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Got young readers on your Christmas list?
By Melissa Martin, Ph.D.
“Children learn to love the sound of language before they even notice
the existence of printed words on a page. Reading books aloud to
children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding
of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and
prepares them to understand the written word. When the rhythm and
melody of language become a part of a child's life, learning to read
will be as natural as learning to walk and talk.”
www.readingrockets.org.
I going to share my favorite book publisher with you. The authors are
specialists in their field. The end of the books contain tips and
information for adults.
The books at Free Spirit Publishing are my little helpers. As a child
therapist, I often recommend specific books to parents, childcare
staff, school counselors, teachers, and kids. Got a kid that bites?
There’s a book for that.
Board Books
Here’s one to help youngsters learn patience while waiting to open
holiday gifts. “Waiting Is Not Forever,” a board book by Elizabeth
Verdick for toddlers.
One of my favorite tools for parents is called “Teeth are not for Biting,” a board book by Elizabeth Verdick for ages 1-4.
“Reading exposes children to stories and characters that can help them
learn traits of empathy. By connecting to book characters, children can
learn how to relate to others. They can better understand what other
people are thinking and feeling, and can put themselves in others’
shoes. Building emotional intelligence at a young age can help children
cope in all sorts of situations.” www.readingpartners.og.
Picture Books
Learning how to manage big feelings leads to the ability to self-sooth.
“1-2-3 My Feelings and Me” by Goldie Millar and Lisa Berger. Help
children, ages 3-8, understand and manage emotions.
What about a book series for rumbustious boys, ages 5-8? The Zach
Rules Series by William Mulcahy is just what you need. Each of the four
books present a single, simple storyline involving an everyday problem
typical of young kids.
Do you have a chatty child? “Tessie Tames Her Tongue; A Book About
Learning When to Talk and When to Listen,” was written by Melissa
Martin (me) for ages 5-9. With support from her parents, teacher, and
school counselor, Tessie learns to talk less and listen more.
“Cool Down and Work Through Anger” by Cheri Meiners, M.Ed. (ages 4-8)
helps children recognize and express anger in appropriate ways.
“Penelope Perfect; A Tale of Perfectionism Gone Wild” by Shannon
Anderson (ages 5-9). Highly recommended for kids that develop anxiety
from trying to be perfect.
Chapter Books
“Cliques, Phonies & Other Baloney” by Trevor Romain and Elizabeth
Verdick, for ages 8-13 years. Navigating social groups can be tricky.
This book will help with the girl drama.
“Speak Up and Get Along! Learn the Mighty Might, Thought Chop, and More
Tools to Make Friends, Stop Teasing, and Feel Good About Yourself” by
Scott Cooper for ages 8-12.
“Free Spirit is the leading publisher of learning tools that support
young people’s social-emotional health and educational needs. For over
35 years, our mission has been to help children and teens think for
themselves, overcome challenges, and make a difference in the world.”
www.freespirit.com.
Happy holiday reading with kids!
Melissa Martin, Ph.D., is an author, columnist, educator, and
therapist. She lives in Southern Ohio. Contact her at
melissamcolumnist@gmail.com.
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