"Letter-a-week" may be a ubiquitous approach to teaching alphabet knowledge, but that doesn't mean it's an effective one. In No More Teaching a Letter a Week, early literacy researcher Dr. William Teale helps us understand that alphabet knowledge is more than letter recognition, and identifies research-based principles of effective alphabet instruction, which constitutes the foundation for phonics teaching and learning. Literacy coach Rebecca McKay shows us how to bring those principles to life through purposeful practices that invite children to create an identity through print. Children can and should do more than glue beans into the shape of a "B"; they need to learn how letters create words that carry meaning, so that they can, and do, use print to expand their understanding of the world and themselves.

These unique board books bring the popular Montessori pedagogy to trade book form for the first time. Using materials and methods common to Montessori classrooms, these interactive board books immerse young children in an aesthetically rich learning experience, while providing parents and caregivers with carefully crafted language to encourage understanding. In Montessori classrooms, students learn to write before they learn to read, so the process is driven by their own words and thoughts before those of others. Letters are taught first as sounds (instead of names), and alphabet tiles encourage children to trace each letter with their fingers. This book honors that tradition by emulating the standard classroom material with touchable, traceable letters and beautiful colors that evoke the elegant simplicity of the Montessori aesthetic. Praise for Montessori: Letter Work "The combination of phonetics and simple retro illustration makes for an excellent entree into pre-literacy." --The Wall Street Journal

Enjoy these quick, easy, and fun activities with your students. These creative ideas add a fresh twist on commonly used literacy activities to help teachers save time and assist children in being successful with recognizing sounds and letters.

This funny, touching picture book celebrates the difference a good teacher can make. Written as a thank-you note to a special teacher from the student who never forgot her, this moving story makes a great classroom read-aloud, and a perfect back-to-school gift for students and teachers! Dear Teacher, Whenever I had something to tell you, I tugged on your shirt and whispered in your ear. This time I’m writing a letter. So begins this heartfelt picture book about a girl who prefers running and jumping to listening and learning—and the teacher who gently inspires her. From stomping through creeks on a field trip to pretending to choke when called upon to read aloud, this book’s young heroine would be a challenge to any teacher. But this teacher isn’t just any teacher. By listening carefully and knowing just the right thing to say, she quickly learns that the girl’s unruly behavior is due to her struggles with reading. And at the very end, we learn what this former student is now: a teacher herself. From award winning author Deborah Hopkinson and acclaimed illustrator Nancy Carpenter, this picture book is made to be treasured by both those who teach and those who learn.

Learning the letters and their sounds is as easy as ABC with this big collection of alphabet activities! Easy-to-make mini-books--one for each letter--hands-on activities, and 156 colourful picture cards give kids lots of opportunities to practice letter recognition, letter-sound relationships, and letter formation skills. Lessons include easy games, crafts, snacks, literature connections, multisensory experiences, and more.Teacher and reinforces letter recognition and letter-sound relationships.Gives practice in forming and writing letters of the alphabet.Includes 156 colourful, cut-apart picture cards--six for each letter!Helps set the stage for success in school.Great for kids of all learning styles.

Ideal for early years to KS1 children who are learning at home. Daisy Upton has two little kids. She loves them - but they drive her mad. So, to try and keep her sanity she started to come up with quick, easy games using stuff from around the house. And @FiveMinuteMum was born. In her first book, she has collected 150+ games that take 5 minutes to set up & 5 minutes to tidy up. From pasta posting to alphabet knock down, it's a recipe book for guilt free parenting! And as Daisy was a teaching assistant, your little ones will be learning while they play! What could be better? GIVE ME FIVE is the perfect companion for anyone who wants five minutes peace. Also available: Five Minute Mum: Time For School Five Minute Mum: On the Go "I love Five Minute Mum. She's managed to come up with a huge array of activities for kids that are fun and educational yet don't require an Art degree or Diploma in Patience to execute."Sarah Turner, aka Unmumsy Mum