Speech, Learning, and Growth - Part 3

Good, Better, and Best Books

I spoke of other books in my last post and just couldn't leave you all high and dry without a good book list. I'm certainly not the expert for knowing what books are good, I'm still learning, but I can share what I have found. (In other words, I will probably update this post sometime in the future.)

First - I have found a great book. One that I think every mommy should read. Maybe even get for a baby shower. :) Honey for a Child's Heart by Gladys M. Hunt. Really, I could just end the post right there.

There are also some excellent lists online. I've started here.
http://simplycharlottemason.com/planning/eyguide/eyreadalouds/
You'll also find a list of books half way down this page. It also has some wonderful information about good books.
http://www.amblesideonline.org/00.shtml (also has a list of poetry.)
For older children you can find books listed by year. (Kind of close to grades, but I may not start a 5th grader in a level 5 book.)
http://www.amblesideonline.org/index2.shtml

A couple of other things I have learned. 1. It's ok to be choosy about picture books. You don't have to have a ton. That's really not the idea. There should be some wonderful, very loved books that is your child's favorite.

Some of our favorites:
Green Eggs and Ham
Pinkalicious
Brown Bear, Brown Bear

These books are the ones that my girls will sit down and "read" all by themselves. Or will quote, or when we get to a favorite part they'll shout a part out. For example, in "Pinkalicious" the mother asks the girl what color she wants to make the cupcakes. My girls will shout, "Pink, Pink, PINK!" Or, Meredith will read the whole "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" book all by herself. She turns the page a little bit early.

2. Get the original versions. It can be a newer print, but don't get the dumbed down version of books. This goes for any book, even for the older ages.

3. Every child should have a nice illustrated scripture book. We have 4 board books and 1-2 other scripture books for children. I do not think this should take the place of actually reading scriptures in the home though. They need to hear the scriptures in their "real" form to get used to the sound and flow of the words. This will help them when they begin to read the scriptures on their own. This I know from experience. (Nathan is amazed at how young my memories begin.) My parents did read to me from the scriptures and I was not one of those who struggled in Sunday School reading the scriptures. I also got my own verse to read during scripture study. (I'm sure they carefully found a shorter, easier one for me when I was just beginning.)

4. Talk about the books. Don't just read them. Ask them about the pictures. Teach them positional words. For example: The elephant is on the tree (Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss). The dog is under the house. The bird is beside the rock. Etc.

Teach them colors. Ask them to count the number of objects. Ask them to repeat to you what is happening in the story. The older they get the more they should be able to narrate back to you. (Narration being a whole other topic of itself.) Whatever you can possibly think of, do it.

5. Read poems and nursery rhymes. Wonderful to have in your own personal library.

Random thoughts: So, the next couple sets of books I want in my home is the Winnie the Pooh series and the Beatrix Potter series. I've also found that I don't enjoy reading the Disney books, and we have lots. I really love "Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons". It will be a special memory for Emily and myself. (Caution: Have lots of patience!) I found my book for less than $10 w/ shipping. I'll also share an Early Years Guide for ages 3-5.
http://simplycharlottemason.com/planning/eyguide/ For the math section for the 5-year-olds. I found something online for free that we can print out our own workbook pages. I'll share it if you ask. It goes through 6th grade without any special permission and above that you have to email them.

I hope that this will help.