Resources For Preschool Parents
Your Trusted Source For Early Childhood Resources
Our mission at The LEAP School is to educate the entire family. One of the ways that we further this goal is to support our parents by being the #1 source of early childhood and preschool resources for parents. Take a look at the insights and resources below. These tools will help our community listen, connect, care, and nurture our children in a way that supports their learning in early childhood and allows them to thrive.
Please share these with your family and friends to assist in their parenting goals and send us your favorite resources for preschool parents so that we can all create a better world for our children.
Bilingual
Articles/Websites
- De Houwer, Annick. (July 1999). “Two or More Languages in Early Childhood.” Researchgate.net.
- General points and recommendations.
- Lowry, Lauren. (2011). “Bilingualism in Young Children: Separating Fact from Fiction.” Hanen.org.
Children’s Books
Parent Resource Books
Birthday Party Ideas
Articles/Websites
- Kingloff, Amanda. (2015). “Birthday Traditions to Start Now.” Parents.com.
- Maxwell, Brad, & BirthdayPartyIdeas.com. “The Big List of Birthday Party Ideas.” (2001).
Retrieved March 18, 2003
Children’s Books
Parent Resources Books
Brain Development
Articles/Websites
- Wall, Glenda (2017). Love Build Brains. Retrieved April 7, 2022
- Brain Development Research: Articles about brain development. (2016). Retrieved January 8, 2016
- Loh, A. (2016). Boosting Baby Brain Development - Simple Parental Techniques and Methods. Retrieved January 8, 2016
- Pevzner, H. (2013). Brain Development in Children. Retrieved January 8, 2016
Children’s Books
Parent Resource Books
Divorce/Separation
Articles/Websites
- “How to Help Your Kids Cope With Divorce”, Akron Children’s Hospital
- National Family Resiliency Center Inc.
- Gives advice to parents on how to talk to children about divorce as well as connections to support groups and articles.
Children’s Books
- 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.
- 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.
Parent Resources Books
Family Fun Activities
Articles/Websites
- A to Z Kids Stuff. (1999-2003). 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).
- 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.
- Gayle’s Preschool Rainbow. (1999). Preschool Home Activities for Parents and Young Children.
- 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. The use of ordinary household items makes 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.
- Parenting.com. (2003).
- Parents can search Pregnancy, Baby, Toddler, or Child sections. Highlighting each section or using the search tool, activities for each age are presented. Displayed are activities for in-home, out-of-home, games, and celebration ideas.
Children’s Books
- 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 the 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 the child’s physical, mental, and emotional growth with music, dance, and outdoor play, and keeping children occupied during long trips.
Parent Resource Books
- 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 birthdays, holidays, and every day.
- 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.
Friendships
Articles/Websites
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Miller, Susan, Ed.D. (2002, April), “Understanding Other Points of View” and Church, Ellen Booth. (2002, April), “I See What You Mean.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 28-31.
These articles cover understanding other points of view. This includes struggling with tolerance. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/ages-stages-understanding-other-points-view -
“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. http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/infants-toddlersactivities-activities-encourage-cooperation-and-communication
Hospitalization/Illness
Articles/Websites
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Prevention Magazine. (2003). Doctor’s Book of Home Remedies. New York, NY: Bantam Press.
List of illness-specific remedies for the home http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Book-Remedies-Revised-Edition/dp/055358555X -
Tips To Help Your Child Cope With Hospitalization
https://ufhealth.org/child-life-program/tips-help-your-child-cope-hospitalization -
Common Infectious Diseases in Preschoolers
http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/programs/phs/documents/CommonInfectiousDiseasesinPreschoolers6-9-05.pdf -
American Academy of Pediatrics
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
Independence (Self-help Skills)
Articles/Websites
Kindergarten Readiness
Articles/Websites
- Delaney, Celeste C. “Preparing for Kindergarten: What to Do When EVERYTHING Is New” (2019). For Free Spirit Publishing
- Harrington, Diane Benson. (2002, February). “What Teachers Wish Parents Knew About Kindergarten.” Parenting, 81-85.
Children’s Books
- Berenstein, Jan. Berenstein Bears Go to School. Random House.
- Carle, Eric. Do You Want to Be My Friend? Harper.
- Cohen, Miriam. Will I Have a Friend? MacMillan.
- Henkes, Kevin. Chrysanthemum. Green Willow Books.
- Howe, James. When You Go to Kindergarten. Knopf.
- Rathman, Peggy. Ruby the Copy Cat. Scholastic.
Parent Resource Books
Limit Setting (saying no, consequences, follow through)
Articles/Websites
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Markham, Laura. (2016). “How to Set Effective Limits with Your Child.” Ahaparenting.com.
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McLaughlin, Sarah. (March 2014). “How to Set Limits for Kids without Harshness, Fear or Shame.” Hiffingtonpost.com.
- 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.
Literature List (teacher's favorite books)
Children’s 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 a 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)
Milestones (goals and objectives, what to expect)
Children’s Books
- Ames, Louise Bates, Ph.D., & Ilg, Francis L., Ph.D. (1979). New York, NY: Dell Publishing.
- Characteristics of each year of early childhood — developmental norms and goals — easy reading. Series includes volumes for 1 -10-year-olds. http://www.amazon.com/Louise-Bates-Ames/e/B001ITTGLQ
Moving
Articles/Websites
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Schaefer, Caroline. (2016). “Smooth Move: Make Moving Easier on You and Your Kids”. Parents.com.
Children’s Books
- Asch, Frank. (1991). Goodbye House. New York, NY: Econo-Clad Books.
- A book about moving for children.
- Martin, Teresa. (2006). Big Ernie’s New Home. Magination PR.
- This story gently affirms the normal sadness, anger, and anxiety that young children feel after a move.
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Moving (First Experiences Book Series)) by Fred Rogers – this book can be purchased used or found at the library.
New School
Articles/Websites
-
Preschool Prep: How To Prepare Your Toddler for Preschool
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/78-preschool-prep-how-to-prepare-your-toddler-for-preschool
Children’s Books
- 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.
- Slate, Joseph. (1996). Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
- A children’s rhyming book about teachers and children getting ready, going to, and having fun at school.
Nutrition/Health
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Advice and Recipes that are tailored to young children.
http://www.parenting.com/recipes - Hegarty, Maureen P. (2003). “Warming Up With Smart Snacks.” Retrieved 3/12/03 fromhttp://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/parentguides/winter/smart.snacks.htm
- Recipes for wintertime snacking.
- Medical advice around children and vitamins http://www.webmd.com/parenting/vitamins-for-kids-do-healthy-kids-need-vitamins
- Robyn Kievit is a supportive and knowledgeable nutritionist who works with families. http://robynkievit.com/
- An interactive website with lots of great nutrition tools. http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
Health
Articles/Websites
- Dowsken, Steven, M.D. & Rutherford, Kim, M.D.“Kids Health for Parents — Conjunctivitis.” (2001). Retrieved April 17, 2003
- This site is a 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.
- Lee, Judith, & Bailey, Gretchyn. “All About Vision.” Retrieved April 17, 2003.
- 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.
- “The Skin Site — Impetigo.” (2003). Retrieved April 17, 2003,
- This site contains a brief description of the disease, causes, precautions, and treatment
Other great resources for your child’s health questions:
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http://kidshealth.org/ — Health blog for families
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http://www.cdc.gov/ — Center For Disease Control
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https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx — American Academy of Pediatrics
Peer Conflicts (the bossy child, bully, teasing, exclusion, sharing, etc.)
Articles/Websites
- 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 for helping children who find sharing challenging.
Children’s Books
- 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?
- Lionni, 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.
- Thompson, Michael. Best Friends, Worst Enemies.
- Helpful advice for parents who are supporting their children’s social development.
Pre-math and Literacy Skills
Articles/Websites
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Routines/Limit Setting
Articles/Websites
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American Occupational Therapy Association. (2013). “Establishing Morning Routines for Children.” American Occupational Therapy Association.
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Huntpalmer, Bryn. (2016). “How to Establish a Morning Routine For Children That Actually Works”. Afineparent.com.
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Markham, Laura. (2016) “Why Kids Need Routines and Structure.” Ahaparenting.com.
Self-esteem
Articles/Websites
- 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.
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Emmons, Sasha. (2016). “How to Build Healthy Self-Esteem in Children. Scholastics.com
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Rende, Richard. (2016). “7 Ways to Stop Overparenting and Raise a Can-do Kid.” Parents.com.
Sibling Rivalry
Children’s Books
- 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.
Parent Resouce Books
- 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.
Sleeping (naps, bedtimes, routines)
Articles/Websites
- 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.
Special Needs (autism, sensory integration disorder, etc.)
Articles/Websites
- Autism – PDD Resources Network. (2003). “Autism-PDD Resources Network.”
- The 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.”
- A website devoted to Autism. Includes Understanding Autism, Treatment and Education, Living with Autism, Resources. The site includes research, news, events, and info to join the organization.
- 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.
- The site includes information, articles, and other resources regarding autism. Click on Autism under the topic sections.
Children’s Books
Parent Resource Books
- 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.
- 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 the 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Sensory Integration
Articles/Websites
- 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.
- Martin, Allison. (n.d.) “Children’s Disabilities and Special Needs.” Retrieved 5/03 from www.childrensdisabilities.info
- The site includes categories regarding Book reviews, Author interviews, articles, mailing lists, and resources on various needs including Sensory Integration.
Children’s Books
Parent Resource Books
- 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.
- 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 to 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.
- Koomar, Jane, Szklut, Stacy, & Cermak, Sharon. (1996). Making Sense of Sensory Integration.
- 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, & 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.
- 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, decision 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.
Speech/Language Development
Articles/Websites
Children’s Books
Parent Resource Books
- 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 are 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.
- 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. Brilliance Audio.
- 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.
Toilet Training
Articles/Websites
Christiano, Donna. (2003, April). “Potty Time.” Parents, 128-134.
Krueger, Anne. (2001, April). “3 Easy Stages: A Guide to Potty Training.” Parenting, 114-121.
Children’s Books
- Frankel, Alonz. (1999). Once Upon a Potty: Girl or Once Upon a Potty: Boy. San Francisco, CA: HarperCollins Juvenile Books.
- Presents toilet training in a frank, open way for parents and children.
Parent Resource Books
- 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.
- 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.
- Leach, Penelope. Your Baby and Child. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. (pp. 315-320).
- Contains helpful information about toilet training.
- Ziefert, Harriet. (1999). Sara’s Potty. New York, NY: OK Publishing.
- A humorous introduction to potty training for girls for parents and potty users.
- Ziefter, Harriet. (1999). Max’s Potty. New York, NY: OK Publishing.
Transitional Objects (home toys, blankets)
Articles/Websites
- 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.
War Play/Superhero Play
Articles/Websites
- Levin, Diane E. (2003). Retrieved April 28, 2003, from http://www.truceteachers.org
- This website provides some great articles. LEAP recommends “Helping Children During the War.” This article provides a guideline for helping children during the war.
Children’s Books
- Paley, Vivian Gussin. (1998). Bad Guys Don’t Have Birthdays. Chicago, Illinois: The University of Chicago Press.
Parent Resource Books
- 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.
Writing (letters, development, expectations
Articles/Websites
- 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.