1-2-3: A Child's First Counting Book. Alison Jay.
City by Numbers. Stephen Johnson.
How Many Baby Pandas? Sandra Markle.
Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3. Bill Martin, Michael Sampson Jr., and Lois Ehlert.
12 Ways to Get to 11. Eve Merriam.
The Number Garden. Sara Pinto.
Hardworking Puppies. Lynn Reiser.
The Twelve Days of Springtime: A School Counting Book. Deborah Lee Rose.
From One to One Hundred. Teri Sloat.
1-2-3. Simms Taback
Math Fables Too: Making Science Count. Greg Tang.
Mouse Count. Ellen Stoll Walsh.

If you missed my first post on children's books, you can read it here.

1.23.2013

Children's Book Reviews: Alphabet

As I mentioned earlier, I'm taking a Children's Literature class just for fun! I love going to class because we dissect popular books to get a better understanding of why children (and adults) enjoy them so much. We have also learned a lot about general concepts that make a great children's book, and I'd like to share a few with you:

A book needs to have a Major Dramatic Question--the question should be answered by the end either with "yes" or "no"
Shouldn't be too didactic--too much lecturing or preaching gets boring
Dialog--the more realistic the better (i.e. "Yes, mother dear, I would love to sweep the floor" vs. "Ah ma, do I have to? I guess I'll do it...")
Character--does the characters progress and change? Children have a difficult time connecting to flat characters.

We have to read a certain amount of picture books in each category: alphabet, counting, concept, wordless, and traditional.

Today, I'm going to share with you my favorite alphabet books that I have read so far. These are books that I will most probably buy to add to our family's collection. I read a lot that were ok, but these were books that I wouldn't mind reading again and again.
I might add more as the semester goes along, but for now here is a good list :) Also, please feel free to comment and suggest additional alphabet books!