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Recommendations from Dr. Rachel Kramer re: Traumatic Events: 12/19/12

Talking with your Children About Traumatic Events-RCC

Helping Children Cope with Disasters and Traumatic Events-UofM,HS

Helping Children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting

Boy shoveling sand

Bi-Lingual

  • De Houwer, Annick. (July 1999). "Two or More Languages in Early Childhood." Eric Digest, EDO∙FL∙99∙03.
    • General points and recommendations.
  • Dr. Seuss and P.D. Eastman. (1993). Are You My Mother?/Eres Tu Mi Mama? Random House Audio; Book & Cassette Edition.
    • Never having seen his mother, a newly hatched baby bird, separated from his family, makes many humorous mistakes in trying to find her, in a bilingual English-Spanish easy reader.
  • Lichtenberger, Nadine. (2003). "Bilingual Parenting and Families." Retrieved October 17, 2003 from http://www.german.about.com/library/weekly/aa051799.htm
    • This guide overviews raising children in a bilingual home.It focuses on a German-English home.
  • http://www.kidlanguages.com

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Biting

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Birthday Party Ideas

  • "Birthday Traditions." (2002, February). Family Fun, 72-73.
    • Parents share some special birthday ideas.
  • Maxwell, Brad, & Birthday Party Ideas.com. "The Big List of Birthday Party Ideas." (2001).
    Retrieved March 18, 2003 from http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/html/party_ideas.html

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Brain Development

  • "Brain Development Research — What It Means for Young Children and Families." (1996, June). Retrieved from Kid Source Online from http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content4/brain.development.html
    • Positive stimulation, warm and loving attachments, and good prenatal care really do make a difference in a child’s development for a lifetime.

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Divorce/Separation

  • Divorcesource.com. Retrieved from http://www.divorcesource.com
    • Gives information state by state about divorce
      laws, child custody, and child support
  • Divorcesource.com. (2003, April 29). "The Child’s Perspective on Divorce."
    • Talks about how children view divorce.
  • Divorcesource.com. (2003, April 29). "Telling the Children You are Getting Divorced."
    • Gives advice on how to tell your children you are divorcing.
  • Krasny, Laurie, & Brown, Marc. (1988). Dinosaurs Divorce. Little Brown & Co.
    • Friendly dinosaurs in the throes of difficult divorce situations reassure readers in similar situations that everything will be alright.
  • Lansky, Vicki. (1998). It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce. Book Peddlers.
  • National Family Resiliency Center Inc. Retrieved from http://divorceabc.com
    • Gives advice to parents on how to talk to children about divorce as well as connections to support groups and articles.
  • Rogers, Fred. (1998). Let’s Talk About It: Divorce. Paper Star.
    • Child’s book — talked about how families are important.
  • Spelman, Cornelia Maud. (1998). Mama and Daddy Bear’s Divorce. Albert Whitman & Co.

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Laughing girl

Family Fun Activities

  • A to Z Kids Stuff. (1999-2003). Retrieved from http://www.atozkidsstuff.com, Toddler, Preschool, School Age, Calendars, and Members sections.
    • Includes art recipes, special days, rainy days, resources, postcards, articles, freebies, links, and links to buy other products.
  • Child.com. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.child.com.
    • Child.com includes Pregnancy and Baby, Moms and Dads, Living in Style, Community, and Kids sections. Locate activities to do at home by clicking on the kids section. You can search for specific information/themes/topics.
  • Cook, Deanna F. (1997). Family Fun Crafts: 500 Creative Activities for You and Your Kids. New York, NY: Hyperion Books.
    • Over 500 crafts and activities with colorful photographs. Activities for birthday, holiday, and every day.
  • Gayle’s Preschool Rainbow. (1999). Preschool Home Activities for Parents and Young Children. Retrieved from http://www.preschoolrainbow.org.
    • Educational activities that parents and their young children can do together. Counting, pre-reading, language science, and physical skills are developed as parents play with their preschool children. Use of ordinary household items make these activities easy as well as fun. Areas to choose from: New Activities, Indoor Fun, Outdoor Fun, Anytime Activities, Holiday Crafts, Book Themes, Brain Growth, Links, and others. Provides ideas as well as developmental information.
  • Katzen, Mollie, and Ann L. Henderson. (1994). Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes:A Cookbook for Preschool and Up. Berkley, CA: Tricycle Press.
    • The book’s purpose is to enable very young children to cook as independently as possible under gentle guidance of an adult partner. Each of 17 recipes appears twice, once in words and once in full-color pictures.
  • Kuffner, Trish. (1999). The Preschooler’s Busy Book. New York, NY: Meadowbrook Press Distributed by Simon & Shuster.
    • This book contains 365 fun, creative activities for three to six year-olds using things found around the home. It shows parents and child care providers how to save money, prevent boredom, stimulate a child’s natural curiosity, encourage child’s physical, mental, and emotional growth with music, dance, and outdoor play, and keeping children occupied during long trips.
  • Parenting.com. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.parenting.com.
    • Parents can search Pregnancy, Baby, Toddler, or Child sections. Highlighting each section or using search tool, activities for each age are presented. Displayed are activities for in-home, out-of-home, games, and celebration ideas.
  • Parents.com. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.parents.com
    • Parents.com includes Pregnancy, Health, Advice by Age, Family Time, and Community Time sections. In each section you can search for more specific articles.
  • Silberg, Jackie. (1995). 500 Five Minute Games: Quick and Easy Activities for 3-6 Year Olds. Beltsville, Maryland: Grayphon House.
    • 500 Five Minute Games is jam packed with games, songs, and learning – fun ideas perfectly suited for 3-6 year olds.
  • The Insider Network. (2003). The Boston Insider. Retrieved from http://www.theinsider.com/boston.
    • The Boston Insider allows you to explore historical attractions, fun things to do, museums, hidden treasures, restaurants. Click under Fun Things to Do to reach “Top Picks in Boston for Kids.

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Two girls in book area

 

Friendships

  • Church, Ellen Booth. (2002, April). "I See What You Mean." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 30, 31.
    • This article covers ages 5 and 6 where they are able to “put themselves in someone else’s shoes!”
  • "Infants/Toddlers Activities That Encourage Cooperation and Communication." (2002, November/December). Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 26.
    • This discusses the magic triangle technique, and how they learn social rules and values.
  • Miller, Susan, Ed.D. (2002, April). "Understanding Other Points of View." Scholastic Early Childhood, 28, 29.
    • This article covers understanding other points of view. This includes struggling with tolerance. (Ages 3 and 4)

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Hospitalization/Illness

  • Lyme Disease Foundation. “LDF – Picture Gallery.” Retrieved October 7, 2003 from http://www.lyme.org/gallery/ticks.html.
    • Pictures of different types of ticks and tick bites.
  • Prevention Magazine. (2003). Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies. New York, NY: Bantam Press.
    • List of illness specific remedies for the home

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Independence (Self-help Skills)

  • Brooks, Robert, Ph.D. (1999, November). "Fostering Responsibility in Children: Chores or Contributions." Retrieved January, 2003 from http://www.drrobertbrooks.com/writings/articles/9911.html
    • Information to guide parents on raising responsible children.
  • Miller, Susan A., Ed.D. (2002, May). On the Road to Independence. Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 32-33.
    • Examples of appropriate ways teachers encourage independence for young children in their classroom

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Kindergarten Readiness

  • Althea. Starting School. Dinosaur Publications.
  • Berenstein, Jan. Berenstein Bears Go to School. Random House.
  • Caballero, Paula. "Preparing for Kindergarten." (2003). Retrieved March 14, 2003 from http://cjonline.com/stories/080501/bts_kindergarten.shtml
    • Big day: For a successful start, families should be getting ready now.
  • Carle, Eric. Do You Want to Be My Friend? Harper.
  • Cohen, Miriam. Will I Have a Friend? MacMillan.
  • Dunne, Diane Weaver. "Study Looks for Keys to Early School Success." (2002). Retrieved February 10, 2003 from http://www.education-world.com/a_issues/issues082.shtml
    • Government study looking at the range of experiences children bring to school and how experiences affect children throughout early grades.
  • Hains, Harriet. My New School. New York, NY: Darling Kindersley, Inc.
  • Harrington, Diane Benson. (2002, February). "What Teachers Wish Parents Knew." Parenting, 81-85.
  • Henkes, Kevin. Chrysanthemum. Green Willow Books.
  • Howe, James. When You Go to Kindergarten. Knopf.
  • Kantrowitz, Mildred. Willy Bear. MacMillan Child Group.
  • Laidig, Paula, NSCP. (1998, February). "How Do We Know if a Child is Ready for Kindergarten." School Entry Decisions, A Guide for Parents, 1-3.
  • Martin, Ann. Rachel Parker, Kindergarten Show Off. New York, NY: Holiday House.
  • Naylor, Phyllis. King of the Playground. New York, NY:Althenum.
  • Nurss, Joanne, R. "Readiness for Kindergarten." (2000). Retrieved March 18, 2003 from http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content/READINESS_FOR_K.HTML
  • Rathman, Peggy. Ruby the Copy Cat. Scholastic.
  • Schwartz, Amy. Annabelle Swift, Kindergartner. Orchard Books.

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Limit Setting (saying no, consequences, follow through)

  • "Healthy Parenting Today." Retrieved March 24, 2003 from http://www.ehealthyparenting.com
    • Setting limits for children — clear, consistent and reasonable.
  • "Limit Setting." Retrieved March 24, 2003 from http://www.theparentreport.com.
    • Differences in disciplining and limit setting for toddlers.
  • Marshall, Melinda. (2002, April). "How to Set Clear Limits and Help Build Your Child’s Own Sense of Right and Wrong." 127-132.
    • Picking the rules that matter most.
  • Natural and Logical Consequences. Retrieved March 24, 2003 from http://www.theparentreport.com
    • Natural consequences vs. rewards, bribes, punishment.
  • Spencer, Paula. (2001, August). "Positive Discipline." Parenting, 87-90.
    • Tired of yelling? What you say — and how you say it — can get the results you want.

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Boys in the classroom

 

Literature List (teacher’s favorite books)

  • Archambault, John and Bill Martin Jr. (1989). Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
    • A wonderfully rhythmic and humorous introduction to the ABCs. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Ashley, Bernard. (1991). Cleversticks. New York, NY: Crown.
    • A book for 4 & 5 year olds about abilities and talents.
  • Fox, Mem. (1998). Koala Lou. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
    • This book is about Koala Lou and her struggle with sharing her mother’s attention. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Henkes, Kevin. (1990). Julius, the Baby of the World. New York, NY: Greenwillow.
    • This book is about Lilly and her developing relationship with a new baby brother. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Henkes, Kevin. (2000). Wemberly Worried. New York, NY: Scholastic.
    • Wemberly worries about everything, especially the 1st day of school. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Hoffman, Mary. (1991). Amazing Grace. New York, NY: Dial.
    • This story addresses the issue of self-esteem and believing in yourself. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Kleven, Elisa. (1992). The Lion & Little Red Bird. New York, NY: Dutton.
    • A book about an unlikely friendship between a lion and little red bird. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Lionni, Leo. (1991). Matthew’s Dream. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.
    • Matthew, the mouse, dreams of becoming a famous painter when he grows up. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Viorst, Judith. (1972). Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. New York, NY: MacMillan.
    • Many irritating events happen during Alexander’s “bad day.” (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Wells, Rosemary. (1998). Yoko. New York, NY: Scholastic.
    • A book about valuing differences for children. (Ages 4 & 5)
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Milestones (goals and objectives, what to expect)

  • Ames, Louise Bates, Ph.D., & Ilg, Francis L., Ph.D. (1979). Your Five Year Old: Sunny and Serene. New York, NY: Dell Publishing.
    • Characteristics of a five year old — developmental norms and goals — easy reading. Series also includes volumes for 1 year old, 2 year old, 3 year old, and 4 year old.

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Moving

  • Asch, Frank. (1991). Goodbye House. New York, NY: Econo-Clad Books.
    • A book about moving for children.
  • Bowman, Crystal. (2001). Boxes Boxes Everywhere. New York, NY: Zondervan.
    • A heartwarming, inspirational story that will help your little one understand that moving isn’t so bad after all.
  • Carlstrom, Nancy White. (1999). I’m Not Moving Mama. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
    • On Moving Day, Little Mouse does not want to leave the familiar surroundings of his room or backyard for a new, strange home. Moma reassures her worried offspring that even though it’s hard to say goodbye to the old place, their new dwelling is just as nice.
  • Copeland, Dr. Anne. (2002). "Rpslocation.com." Retrieved March 11, 2003 from http://www.rpsrelocation.com/kids_issues.htm
    • How to help children of all ages deal with their issues about moving and how parents can help.
  • Hoff, Syd. (1985). Who Will Be My Friends? New York, NY: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
    • He likes his new room and his new street. The policeman and the mailman are very nice. But what Freddy really needs are friends — and he looks everywhere until he finds them

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New School

  • Apter, Dianne, & Winschel, Anne (Eds). (2003). "Moving On: From Preschool to Kindergarten." Retrieved March 18, 2003 from http://soeweb.syr.edu/thechpmoing_on.html
    • A lengthy article focusing on questions/answering format and ways for a child to have a positive, successful transition to a new school.
  • Penn, Audrey. (1993). The Kissing Hand. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
    • Children’s Book — Chester Raccoon is nervous about school and wants to stay home with his mom. She reassures him with a secret called the “Kissing Hand.” She kisses his hand and says when he is missing her to hold it to his heart and it will fill him with happy thoughts.
  • Rogers, Jacqueline. (1999). Tiptoe Into Kindergarten. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
    • Children’s Book — A little girl visits kindergarten for the day and explores and experiences all areas of the classroom.
  • Slate, Joseph. (1996). Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
    • A children’s rhyming book about teacher and children getting ready, going to, and having fun at school.

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Girl on the playground

Nutrition/Health

Nutrition

  • Abrams, Pamela. (1995, March). "The Complete Guide to Picky Eaters." Parents, 51-58.
    • Sensible strategies to get from “yuck” to “yum”.
  • Black, Rosemary. (2002, September). "Healthy Bites: Lunch Box Makeovers." Parenting, 228.
    • Fun new ideas for lunch boxes.
  • Eller, Daryn. (2002, May). "Healthy Bites: Brain Food." Parenting, 179.
    • Help your child eat smart — literally.
  • Greendale, Mary M. (2003, March). "10 Nutrition Do’s and Don’t’s for Your Family." Today’s Parent, 10-11.
  • Hegarty, Maureen P. (2003). "Warming Up With Smart Snacks." Retrieved 3/12/03 from http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/parentguides/winter/smart.snacks.htm
    • Recipes for wintertime snacking.
  • Hermann, Mindy, R.D. (1999, November). "Skip Breakfast? No Way!" Child, 112.
    • Research shows that kids who eat this important meal are likely to have more nutritious diets, greater success in school, and better behavior.
  • Hermann, Mindy, R.D. (2000, December/January). "Build a Better Body." Child, 50.
    • A head to toe guide to the nutrients kids need most.
  • Hubbard, Amy Kutenplan. (2003, April). "Food Fight!" Parents, 167-168.
    • Mealtimes can spark major power struggles. Can you get your little one to step up to the plate?
  • Pierre, Colleen, R.D. (2003, April). "The Essential Guide to Kids and Vitamins." Child, 91-94.
    • Answers questions regarding vitamin supplements and making sure kids meet all their dietary requirements.
  • Plant, Jackie and Berg, Fraya. (2003, March). "Breakfast Quick and Easy." Parents, 195-196.
    • 10 tasty ways to give your child a healthy start every day.
  • Siegler, Ava L., Ph.D. (1997, May). "Raising a Good Eater." Child, 45-47.
    • Are you teaching your child the right lessons about food? The answer may surprise you!

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Health

  • Dowsken, Steven, M.D. & Rutherford, Kim, M.D. "Kids Health for Parents — Conjunctivitis." (2001). Retrieved April 17, 2003, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/eye/conjunctivitis.html
    • This site is specialized site for parents. It contains the signs and symptoms of the disease, a description, prevention and incubation tips, duration, contagiousness, when to call the doctor, professional treatments, and home treatments.
  • "Health Link USA – Fifth’s Disease." Retrieved April 17, 2003, from http://www.healthlinkusa.com/519a.asp
    • Links to websites which may include treatment, cures, diagnosis, prevention, support groups, email lists, message boards, personal stories, risk factors, statistics, research and more.
  • Lee, Judith, & Bailey, Gretchyn. "All About Vision." Retrieved April 17, 2003, from http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/conjunctivitis.htm
    • This site contains information about the signs of all types of the disease, causes, and treatment. It also contains links to learn about more eye conditions, diseases, and safety.
  • Molina, Amy, R.N.C. "Robyn’s Nest — Fifth’s Disease." (2002). Retrieved April 17, 2003, from http://www.robynsnest.com/fifthsdisease.htm
    • This site contains a brief description of the disease, common symptoms, and treatment. It also contains links to related topics.
  • "The Skin Site — Impertigo." (2003). Retrieved April 17, 2003, from http://www.skinsite.com/info_impetigo.htm
    • This site contains a brief description of the disease, causes, precautions, and treatment

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Boys playing with toys

 

Our Philosophy Behind Literacy and Math Development

  • Church, Ellen Booth. (1991). On the Road to Literacy: A Teacher Resource. Creative Edge, Inc.
  • Church, Ellen Booth. (1995, March). "On the Road to Reading and Writing." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 28-29.
    • Children pass through many stages as they become fluent readers and writers. Watch for these important signposts along the way.
  • Clements, Douglas H., Ph.D., & Sarama, Julie, Ph.D. (2003, January/February). "Creative Pathways to Math." Early Childhood Today, 37-45.
    • Ideas for learning about math playfully.
  • "Early Childhood: Where Learning Begins." Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/pubs/EarlyMath/intro.html
  • Greenspan, Stanley I., M.D., & Leong, Deborah, Ph.D. (2001, October). "Learning to Read: The Role of Emotions and Play." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 43-44.
    • A unique slant on how children learn to read, including emotions and play as critical elements of this developing skill.
  • "Literacy Development Age by Age." (2000, October). Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 47.
    • Here’s a look at how children go from imitating sounds to recognizing simple words to becoming readers and writers
  • Perry, Bruce D. M.D., Ph.D. (2003). "How Young Children Learn Language." Retrieved February 26, 2003 from http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/ect/learn_language.htm
  • Wardle, Francis, Ph.D. (1998, October). "Moving Toward Reading." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 19.
    • Young children are total body learners — learning with all of their beings… physical activities (for children) to love and learn from.

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Peer Conflicts (the bossy child, bully, teasing, exclusion, sharing, etc.)

  • Greenberg, Polly. (2001, March). "When a Child Pesters Others." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 16.
    • This article gives helpful suggestions on helping children who tend to go around provoking children.
  • Greenberg, Polly. (2000, April). "Solving Sharing Issues." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 20.
    • This article gives teachers helpful suggestions with helping children who find sharing challenging.
  • Henkes, Kevin. (1991). Chrysanthemum. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
    • Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect, until her first day of school. "You’re named after a flower!" teases Victoria. "Let’s smell her," says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?
  • Lianni, Leo. (1985). It’s Mine. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.
    • Three selfish frogs bicker all day long. "It’s mine! It’s mine! It’s mine!" But a bad storm and a big brown toad help them realize that sharing is much more fun.
  • York, Stacey. (1998, February). "When a Child Teases." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 18.
    • This article gives teachers helpful suggestions on how to help children who tease others.

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LEAP Classroom

Pre-math and Literacy Skills

  • Clements, Douglas H., Ph.D., & Sarama, Julie, Ph.D. (2003, January/February). "Creative Pathways to Math." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 37-42.
    • The article provides creative ways to teach math.
  • Miller, Susan A., Ed.D. (2003, January/February). "Helping Children Develop Logic and Reasoning Skills." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 32.
    • The article provides for planning classroom experiences that help children develop logic and reasoning skills.
  • Seefeldt, Ph.D. (2001, October). "A Room Rich in Words." Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 34-41.
    • The article provides ideas to help create a print rich environment.

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Routines/Limit Setting

  • Clark, L. (1985). SOS! Help for Parents. Bowling Green, KY: Parents Press.
    • Simple ideas for limit setting.
  • "Temper Tantrums (Resources)." (2001). Retrieved December 9, 2002 from http://www.parents.com
    • What to do when child tantrums.

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Boy in LEAP Sweatshirt

Self-esteem

  • Barron, T.A. (1998, November). "Merlin’s Message." Parents Magazine, 69-70.
    • Inspired by the story of King Arthur and the "Sword in the Stone," the author gives modern day advice on building inner strength.
  • Greenspan, Stanley I., M.D. (1998, February). "'I Hate Myself' and Other Hurdles on the Way to Self-Esteem." Parents Magazine, 109-110.
    • Explains what to expect as children develop their self-esteem and how to help build it.
  • Israeloff, Roberta. (1998, November). "Raising a Can-do Kid." Parents Magazine, 62-66.
    • Explains how parents can both encourage their child to stay motivated while supporting their developing self-esteem.
  • Katz, Lilian. (1995). "How Can We Strengthen Children’s Self-Esteem." Retrieved March 6, 2003 from http://www.kidsource.com/content2/strengthen_children_self.html
    • Discusses how self-esteem is formed and how children can be helped to develop healthy self-esteem.

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Sibling Rivalry

  • Cousins, Lucy. (2003). Za-Za’s Baby Brother. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
    • This book introduces children to the concept of being friends with their new sibling. It lays a great foundation for a rivalry-free sibling relationship. Also, unlike many "new sibling" books, this book deals frankly and honestly with the feelings the older child may be experiencing, rather than making the child feel wrong for their feelings. After acknowledging Za-Za’s feelings of sadness over the change in the family structure, the story goes on to reveal to her the possibility of friendship with her new baby brother.
  • Faber, Adele, & Mazlish, Elaine. (1998). Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too. Avon, MA: Avon Books.
    • This guide to raising siblings, who get along, does so with humor, compassion and understanding. It provides real-life, action-oriented, easy-to-understand stories to illustrate concepts.

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Children pushing big ball

Sleeping (naps, bedtimes, routines)

  • Frank, Christina. (2002, June/July). "Dry Nights." Parenting Magazine, 207.
    • Ideas to help prevent bedwetting at night.
  • Henry, Linda. (2002, April). "Goodnight, Baby!" Parenting Magazine, 120-125.
    • Ideas to help your child sleep through the night.
  • Kase, Lori Miller. (1999, August). "Good Night, Sleep Tight." Parents, 124-131.
    • Tips on how to help your kids fall asleep and sleep through the night.
  • Lang, Jennifer. (2002, April). "No More Naps?" Parenting Magazine, 168.
    • Tips on napping.

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Special Needs (autism, sensory integration disorder, etc.)

Autism

  • Attwood, Tony. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
    • This book includes chapters including: Diagnosis, Social Behavior, Language, Interests and Routines, Motor Clumsiness, Cognition, Sensory Sensitivity, and Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Autism – PDD Resources Network. (2003). "Autism-PDD Resources Network." Retrieved from www.autism-pdd.net.
    • Site includes general and specific information about autism from childhood through adulthood. Includes treatments, parent guide, I.E.P., job accommodation, housing, Medicaid, and much more.
  • Autism Society of America. (2002). "Autism Society of America." Retrieved from http://www.autism-society.org.
    • Website devoted to Autism. Includes Understanding Autism, Treatment and Education, Living with Autism, Resources. Site includes research, news, events, and info to join organization.
  • Barron, Judy, and Sean Barron. (2002). There’s a Boy in Here. Arlington Texas: Future Horizons.
    • Sean Barron and his mother, Judy Barron, report on their experience with autism. Sean has autism. His is one of very few autobiographical accounts. And it gives unusual, exceptionally clear insights into the disability and its many manifestations. There is much in this book that supports what has been seen through facilitated communications.
  • Basche, Patricia Romanowski, and Barbara L. Kirby. (2001). The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome. New York, NY: Crown Publishers.
    • Basche and Kirby have gathered the most up-to-date information from leading Asperger Syndrom authorities, including Dr. Tony Attwood. They share their own experiences as well as those of dozens of parents facing the same challenges. You’ll learn what Asperger’s Syndrome looks like and how it is diagnosed, intervention, therapies, and medication available, and how to navigate through the school system.
  • Bissell, Julie, Jean Fisher, Carol Owens, and Patricia Polcyn. (1998). Sensory Motor Handbook: A Guide for Implementing and Modifying Activities in the Classroom. San Antonio, Texas: Therapy Skill Builders, a division of The Psychological Corp.
    • This book provides teachers with hundreds of suggestions of help meet sensory and motor needs in the classroom. It also provides parents and children with many entertaining, easy-to-implement activities. Aimed at preschool – 4th grade.
  • Gutstein, Steven E. (2001). Solving the Relationship Puzzle. Arlington, Texas: Future Horizons.
    • A groundbreaking developmental program that opens the door to lifelong social and emotional growth for persons with autism, Aspergers Syndrome, and PDD.
  • Harrington, Katie. (2000). For Parents and Professionals: Autism in Adolescents and Adults. LinguiSystems,Inc.
    • Written from the heart and experience of an SLP and parent of a grown son with autism, each chapter of this great resource is informational and inspirational. You'll get easy-to-follow activities, helpful techniques, and inspiring stories to enhance independence in the person with autism. Address essential life-skills including behavior, communication, employment, social adaptation, and sensory regulation.
  • Harris, Sandra L., Ph.D., and Beth A. Glasberg, Ph.D. (2003). Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families. Bethesda Maryland: Woodbine House.
    • This book explores the impact of autism on sibling relationships, helping parents to meet the needs of all their children. New materials cover a sibling’s understanding of autism at different ages.
  • Kirby, Barb and Patty Romanowski. (2003). "Online Asperger’s Syndrome Information and Support." Retrieved from http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger.
    • A supportive site for parents and teachers that includes news, bookstore, papers and articles, education, support groups, legal resources, software, and much more.
  • Moyes, Rebecca. (2001). Incorporating Social Goals in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers and Parents of Children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
    • This book provides practical, hands-on strategies to teach social skills to children with high-functioning autism and Asperger Syndrome. It includes a detailed description of the social deficits of these children as they appear in the classroom.
  • ParentPals.com. (1997-2002). "ParentPals.com." Retrieved from http://www.parentpals.com/gossamer/pages/index.html
    • ParentPals.com Special Education Guide is a special education community where parents and professionals share information and offer support. Click on Autism for articles, books, research, and other support.
  • Powers, Michael D. (1989). Children With Autism: A Parents’ Guide. Bethesda, Maryland: Woodbine House.
    • This book covers areas that are of special concern to parents. By providing up-to-date information about autism, this comprehensive book will ease the fears and concerns of many parents struggling to understand and cope with their child’s disorder.
  • Wobus, John (site maintainer). "Autism Resources." Retrieved from www.autism-resources.com.
    • Site offering information and links regarding the developmental disabilities autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
  • Wright, Peter W.D., and Pamela Darr Wright. (1999-2003). "Wrightslaw." Retrieved from http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/autism.index.htm.
    • Site includes information, articles, and other resources regarding autism. Click on Autism under topic sections.

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Sensory Integration

  • Ayers, A. Jean. (1979). Sensory Integration and the Child. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.
    • This was the first book written for parents and teachers about sensory integrative dysfunction and its treatment. For years, this was the only book available for parents about sensory dysfunction.
  • Koomar, Jane. (2003). "Occupational Therapy Associates." Retrieved from http://www.otawatertown.com.
    • Specialists from Occupational Therapy Associates consult with LEAP and provide the OT services available through LEAP. This website gives an overview of their work and excellent, accessible information about Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
  • Koomar, Jane, Szklut, Stacy, & Cermak, Sharon. (1996). Making Sense of Sensory Integration (Audio Cassette). Boulder, CO: Bell Curve Records Inc.
    • Two experienced occupational therapists provide a panel discussion answering questions parents may have about sensory integration disorder. Topics addressed include: effects of sensory integration challenges as your child develops: a discussion of sensory modulation and sensory discrimination; and poignant examples of how both school and family life is affected by sensory integration issues.
  • Kranowitz, Carol Stock. (1995). 101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces: At the Doctor’s Office, in Car, Train, and Plane Trips, Home Sick in Bed. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Griffin.
    • When what you’ve got is a small space and restless child, what you need are 100 ingenious solutions-right away. Here they are-easy to implement, creative fun for the three to seven year old activities that can turn tough moments into teachable, terrific ones.
  • Kranowitz, Carol Stock. (1998). The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction.New York, NY: Perigree Book.
    • Carol Kranowitz provides explanations, examples and treatment strategies for different types of sensory integration issues in children-including over sensitivity and under sensitivity to touch, taste, smell, sound or sight and or to movement sensations, unusual activity levels and problems with motor coordination.
  • Kranowitz, Carol Stock, Deanna Iris Sava, Elizabeth Haber, Lynn Balzer-Martin, Stacey Szklut. (2001). Answers to Questions Teachers Ask About Sensory Integration. Sensory Resources.
    • Forms, checklists, and practical tools.
  • Kranowitz, Carol Stock, & Wylie, T.J. (2003). The Out of Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. New York, NY: The Berkley Publishing Group.
    • Features more than one hundred playful activities that are safe, sensory-motor, appropriate, fun and easy, to help develop and organize a child’s brain and body. These activities are a great way to counteract Sensory Integration Dysfunction. They work at home, at school and out in the world.
  • Martin, Allison. (n.d.) "Children’s Disabilities and Special Needs." Retrieved 5/03 from www.childrensdisabilities.info
    • Site includes categories regarding Book reviews, Author interviews, articles, mailing lists and resources on various needs including Sensory Integration.
  • Schneider, Catherine Chemin. (2001). Sensory Secrets: How to Jump-Start Learning in Children. Severna Park, MD: Concerned Communications.
    • Sensory Secrets drives home the importance of using information from all the senses to develop foundational skills necessary for growing, learning, decisions making and communication. It is a guide to promote successful learning and positive behavior in people of all ages. Sensory Secrets is written in an easy to read style with examples, ideas, and strategies.

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Boy playing

Speech/Language Development

  • Bialostock, Steve. (1992). Raising Readers: Helping Your Child to Literacy. Winnipeg, MB: Peguis Publisher Ltd.
    • Steve Bialostock provides parents with specific information about the years before and after children start school and immersed in learning to read.
  • Devine, Monica and Olmstead, Patricia J. (1991). Baby Talk: The Art of communication with Infants and Toddlers.Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing.
    • Devine is a speech-language pathologist whose book gives many examples of activities parents can use to promote language development in their children.
  • Hamaguchi, Patricia McAler. (1995). Childhood Speech, Language and Listening Problems: What Every Parent Should Know. New York, NY: John Wiley.
    • Book by a speech-language pathologist (slp) outlining the various diagnostic categories used by SLPs in current practice. Includes suggestions for parents on in-home steps to take to reduce childhood language development difficulties.
  • Research article summarizing the effects of quality preschool programs.
  • Kropp, Paul. (2000). How to Make a Reader for Life. Vancouver, Canada: Random House.
    • This book provides parents development strategies to support their child during the reading process. It emphasizes the parent’s crucial role with their child. A list of over three hundred "must have" books to enjoy with your child.
  • Pinker, Steven. (2000). The Language Instinct- How the Mind Creates Language. Perennial.
    • Steven Pinker discusses his study and explains everything you always wanted to know about language: how it works, how children learn it, how it changes, how the brain computes it and how it evolved.
  • Pinker, Steven. (1996). Language Learnability and Language Development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
    • This study is still the only comprehensive theory of child language acquisition -one that begins with the infants, proceeds step by step according to explicit learning algorithms, mirrors children’s development, and ends up with adult grammatical competence.

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Toilet Training

  • Christiano, Donna. (2003, April). "Potty Time." Parents, 128-134.
  • Faull, Jan. (1996). Mommy! I Have To Go Potty: A Parent’s Guide to Toilet Training. Raefield-Roberts Publishing.
    • A clear step-by-step approach to toilet training.
  • Frankel, Alonz. (1999). Once Upon a Potty: Girl or Once Upon a Potty: Boy. San Francisco, CA: Hapercollins Juvenile Books.
    • Presents toilet training in a frank, open way for parents and children.
  • Gomi, Taro. (1993). Everyone Poops. La Jolla, CA: Kane/Miller Book Publisher.
    • Book describes all sorts of creatures and people who eat and thus defecate.
  • Israeloff, Roberta. (1992, August). "Parents Guide: Toilet Teaching." Parents, 84-90.
  • Krueger, Anne. (2001, April). "3 Easy Stages: A Guide to Potty Training." Parenting, 114-121.
  • Kutner, Lawrence, Ph.D. (1995, December). "Nonshaming Techniques to End Bed-Wetting." Parents, 93-94.
  • Leach, Penelope. Your Baby and Child. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. (pp. 315-320).
    • Contains helpful information about toilet training.
  • Ziefert, Harriet, & Bolam, Emily. (1999). Sara’s Potty.New York, NY: OK Publishing.
    • A humorous introduction to potty training for parents and potty users.

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Transitional Objects (home toys, blankets)

  • Frankel, Valerie. (2001, April). "Blankies and Bears." Parenting Magazine, 4.
    • The article talks about transition objects and the age and development children are at when they are present.

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Three smiling girls

War Play/Superhero Play

  • Carlsson-Paige, Nancy & Levin, Diane E. (1990). Who’s Calling the Shots? How to Respond Effectively to Children’s Fascination with War Play and War Toys. Gabriola Island, BC, Canada: New Society Publishers.
    • It looks at children’s toys and their role in imaginary play.
  • Levin, Diane E. (2003). Retrieved April 28, 2003 from http://www.truceteachers.org
    • This web site provides some great articles. LEAP recommends "Helping Children During the War." This article provides a guideline for helping children during the war.
  • Paley, Vivian Gussin. (1998). Bad Guys Don’t Have Birthdays. Chicago, Illinois: The University of Chicago Press.

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Writing (letters, development, expectations)

Development of Writing

  • Solomon, Barbara. (1998, October). "How Writing Blossoms: Transforming Scribbles." Parents, 159-163.
    • Offers parents a basic understanding of the writing development process and how parents can support their child’s growth.

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