December 13, 2002 Feature
Story
Emma
Eccles Jones Center for Early Childhood Education's Newsletter
is "TOPs"
"TOP:
Tips on Parenting" offers a buying guide for children's
books in the latest issue
 There
certainly is no shortage of advice about parenting in this world.
Have a question? There’s always a sister-in-law, a counter
full of self-injuring "help" books or a Dr. Laura/Dr.
Jerry Springer to badger you into submission.
Finding advice from knowledgeable experts sometimes is a daunting
task (and that is not to dis sisters-in-law!), but help is at
hand. The Emma Eccles Jones Center for Early Childhood Education
at Utah State University publishes a quarterly newsletter called
"TOP: Tips on Parenting" designed to help parents
of young children deal with issues of parenting — everything
from literacy and language development to child care and child
violence.
The Winter 2002 issue of "TOP: Tips on Parenting"
includes an article by Sabrina A. Brinson, an assistant professor
of Early Childhood at the University of Memphis, about the joys
and trials of teaching a child to read. If you are thinking
about buying a book for your child during this holiday season,
Brinson lists a number of exceptional books to help parents
teach children a broad range of values.
The following is an excerpt from Brinson's article titled "Live
to Read" in the Winter 2002 issue of "TOP: Tips on
Parenting."
Live to Read
by Sabrina A. Brinson
Reading is the essence of success for young children to flourish
in their academic, social, and emotional development. Calling
all parents: On your mark, get ready, set, go ahead and introduce
your children to reading as soon as possible. ...
... In addition to helping children learn about the printed
word, reading provides experiences. For example, acceptance
of self and others can be instilled as children read stories.
To illustrate, All the Colors of the Earth
by Sheila Hamanaka (1994) is good for children from birth to
9 years old because it spotlights the diversity of individuals
in our society in a positive light.
Acts of kindness shape compassionate spirits in young children.
Heartprints by P. K. Hallinan (1999)
is a beautiful story that demonstrates consideration of others.
It is a perfect model for children aged 3 to 9 because it shows
children involved in caring deeds for someone else. As the title
implies, children are left with tranquil impressions to fuel
the mind, heart, and soul.
Celebrate the diversity of our families with children’s
literature. Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers,
(A Collection of Family Poems) by Mary Ann Hoberman
(1991) is wonderful for children between the ages of 3 and 8.
It contains uplifting passages that pay tribute to a variety
of family structures.
Emotional issues can be eased with portrayals of empathy. For
example, The Day I Saw My Father Cry
by Bill Cosby (2000) is great for children aged 6 to 10. It
deals with the passing of a loved one in a warm, comforting
manner that reassures children it is okay to express grief.
Ethnic-specific books can provide all children with information
that may increase understanding about an ethnic group. Stories
like How the Stars Fell Into the Sky: A Navajo Legend
by Jerrie Oughton (1992) will fascinate children from 4 to 8
years old. This legend can nurture ethnic identity in children
and create a sense of pride and belonging in their ethnic groups.
Good humor is reinforced in a delicious book like Dinosaur
Dinner (With a Slice of Alligator Pie) by Jack
Prelutsky (1997). This book of poems is tailored to tickle children
between the ages of 1 and 7. It proves laughter really can be
the best medicine for children to become well-balanced, content
individuals.
History can be relayed in an age-appropriate manner. For instance,
If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks
by Faith Ringgold (1999) gives children aged 6 to 9 a chance
to ride along with passengers of the past on a magical bus as
they learn about civil rights.
Imaginations are awakened in a swoosh with compelling tales
like Raising Dragons by Jerdine Nolen
(1998) for children from birth to 7 years old. When children
get caught up in the fantasy, it can spark them to use their
own imaginations and creativity for great accomplishments.
Mystery and surprises like the ones discovered in Miz
Fannie Mae’s Fine New Easter Hat by Melissa
Milich (1997) can intrigue children between the ages of 7 and
9, as they analyze clues and make predictions.
Nature’s classroom can be visited anytime by children
between 5 and 9 years old. Just open up a book like the Rain
Forest by Helen Cowcher (1988) and see Blue Morpho
butterflies, anteaters, sloths, and toucans, oh my!
Positive self-concepts are integral to healthy emotional development.
For example, A Bad Case of Stripes
by David Shannon (1998) is fabulous for children from 4 to 9
years old. It is an appealing story with uplifting messages
that reinforce self-love, self-worth, and self-confidence in
young children.
Repetitive rhymes in books like One Fish Two Fish
Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss (1988) are adored
by youngsters from birth to 7 years old. They love chanting
the nonsense lyrics that increase interactions and verbal exchanges
that enhance language skills.
Special needs must be explained to children in a genuine, non-threatening
manner that does not discourage them from overcoming challenges.
For example, Shelley the Hyperactive Turtle
by Deborah M. Moss (1989) is an excellent book with a positive
outlook. Parents can use this type of book to help young children
from 4 to 9 years old understand and cope with Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder.
For more information about "Tips on Parenting" or
to subscribe to the publication, visit http://www.coe.usu.edu/ecc/TOP/Index.html
or call 435-797-8629.
Introduction by Tim Vitale (435) 797-1356; tim.vitale@usu.edu
Graphics courtesy the Emma Eccles Jones Center for Early Childhood
Education Web site
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