The Reading Railroad 019

III. Pretending Not Just Child's Play: Parents Can Have Important Role, Too

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Years of research on early childhood have been dominated by thinking that children's pretending needs little help from adults. "We assumed it was pretty much a creation that came from within the child," says Wendy Haight, a professor of social work at the University of Illinois.

But from early in her studies of parent-child interaction, Haight observed that many parents play an intentional role in encouraging their kids to pretend, and obviously see that role as important. "I was struck by the extent to which caregivers were pretending with their very young children, even before the children were displaying independent pretend play," she said.

In one study with a group of middle-class, white Americans, "the very consistent finding was that parents viewed pretending as important to their children's development, viewed it as an enjoyable activity, and thought that their role was significant in helping their children learn how to pretend."

See the full story here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1997/10/971005124219.htm

IV. A GIFT FOR YOU

Holiday Sampler Activity Book
From Chinese New Year to the Fourth of July… and beyond! Print out this free holiday book filled with skill-building worksheets, puzzles, arts and crafts ideas, and more.

V. Site of the Month

Crayola Crayola Creativity Central offers kids arts and crafts ideas for rainy day fun. We also have coloring books and pages, art and craft projects, games, school supplies, art education and lesson plans for use in both school and home activities.

If you think Crayola is only about crayons, think again. After registering as a free member (which requires a first name, email address and selecting your favorite Crayola color) you can access multimedia craft ideas from Alphabet to Zoogles.

Begin your search with a keyword phrase or from one of three drop down menus.

The Activity menu lists venues (classroom, party, outdoors) and intent (gifts, homework helpers.) On Themes, you'll find dozens of topics such as Animals, Architecture and Artist's Lives. The Media drop-down lists dozens of possibilities including crayons (of course), glitter glue, and watercolors.

VI. Book of the Month for Parents

Keepers of the Children
If you imagined the best possible outcome for your child, what would you foresee? If you could raise your child to lead a life of joy and meaning and cherish you for this gift, would you feel fulfilled?

In Keepers of the Children, Laura Ramirez uses little known Native American wisdom to show parents how to raise children who know their nature, develop their strengths and lead lives of meaning and contribution. By giving your child the tools to create genuine happiness, you give the greatest gift of all.

Keepers of the Children is unlike any parenting book you have read before. As such, it is for any parent, grandparent or child caretaker who is open to ideas that are resourceful and effective in raising healthy, self-directed kids.

VII. Book of the Month for Kids

Ready... Set... Read!
The Beginning Reader's Treasury
If Ready...Set...Read! were a movie, it would surely be a box-office hit with its all-star cast, including Little Bear, Morris the Moose, and Frog and Toad. This rich treasury of children's favorite stories, as well as poems, riddles, tongue-twisters, and hidden picture games, will delight and inspire every beginning reader.

There's something for everyone in this diverse collection: Have a young poet in the house? How about a poem by Gwendolyn Brooks or Robert Louis Stevenson? Let the budding scientist discover "Our Earth in Space." The amateur comedian might pick up a few tips from the knock-knock jokes and riddles. And be prepared to untie some messy knots after the tongue-twister section: "Wendy went to rent one red room."

Ready...Set...Read! is a perfect introduction to many well-loved authors and illustrators, including Maurice Sendak, Else Holmelund Minarik, and Russell Hoban. Most importantly, this all-in-one collection, with its easy-to-read type, simple vocabulary, and variety of lively and colorful illustrations, will provide a jump-start to reading that will soon have children racing to the bookshelf for more. Ages 4 - 8.

VIII. Game of the Year

Blokus
Game of the Year awards in Europe and Japan. Kids take turns placing as many of their 21 geometric shapes on board as they can, but only the corners of their own pieces may touch. This is a wonderful family games. Even your little ones can help to put the pieces in place. The game encourages strategic thinking along with a lot of fun for all. Ages 5 to adult.

IX. What’s YOUR Story? – Tell us!

How have the ideas in the Reading Railroad has been helpful? We would love to hear your success story and put it in the newsletter so other can benefit from your experience.
thegoodlife(at)comcast.net!

X. Past issues of the Reading Railroad

Back Issues of the Reading Railroad

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