`As a teacher who has specialized in supporting "at risk" students I believe the use of Circle Time can be of help bridge the academic/ral divide. The authors, quite rightly, emphasise the Circle Times in not an advice sympathy or therapy group and they also write "pupils who have a positive view themselves are likely to achieve more, both socially and academically, than those pupils whose self-esteem in low′ - Simon Wheeler, Suffolk LEA Pupil Behaviour Project Officer Teresa Bliss and George Robinson explore the impact that Circle Time can have on the development of social behaviours, ethics and morality. Many new activities are added to the original repertoire. The book includes: " a link between Circle Time and the teaching of the moral and spiritual curriculum " a plan for a terms developmental work " ways in which issues starting outside the circle can be supported within the security of an already established circle group " worksheets to increase the range of activities. This book is the answer to teachers who ask for more ideas to extend the Circle Time programme.

Discover new, practical methods for teaching literacy skills in your early childhood classroom. Has teaching early literacy skills become a stumbling block to getting your preschool students kindergarten ready? Break out of the tired “letter of the week” routine and learn how to transform your lessons with fun and effective techniques. Teach Smarter: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers will equip teachers to infuse every aspect of their teaching with exciting hands-on literacy teaching methods that engage students and help them build authentic connections with books, so that 100% of their students will have a strong literacy foundation and will be fully prepared for success in kindergarten and beyond. Respected author Vanessa Levin, veteran early childhood educator and author of the “Pre-K Pages” blog, breaks down the research and translates it into realistic, actionable steps you can take to improve your teaching. Features specific examples of teaching techniques and activities that engage students in hands-on, experiential learning during circle time, centers, and small groups. Offers a simple, four-step system for teaching literacy skills, based on the foundational principles of early literacy teaching Demonstrates how to build your confidence in your ability to get 100% of your students ready for kindergarten, long before the end of the school year Understand the problems with traditional literacy teaching and identify gaps in your current teaching practice with this valuable resource.

Bright Ideas is crammed with lively easy-to-use ideas to brighten up your day. * Very simple to use - slot into your existing teahing. * Ideal for busy teachers - one page per activity. * Fresh, ready-to-use teaching ideas and resources. * Addresses the rea day-to-day needs of the classroom teacher.

The acclaimed interactive picture book about the changing seasons. “Like Hervé Tullet’s Press Here, Matheson’s Tap the Magic Tree proves you don’t need apps for interactivity,” praised the New York Times. This board book edition is perfect for little hands. Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that’s interactive—and magical! It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. The collage-and-watercolor art evokes the bright simplicity of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle and the interactive concept will delight fans of Pat the Bunny. Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season—and every story time! And don't miss the follow-up, Touch the Brightest Star!

In MAT MAN SHAPES (hardcover), The popular Mat Man™ character comes to life in an imaginative tale that takes children to a world of shapes and rhymes. A friendly hero opens students' minds to shapes, rhyming verse, imagination, exploration, and community in the first book of the Mat Man™ reading series.

"At the pet show, there are so many different types of pets. With dogs and cats, horses and chickens, hamsters and chinchillas--and many, many more--this book celebrates animal companions of all shapes and sizes"--