Children's Literature

Types of books/stories to interest preschoolers:

• Boardbook/Pop-Up or Movable books
• Interactive Stories
• Informational books (nonfiction)
• Silly words and sounds, music or songs, or Poetry (Mother Goose)
• About Familiar Characters, (e.g. TV stars, book series)

Other considerations:

• Positive
• Brief Text
• Interesting Subject matter
• Accurate information
• Multiethnic/cultural/feminist We Need Diverse Books!
• Antibias Guide for Selecting Anti-Bias Children's Books
• Award winner
• Quality illustrations

The listening and speaking strand consists of the substrands:

• Language Use and Conventions - using language to communicate for a variety of purposes.
• Vocabulary - the attainment of an increasing variety and specificity of words for objects, actions, and attributes
• Grammar - the ways in which words, phrases, and sentences are structured and marked to make meaning in language.

The reading strand consists of the substrands:

• Concepts About Print - Seeing print in the environment and observing people using print for various purposes.
• Phonological Awareness - Spoken language is made up of various phonological units
• Alphabetics and Word/Print Recognition - Knowing the letters of the alphabet
• Comprehension and Analysis of Age-Appropriate Text - Making sense of stories and the world around them.
• Literacy Interest and Response. - Interest in books and a positive regard for reading

Adapted from:

A child gains skills and understanding of words spoken and heard. Read aloud for listening skills, and use participation books and books that include active conversation.

Use wordless books to promote a child's storytelling skills.

A child learns the meanings of words, increasing their number of familiar words, including words for objects, shapes, numbers, and colors. A child can further describe their world.

A child understands the nature and uses of printed words and books.  Sees parents, teachers, and others reading. Recognizes books and print as a means of communication.

Use board books to give preschoolers the opportunity to experience how a book works.  Books where the text connects obviously and directly with the pictures are perfect to teach this skill.

A child understands the concept that words are made up of combinations of small sounds. Books that are comprised of silly words and rhyming sounds promote this.

Dr. Seuss early readers are a great example of this, with repeating sounds over and over.

A child learns the names, shapes, and sounds of letters.

Be sure books have clear depictions of the letters, both lower case and capital.

A child understands what is being read.  Interact while reading together to ensure comprehension: "What just happened here? How do you think that character feels? Have you ever felt like that? What do you think will happen next?"

A child has interest and excitement about books. Books reflect their lives and interests. Sees parents and others reading, books are readily available and reading is a regular activity.

Use books that are of high interest, such as books with preschool characters or interactive books.  Also, books ABOUT books are great for teaching this skill.