Books and Stories as Friends

10/07/2019

The notion of children being "kindergarten ready" is a bizarre oxymoron. It's like saying you have to know how to play the piano before you can learn how to play the piano.
Peter Campbell

“Books create a special world for young children,” writes Carol B. Hillman in her gentle and supportive book, Teaching Four-Year-Olds. “Books give their imaginations wings with which to fly. Books can lift their spirits and soothe their souls. A book is a special kind of friend…I want the children in the classroom to experience the richness of a good book…I want them to grow up loving books and loving beautiful illustrations. There is a timeless quality to a good book.”

Margie Carter, in Literacy: A Beginnings Workshop Book, writes about the power of storytelling, explaining that “stories teach us about ourselves as well as other people…Early childhood educators know that children tell stories as part of their developing identity and self-esteem, and we provide for this in our classroom culture…

I wonder how often we provide parallel experiences for adults to develop in their identity and roles as teachers…Various forms of storytelling can be used for self-awareness and team building among child care staff. Personal stories can bring insights about the roots of tensions that may be festering among teachers…Try opening or ending each staff meeting with storytelling.”

Brookes - Invite Parents to Check Their Child's Development.

Clean 4 Kids - Learn Just How Important Kepping Your School Clean Is.

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