Early Literacy Resources
Books, Articles, Studies and Web Sites
Importance of Early Literacy and Reading to Young Children
Becoming a
Nation of Readers: the Report of the Commission on Reading. National Institute of
Education, 1984.
An often-cited work that promotes emergent literacy and explains
the need for children to lay a foundation for reading before coming
to school.
Bush, Laura. "Ready
to Read, Ready to Learn." Parents Magazine. v77 i6
(June 2002) p118.
First Lady Laura Bush explains why early literacy should be a
top priority for families and our nation.
Butler, Dorothy.
Babies Need Books: Sharing the Joy of Books with Children from
Birth to Six. Heinemann, 1998.
A work that discusses the importance of reading to young children,
provides important guidelines for choosing appropriate books and
recommends hundreds of books by age level. (j010 Parent-Teacher)
Committee on the
Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children. Preventing
Reading Difficulties in Young Children. National Academy Press,
1998.
A frequently-cited work that examines the factors that put children
at risk of poor reading, and explores ways to encourage literacy
from birth through the primary grades. (j372.4 Parent-Teacher)
Fox, Mem. Reading
Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives
Forever. Harcourt, 2001.
An inspiring book that reaffirms the educational benefits of reading
aloud while reminding us that it can also bring intense happiness
to both children and adults. Includes tips on reading aloud. (j649.58
Parent-Teacher)
Early Development and Learning
Beck, Joan Wagner.
How to Raise a Brighter Child: the Case for Early Learning.
Pocket Books, 1999.
A revised and updated classic that provides information and simple
activities for parents interested in giving their children a head
start at home and in increasing their child's joy in learning.
(j649.1 Parent-Teacher)
Brazelton, T.
Berry, et.al. The Irreducible Needs of Children: What Every
Child Must Have to Grow, Learn, and Flourish. Perseus Publishing,
2000.
Beginning with mutually strong convictions that society is not
currently meeting the basic needs of children, the authors lay
out seven requirements for a healthy childhood and recommends
ways to meet them. (j305.231 Parent-Teacher)
Center for Early Education and Development
This University of Minnesota interdepartmental center "provides
information regarding young children (birth to age eight), including
children with special needs, in the areas of education, child
care, child development, and family education." CEED offers
training services, conducts research projects, and publishes information
on a variety of early education and development topics.
http://www.education.umn.edu/ceed/
"Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers." Center for the Improvement
of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA)
A summary report focusing on education outside of the home, including
features of a quality program.
http://www.ciera.org/library/instresrc/eagertolearn/efull.html
Early Childhood-Head
Start Task Force. Teaching
Our Youngest: A Guide for Preschool Teachers and Child-Care and
Family Providers.
U.S. Department of Education & U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, 2002.
A booklet that includes strategies for teaching children to develop
their language abilities, increase their knowledge, become familiar
with books, learn letters and sounds, recognize numbers and learn
to count.
http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/early/teachingouryoungest/teachingouryoungest.pdf
Ed.gov. Reading:
Improve Student Performance
A list of early childhood resources on effective ways to teach
reading and language skills to children. From the U.S. Department
of Education.
http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/read/edpicks.jhtml?src=ln
Eliot, Lise. What's
Going On In There? How the Brain & Mind Develop in the First
5 Years of Life. Bantam, 1999.
Written by a neuroscientist who is also the mother of three, this
book explores how a baby's brain develops and how the role of
nurturer may affect this process. (j155.413 Parent-Teacher)
From Neurons
to Neighborhoods: the Science of Early Childhood Development.
Committee on Integrating the Science of Early Childhood Development ; Jack P. Shonkoff and
Deborah A. Phillips, editors. National Academy Press, 2000.
Experts from a number of disciplines review the research that
looks at child development from birth through the first day of
kindergarten. (j305.231 Parent-Teacher)
Hart, Betty. Meaningful
Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children.
Brookes, 1995.
An important study of 1 and 2-year-old children that "reveals
the profound effects of environment on development." (j401.93
Parent-Teacher)
Herschkowitz,
Norbert. A Good Start in Life: Understanding Your Child's Brain
and Behavior. Dana Press/Joseph Henry Press, 2002.
A guide to interpreting the latest information on brain development,
focusing on "how the maturing brain contributes to learning
and socialization." (j155.413 Parent-Teacher)
Hirsh-Pasek, Kathy.
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn
- And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less. Rodale,
2003.
Explains how a child's mind develops and includes exercises for
helping children develop emerging skills through smart, simple
and loving play. (j305.231 Parent-Teacher)
Isenberg, Joan,
ed. Major Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education: Challenges,
Controversies, and Insights. Teachers College Press, 2003.
An examination of a variety of important contemporary issues on
subjects including child development research, play, program models,
emergent literacy, and reading readiness.
Meisels, Samuel
J. Winning Ways to Learn, Ages 3, 4 & 5: 600 Great Ideas
for Children. Goddard Press, 2000.
Tips for parents and other caregivers to support the development
of the skills children will need for kindergarten. (649.68 Parent-Teacher)
Minnesota School Readiness Initiative:
Developmental Assessment at Kindergarten Entrance. Minnesota Department
of Education, 2002.
The summary of a study with the following objectives: "(1)
to pilot a system for assessing the school readiness of a sample
of Minnesota kindergarten children and (2) to obtain a picture
of the readiness of a sample of Minnesota kindergartners entering
Minnesota elementary schools in the fall of 2002…" Note:
This web site may be slow to load.
http://education.state.mn.us/content/008034.pdf
Minnesota School Readiness Year Two Study:
Developmental Assessment at Kindergarten Entrance. Minnesota Department of
Education, 2003.
"The purposes of year 2 of the study were (1) to provide
a 2nd year of a statewide profile of children's school readiness
with a larger sample of kindergarten children and (2) to pilot
a parent survey requesting early childhood care and education
and family background information based on recommendations in
the first year study." Note: This web site may be slow to
load.
http://www.mlfcca.org/pdf%20files/readiness2.pdf
Minnesota Department
of Children, Families & Learning. Minnesota
Early Childhood Indicators of Progress: A Resource Guide. Minnesota Department
of Children, Families & Learning, 2000.
Provides suggested strategies family members can use to facilitate
children's development in all of the areas of learning studied.
Note: This web site may be slow to load.
http://education.state.mn.us/content/010859.pdf
National Research
Council, Institute of Medicine. The Science of Early Childhood
Development: A Summary Report of From Neurons to Neighborhoods.
National Academy Press, 2000.
A research summary intended as a resource for policy makers, educators,
child advocates, early childhood specialists, and the public.
Now:
Parent's Action for Children - A national non-profit organization dedicated
to developing parent education materials, connecting parents with
one another, and fighting for issues such as early education,
health care, and high quality, affordable child care. Formerly
known as I Am Your Child.
http://www.parentsaction.org
Parlakian, Rebecca.
Before the ABCs: Promoting School Readiness in Infants and
Toddlers. ZERO TO THREE, 2003.
Discusses early literacy, numeracy and social-emotional skills
in infants and toddlers. Also looks at the link between relationships
and school readiness and the effect of culture on development.
Potzmantier, Janet
R. The First Years: a Parent & Caregiver's Guide to Helping
Children Learn. DK, 2001.
An attractive book full of colored photographs and special boxes
with useful tips. Offers both information and practical advice
on social and emotional development. (j649.122 Parent-Teacher)
Ramey, Craig.
Right from Birth: Building Your Child's Foundation for Life,
Birth to 18 Months. Goddard, 1999.
A book that combines a well-documented review of the latest scientific
research on early development with practical suggestions for parents
and practitioners. (j649.122 Parent-Teacher)
Rolnick, Art and
Rob Grunewald. "Early
Childhood Development: Economic Development with a High Public
Return."
fedgazette, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (March 2003).
Discusses the economic case for public funding of early childhood
development and proposes the creation of the Minnesota Foundation
for Early Childhood Development.
http://www.minneapolisfed.org/pubs/fedgaz/03-03/earlychild.cfm
Shore, Penny A.,
et.al. How Your Baby & Child Learns: From Newborn to Age
3. Parent Kit Corp., 2002.
A work, written by parenting experts, that explores a baby's learning
stages and provides parents with easy-to-read tips and techniques
for guiding their child's early intellectual and emotional development.
(649.1 Sh78h)
Shore, Rima. Rethinking
the Brain: New Insights Into Early Development. Families and
Work Institute, 1997.
A report based on a 1996 conference on early brain development
that brought together brain scientists, experts in child development
and early education, business leaders, policy makers and members
of the news media. . (j612.82 Parent-Teacher)
Zero
to Three
A resource with excellent information for parents and professionals
from a national center dedicated to the healthy development of
infants and toddlers.
http://www.zerotothree.org/
How Children Become Readers: Birth to Kindergarten
Armbruster, Bonnie
B., A
Child Becomes a Reader: Birth Through Preschool. National Institute for
Literacy, 2003.
A good resource for parents that includes important information
on how children learn to read and write, tips on what you can
do with babies and young children to help them become readers,
ideas for books to read, and organizations to contact for more
help or information. Also available online. (j649.58 Parent-Teacher)
http://www.nifl.gov/partnershipforreading/publications/html/parent_guides/birth_to_pre.html
"Articles for Educators." Reading is Fundamental,
Inc. 2003.
A collection of articles to help professionals and families stay
informed about the latest in reading research.
http://www.rif.org/educators/articles/
Children's
Play: the Roots of Reading. Edward F. Zigler, Dorothy Singer, and Sandra J.
Bishop-Josef, eds. ZERO TO THREE, 2004.
Leading experts examine the importance of play in helping children
to develop literacy skills, social awareness, creativity and organizational
skills. An important book for parents, educators, and policymakers.
(j305.231 Parent-Teacher)
Colker, Laura
J. "First
Steps Toward Early Literacy: When Talk Isn't Idle." Reading is Fundamental,
Inc. 2003.
An overview of the relationship between oral language development
and literacy with examples of the types of conversation that contribute
most to emergent literacy skills.
http://www.rif.org/educators/articles/whentalk.mspx
Crain-Thoreson,
Catherine "Do Early Talkers Become Early Readers? Linguistic
Precocity, Preschool Language, and Emergent Literacy." Developmental
Psychology. v28 n3 (1992) p 421-429.
An academic summary of a study that underscores the importance
of children sharing story reading with parents.
Dickinson, Davie,
ed. Beginning Literacy with Language: Young Children Learning
at Home and at School. P.H. Brookes Publishing, 2001.
A summary of the observations of a longitudinal study of young
children from diverse backgrounds in their homes, preschools,
and kindergarten classes. Considered a "crucial contribution
to our understanding of young children and the importance of language
in building literacy capabilities."
Koralek, Derry.
"How
Most Children Learn to Read." Reading Rockets.org.
An explanation of emergent literacy and the effect of different
early childhood activities on development of reading and writing
skills. A good resource for parents.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article.php?ID=8
McConnell, S.R.
and Rabe, H.L.S. "Home and community factors that promote
early literacy development for preschool-aged children."
Just in Time Research: Children, Youth, and Families. University
of Minnesota, 1999 (p39-46).
Discusses family and community factors that influence the early
literacy development of young children, focusing on those that
can be altered or influenced by public policy initiatives or formal
and informal programs of intervention. (306.85 J982 Minnesota
Collection)
National Research
Council. Starting Out Right: A Guide to Promoting Children's
Reading Success. National Academy Press, 1999.
"Recommendations from America's leading researchers on how
to help children become successful readers." Early chapters
provide insight on circumstances that promote reading and discuss
what children need to arrive at school prepared to learn to read.
Also includes activities and book lists. A useful resource for
parents. (j372.4 Parent-Teacher)
Neuman, Susan
B., ed. Handbook of Early Literacy Research. Guilford Press,
2001.
Chapters "authored by some of the most prestigious researchers
of written language development for young children" focus
on early literacy topics including emergent literacy, developmentally
appropriate practices, and "alphabetic anxiety". An
academic treatment, but an important summary of the research.
Roskos, Kathleen
A., ed. Play and Early Literacy In Early Childhood: Research
From Multiple Perspectives. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.,
2000.
A work that brings together studies, research, and commentaries
that examine play-literacy relationships. An academic but interesting
summary of research.
Senechal, Monique.
"Parental Involvement in the Development of Children's Reading
Skill: a Five-year Longitudinal Study." Child Development
v73 i2 (March-April 2002): 445+.
An overview of a study that looks at the effects of parent storybook
reading and parents' teaching language and literacy skills to
young children. An academic treatment of an important topic.
Slegers, Brenda.
"A Review of the Research and Literature on Emergent Literacy."
ERIC: ED397959. 1996.
An interesting overview of emergent literacy and an attempt to
answer the question "What is the best way to teach literacy
to young children?"
Taylor, Denny.
Family Literacy: Young Children Learning to Read and Write.
Heinemann 1998.
A new edition of a work documenting research into the literacy
activities of families with young children.
Venn, Elizabeth
Claire. Teaching and Learning in Preschool: Using Individually
Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Literacy Instruction.
International Reading Association, 2004.
A resource for those involved with early childhood education seeking
to provide preschoolers with a challenging and literacy-rich curriculum
tailored to each child's individual needs.
Whitehurst, G.J.
and Lonigan, C.J. "Child development and emergent literacy."
Child Development. v69 n3 (1998) p848-872.
Proposes two domains of emergent literacy skills: inside-out skills
(letter knowledge, phonemic awareness) and outside-in skills (language,
conceptual knowledge). Also discusses preschool interventions,
future research needs, and policy implications for reading education.
Tips and Techniques for Raising a Reader
American Academy of Pediatrics: Read Me
a Story
Information on the importance of early reading, along with tips
for parents and reading "check-ups" for infants and
toddlers.
http://www.aap.org/family/readmeastory.htm
Bradbury, Judy.
Children's Book Corner: A Read-Aloud Resource with Tips, Techniques,
and Plans for Teachers, Librarians, and Parents, Level PreK-K.
Libraries Unlimited, 2003.
More than 50 read-aloud plans for outstanding picture books. Includes
an appendix highlighting 200 additional resources and a subject,
title, author, and illustrator index.
Cullinan, Bernice,
E. Read to Me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read. Scholastic,
2000.
A great book for parents and caregivers that provides information
on the importance of raising kids who love to read, tips for busy
parents, "surefire hits" booklists for infants to teens,
and more. (j649.58 Parent-Teacher)
DeBruin-Parecki,
Andrea. Helping
Your Child Become a Reader: With Activities for Children from
Infancy Through Age 6. U.S. Dept. of Education, Office of Intergovernmental
and Interagency Affairs, 2002.
Written for parents, this booklet promotes activities that are
designed to be fun and turn everyday routines into learning experiences.
A "No Child Left Behind" publication that is also available
online. (j649.58 Parent-Teacher)
http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/reader/index.html
Haas, Monty and
Laurie Joy. Read It Aloud: A Parent's Guide to Sharing Books
With Young Children. The Reading Railroad, 2000.
A book that includes techniques for improving reading-aloud performance,
ideas for playful language and word games, and suggestions for
interactive reading. Great for motivated adults. (j649.58 Parent-Teacher)
Hauser, Jill Frankel.
Wow! I'm Reading!: Fun Activities to Make Reading Happen.
Williamson Publishing, 2000.
A resource full of ideas for making reading, writing and oral
language part of play activities loved by children. For 3-7 year
olds and the adults who play with them. (j372.4 Parent-Teacher)
Maddigan, Beth.
The Big Book of Stories, Songs, and Sing-alongs: Programs for
Babies, Toddlers, and Families. Libraries Unlimited, 2003.
A collection of stories, songs, and sing-alongs designed to promote
lifelong reading and library use in babies and toddlers. (j027.625
Parent-Teacher
Reading
Rockets: Launching Young Readers
The web site for a national initiative that disseminates research-based
information on helping children become readers. Includes valuable
information for parents, caregivers, and professionals, and excellent
lists of resources.
http://www.readingrockets.org/
Sargent, Barbara.
"Raise a Reader: 25 Fun Ways to Nurture a Love of Books and
Language." Parents Magazine. v77 i6 (June 2002 ) p119+.
Tips for developing reading and language skills in children from
birth to age 8. A good article for parents and caregivers.
Scholastic.com Family Matters: All About
Reading
A web site featuring booklists, articles written by experts, and
suggestions for helping children learn to love reading at every
age and stage.
http://www.scholastic.com/familymatters/read/index.htm
Shiller, Pam.
Creating Readers: Over 1000 Games, Activities, Tongue Twisters,
Fingerplays, Songs, and Stories to Get Children Excited About
Reading. Williamson Publishing, 2000.
A collection of activities that follow a developmental sequence
and encourage children to develop both the desire and skills needed
to read. (j372.4 Parent-Teacher)
Tharps, Lori.
"Raise a Reader: How to Make Books a Part of Your Child's
Life. (Lifestyle Parenting)." Essence. v33 i12 (April
2003). p202. +.
Discusses the importance of early literacy experiences with an
additional focus on how African Americans can tie their cultural
traditions into early literacy experiences for their children.
Zahler, Kathy
A. 50 Simple Things You Can Do To Raise A Child Who Loves to
Read. Arco,1997.
A selection of fun parent-child activities that will help children
develop a love of reading. (j028.55 Parent-Teacher)
Choosing Baby and Toddler Books - information from Duluth Public Library staff.
Hearne, Betsy.
Choosing Books for Children: A Commonsense Guide. University
of Illinois Press, 1999.
A classic guide to children's literature and its uses that includes
annotated lists of recommended titles. . (j028.55 Parent-Teacher)
Odean, Kathleen.
Great Books for Babies and Toddlers: More Than 500 Recommended
Books for Your Child's First Three Years. Ballantine Books,
2003.
An annotated guide to picture-story books, fairy tales, rhyme,
fingerplay and song books that includes classics of children's
literature and new books. (j028.162 Parent-Teacher)
Ruethling, Ann.
Under the Chinaberry Tree: Books and Inspirations for Mindful
Parenting. Broadway Books, 2003.
An engaging book useful for parents making reading decisions or
gathering tips on sharing communication with their children. (j028.162
Parent-Teacher)
Early Literacy Programs: Libraries and Other Organizations
Beginning With Books Center for Early Literacy.
A program offering low-income families gift books, information,
and encouragement to read aloud to their young children.
http://www.beginningwithbooks.org/
Birth
to Six
Designed especially for parents and caregivers of children age
6 and younger. Includes early literacy tips, booklists, and links
to a wealth of early literacy resources. From Hennepin County
Library.
http://www.hclib.org/BirthTo6/
Book Time With Your Baby, Duluth Public Library,
Duluth, Minnesota, 2004.
Book Time With Your Baby is a cooperative effort of the Duluth
Public Library, Duluth hospitals, and other agencies that encourages
parents and other caregivers to share reading with children beginning
at birth.
Center
for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement (CIERA)
Administered by the U.S. Dept. of Education, this national center
involves a consortium of educators including the University of
Minnesota. Its mission is to improve the reading achievement of
children by "generating and disseminating theoretical, empirical
and practical solutions to the learning and teaching of beginning
reading."
http://www.ciera.org/
"Creating
Welcoming Library Environments for Infants, Toddlers and Their
Families." ZERO TO THREE Professional Journal. v21
no3 (December 2000/January 2001 ).
An issue of the ZERO TO THREE professional journal covering topics
such as designing library space for infants and children, libraries
as community partners, and parent-child home programs. An excellent
article from this issue, "The Role
of Public Libraries in Emergent and Family Literacy" by Jennifer Birckmayer,
is available as a sample online.
http://www.zerotothree.org/ztt_journal.html
Early
Literacy Initiative
Part of the University of Minnesota's outreach efforts focusing
on literacy, this web site includes research briefs, booklists,
and links to web resources.
http://literacy.umn.edu/
Every Child Ready to Read @ your Library
Workshops and parent and caregiver resources for use with early
literacy services. A joint project of the Public Library Association
and the Association for Library Service to Children.
http://www.ala.org/ala/pla/plaissues/earlylit/earlyliteracy.htm
Feinberg, Sandra.
Learning Environments for Young Children: Rethinking Library
Spaces and Services. American Library Association, 1998.
A useful resource for exploring developmentally-appropriate and
family-centered principles that can be used to expand ideas for
library service to infants, young children and their families.
First Steps
to Literacy: Library Programs for Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers. American Library Association,
Association for Library Service to Children. Preschool Services
and Parent Education Committee, 1990.
A work designed to assist children's librarians in planning, advertising,
and conducting programs on children's literature for adults who
live or work with young children. (j027.6 Reference)
Get
Ready to Read.
A program of the National Center for Learning Disabilities that
provides parents, educators, health-care professionals, and advocates
with tools to help build early literacy skills.
http://www.getreadytoread.org/
Laughlin, Sara.
Early Literacy Initiative: 2003 Evaluation. Sara Laughlin
and Associates, August 2003.
A summary of an interesting study on the impact of using research-based
early literacy practices in public library programs for parents
and caregivers.
Minkel, Walter.
"It's never too early: Maryland's library systems (all 27
of them) are helping parents prepare their preschoolers to become
successful readers." School Library Journal v48 i7
(July 2002): 38+.
A description of Maryland's efforts at improving early literacy
through library programs to parents. Also includes examples of
programs from other libraries around the country, and lists web
resources related to early literacy issues.
Northern
Lights Library Network: Libraries, Literacy and Kids
A blog sponsored by NLLN to share information, resources, and
web sites about emergent literacy issues with libraries, early
education specialists, and the general public.
http://nlln.org/kidblog.html
Reach
Out and Read, Making Books Part of a Healthy Childhood. Reach Out and Read National
Organization.
Building on the relationship between doctors and the parents of
young children, ROR promotes children's language and literacy
development. The web site includes reading tips, booklists, literacy
links, and more.
http://www.reachoutandread.org/
READ
TO ME: An Intergenerational Reading Program.
The web site for parent-baby reading program that focuses on teen
parents and moms. Includes information how to start a local READ
TO ME program and lists of resources.
http://www.readtomeprogram.org/
Reading
is Fundamental
The web site of the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit children's
literacy organization. Includes information for parents, educators
and RIF community coordinators.
http://www.rif.org/
Talan, Carole.
Founding and Funding Family Literacy Programs. Neal-Schuman,
1999.
A work that shows libraries & their staff how to position
themselves as the community's primary literacy provider. Covers
steps in the development and funding of library-based family literacy
programs.
Community Support and Collaboration
Carnegie Corporation
of New York. Starting Points: Meeting the Needs of Our Youngest
Children: The Report of the Carnegie Task Force on Meeting the
Needs of Young Children. Carnegie, 1994.
A landmark report intended to provide a "framework of scientific
knowledge and offer an action agenda to ensure the healthy development
of children from before birth to age three." (j362.7 Parent-Teacher)
Erickson, Martha
F. Infants, Toddlers, and Families: A Framework for Support
and Intervention. Guilford Press, 1999.
An informative guide for those working with families and children,
birth to age three. Includes a review of the history of early
intervention and current trends, and introduces key findings from
attachment, development and family literature. Filled with practical
suggestions, this book also includes an extensive, annotated bibliography.
(j362.7 Parent-Teacher)
Feinberg, Sandra.
Serving Families and Children Through Partnerships: A How-to-do-it
Manual for Librarians. Neal-Schuman, 1996.
A work that provides a vision on how libraries can focus services
on the needs of families with young children and collaborate effectively
with other community partners. Builds on the philosophy that the
best way to provide support is to empower parents, to prevent
problems rather than correct them and to integrate services.
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