True family literacy is not just a matter of establishing parent-child book nights and encouraging parents to read aloud to their children. Effective family literacy programs recognize and validate the important ways teachers, families, and community members learn from one another. Family literacy also relies on bringing students' home literacy routines into the classroom then back home again. This important book sheds light on family literacy practices that consider-and celebrate-students' complex and diverse home lives. Cultural considerations are key, and several chapters deal with the need to recognize, respect, and capitalize on home contexts for literacy in order to engage students, families, and communities. In these pages you will Read about successful family literacy programs Gain ideas for incorporating home culture and literacy practices into school settings to better engage students Learn how to effectively communicate literacy practices and goals to parents This volume differs from other books on family literacy in that the contributors themselves reflect the demographic diversity in today's schools. So in addition to presenting their research and classroom experiences, they give rich, personal accounts of their own interactions with students, teachers, and families. And they raise questions about power and access, calling for true learning partnerships. Book jacket.

All parents want their children to read well and to succeed–and experts agree that improving literacy begins at birth. Reading aloud to your child, sharing simple games and wordplay, and developing letter knowledge start your child off on the right foot for school and life. Now the esteemed Lee Pesky Learning Center has created this easy, accessible reference for parents to help foster better literacy skills in children. Topics are individually tailored for three age ranges–infant, toddler, and preschool–and include • the best read-aloud books to develop sound awareness • the perfect picture books for encouraging letter knowledge • ways to promote verbal language and build vocabulary • the benefits of symbolic play • fun (and educational) games for car trips • helping youngsters “write” at home • great gift ideas for kids • warning signs of a learning disability The fundamentals of reading start at home. Every Child Ready to Read helps parents motivate their children to learn, and to become confident readers who will always enjoy reading.

A first, worst impression leads to a lasting friendship in this hilarious picture book romp from the author of the New York Times bestselling Cat series and The Quiet Book. Things you'd expect to find in the bathtub: 1. Soap bubbles 2. Rubber duckies 3. Shampoo Things you don't expect to find in the bathtub: 1. WALRUS As it turns out, once a walrus settles in for a nice long soak, it's pretty darn hard to get him out. What's a family to do? This silly-sweet story will keep readers giggling as a family tries--and tries again!--to evict their unexpected houseguest... before finally realizing why he's there in the first place.

The Next Step in TJEd.Often cited by the DeMilles as their favorite work to date, this inspirational manual picks up where the primer/overview work, A Thomas Jefferson Education leaves off. It develops in depth not only the philosophy but also the nuts-and-bolts application of each individual Phase, the critical Transitions between Phases and the "big-picture" vision to begin with the end in mind. Those who master the content in this book leave behind the question, "But how do you actually DO it?" A Crisis of Leadership The world's problems can be summed up in just a few words: lack of leadership. While the world is in desperate need of leaders, very few people have the tools to become one. Oliver and Rachel DeMille's Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning is the manual that every person who aspires to be an effective leader, or to raise one, needs. Principled decision-making, the cultivation of character, studying the classics, and using critical thinking skills are just a few of the lost educational virtues of today restored by this book. An in-depth look at the philosophy and phases of education is indispensable when creating leaders. This book will help any family find the direction they are looking for when pursuing leadership education. This book teaches not only the theories behind Thomas Jefferson Education but also the practical application of these theories for you and your children, with great detail on the features of Thomas Jefferson Education-modeled home, parenting, family, education, leadership and life's mission. As we apply the philosophy contained in Leadership Education: The Phases of Learning we will transform not only our families and our classrooms, but the world.

Where did we come from? It's a simple question, but not so simple an answer to explain—especially to young children. Charles Darwin's theory of common descent no longer needs to be a scientific mystery to inquisitive young readers. Meet Grandmother Fish. Told in an engaging call and response text where a child can wiggle like a fish or hoot like an ape and brought to life by vibrant artwork, Grandmother Fish takes children and adults through the history of life on our planet and explains how we are all connected. The book also includes comprehensive backmatter, including: - An elaborate illustration of the evolutionary tree of life - Helpful science notes for parents - How to explain natural selection to a child

Cat has a plan. Dog has a plan. May the best plan win in this Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read from Laura Gehl, author of the popular One Big Pair of Underwear! Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Cat Has a Plan was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a hilarious story with words they can read on their own? Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains about 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills.

Splish, splash! Little Critter grabs some toys and a towel for his bubble bath in this adorable storybook which is perfect for bedtime readings! Little Critter runs the water, adds the bubbles and washes his face, hair and feet (even between the toes!) in this adorable picture book. It’s perfect for pre-bath or bedtime reads!