When babies are first born they begin to make sounds. The cooing, gurgling and crying of all human babies is their way of expressing feelings and making their needs known. When their parent or caregiver responds in a positive way, a bond begins to be established between parent and child. Most babies will be soothed by a familiar human voice uttering pleasant sounds and comforting words. Babies respond to singing, rocking, and cuddling. Through caring verbal and physical interaction a positive emotional climate is established and language begins to develop. Parent and child strive to communicate with each other, thus establishing the habit of verbal give-and-take. Parents may recite nursery rhymes, such as, “One two, buckle my shoe,”or play interactive games like, “Pat-A- Cake, Pat-A- Cake,” to strengthen the bonds of communication. The natural progression is to continue this relationship by reading aloud to the child. Children will enjoy the attention and nurturing. They will continue to experience emotional closeness with their parent while growing in language development and communication skills. They will improve their listening skills and gain information, all the while enjoying the process. Virtually all children like to be read to. Children who have been read to from an early age read more easily themselves and generally experience school success.
This poem was was found in
The New Read-Aloud Handbook
by Jim Trelease:
You may have tangible wealth untold:
Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold.
Richer than I you can never be-
I had a Mother who read to me.
“The Reading Mother” by Strickland Gillilan
from
Best Loved Poems of the American People
(Trelease, forward)
Unit Book
The Baby’s Lap Book
is a collection of traditional nursery rhymes, beautifully illustrated with expressive drawings in pastel colors by Kay Chorao. Fifty seven well known rhymes such as: Rock-A-Bye Baby, Twinkle, Little Star, Jack Be Nimble, Humpty Dumpty and The Cat and the Fiddle are included. An example of a lesser known, but interesting rhyme is Derry, Down Derry, which goes like this:
“Derry, down derry, and up in the air
Baby shall ride without pony or mare
Clasped in my arms like a queen on a throne,
Prettiest rider that was ever known”(Chorao 54)
Unit Book
What To Expect The First Year
is a comprehensive guide to the growth and development of children during the first twelve months. This 650 page book tells what a parent needs to know; from medical concerns to changing diapers, to choosing caretakers. There is a section on creating a good environment, with practical tips for learning and playing. Each chapter covers a month of growth and development in a baby’s life. It explains what is expected at the monthly checkup, what to feed the baby, what there may be concerns about, and what is important to know about a particular stage. This is an excellent reference for expectant and new parents. It would be useful in a parenting class curriculum or in a school setting where students are also young parents.
Unit Book
Games to Play with Babies
begins with a section entitled ‘Guidelines for Growth’ which lists skills generally accomplished by babies at various stages of growth and development during the first twelve months of life. The games and activities that are described in the book relate to the progressive skills which babies develop. The games encourage nurturing, and bonding. They are focused on fostering language skills, coordination, imagination and confidence. The suggested activities are presented in a clear, easy to understand format. After each game there is an explanation of what the baby will learn. Some examples are; language skills, listening skills, observation skills, coordination, body awareness, balance, cognitive skills, etc. Two hundred and fifty games and activities are included in this comprehensive book on infant development.
Unit Book
The Mother Goose Word Book
is a sturdy book with thick cardboard pages suitable toddler fingers. Each rhyme is illustrated in a visually descriptive manner. All of the nouns in the pictures are labeled with words, such as; spoon, dish, fiddle, cat, and cup in the poem ‘Hey, Diddle, Diddle’. Preschool children would enjoy this book.
Unit Book
The Family Treasury of Children’s Stories
is a 312 page book which includes nursery rhymes, poems, songs, and well known stories, such as, ‘The Three Little Pigs’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk.’ The amusing illustrations are done in black and white. It would be suitable for a child’s growing interest, preschool and beyond. .
Unit Book
Let’s Sing Together
is a volume of nursery rhymes set to music. Words, music and colored illustrations are included for each rhyme. Typical selections include ‘Old MacDonald Had A Farm’, ‘Row, Row, Row, Your Boat’, and ‘Yankee Doodle’. Preschool and early elementary school children would enjoy this book. The musical notation follows a simple piano melody line.
Unit Book
The Best Book of Nursery Rhymes
contains an interesting collection of untitled rhymes including the interactive:
“Round and round the garden
Like a teddy bear;
One step, two step,
Tickle you under there!” (Dinan 3)
The print is large and easy to read. The illustrations, which include people of various ethnic backgrounds, are especially interesting and well done. The illustration for the ‘crooked man’ poem depicts a rather disheveled man sitting by his fireplace holding a cat, with coffee and cookies nearby. The door is curving, the mantle place is slanting and the picture on the wall is askew, yet there is a warm glow and a feeling of happiness represented in the illustration. Children of all ages should enjoy this book.