recommended reading list

[dmspiel]

I am still in my program for early childhood education. I am planning on teaching kindergarten, first or second grade. Are there any great books out there that you recommend for pre first year and first year early elementary teachers? Any thing that would better prepare me for what lies ahead? I of course have my textbooks but am sure there are other books out that I should have in my library.

[Bananas]

My first thought was about books for the children's literacy--what they would read or have read to them. On second thought, I am thinking you are wondering about books for you to read. Is that correct? Have you looked at Mosaic of Thought?

http://www.amazon.com/Mosaic-Thought-Second-Comprehension-Instruction/dp/0325010358

[Boxcar]

[I have an absolutely excellant book for you to use as a reference for yourself. It is more for preschool teachers, but I think you could use it too.

The book is called Practical Solutions for Practically Every Problem. You can look at it here:http://www.redleafpress.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=579

Another good book is Much More that the ABCs. It can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/Much-More-Than-ABCs-Reading/dp/0935989900

Also, look at the NACYE DAP book listed on the page as well. That might be of interest to you also.

As for books for the children, the first thing I would be would be to browse Amazon.com. Just read through what they have. You can get some titles and find them cheaper elsewhere. Additionally. you might want to look at the Special Needs Project and some diversity-themed websites to make sure you are including a wide range of people in your selections.

[Boxcar]

Oh, I'd also get some fairy tale and fable books. The children know these stories and can read most of them from memory. This is one of the beginning ways children gain confidence in thier skills as readers. It helps with recognizing words too. For example, a child knows the world "bear" from Goldilocks and the Three Bears. When he picks up a book about teddy bears that he has never seen before, he will be able to recognize the word "bear" on the page.