This is where I try to pass on what little I know to a new generation of parent-educators, encouraging them as they teach their children, challenging them in their philosophies of education and choice of curricula, and inspiring them to innovation and creativity.

My greatest desire is for homeschool families to experience the joy of discovery, and for homeschooled children to be blessed with lifelong curiosity and a deep understanding of many subjects. My greatest concern is that the movement is too bureaucratic, too enamored of public school methods, and too commercialized. My greatest fear is that independent home education will die. Yet, my greatest hope is that home educators will come together in groups that focus on personal connection and instructional enrichment, rather than on creating school-like environments. My educational preferences are eclectic, (mostly) non-traditional, relational and unhurried, and rigorous of thought. My focus is primarily on homeschooling in Connecticut.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Favorite Books for Young Children

Back in August 2006, I wrote this post for Gooseberry Lane, my other blog.  Since deciding to create a separate blog for my homeschooling articles, I have been culling through my archived posts.  Tonight, I found this one and thought I would share it here.  Frankly, I just might go back and read some of these books myself.  Seeing the world through a child's eyes makes for a great perspective check once in a while.
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Yesterday evening, my family and I watched Nanny McPhee, a recent film starring Emma Thompson and Colin Firth. Based on the “Nurse Matilda” books by Christianna Brand, which I have never read, the film brought to mind a few books for children that I have read and that my daughter very much enjoyed during her early childhood years. Most of these recommendations are for children ages 3-8, but can be read aloud to those somewhat younger as well. I heartily encourage daily read-aloud time for all families in order to encourage listening skills, to establish the habit of reading, and to instill a love of literature in children. I hope you enjoy these stories as much as we did (and do!).

Happy Birthday, Moon by Frank Asch
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Calico the Wonder Horse by Virginia Lee Burton
Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton
Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Verdi by Janell Cannon
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Come Again, Pelican by Don Freeman
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Little Toot by Hardie Gramatky
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson
What Do You Do, Dear? by Sesyle Joslin & Maurice Sendak
What Do You Say, Dear? by Sesyle Joslin & Maurice Sendak
Alphabeasts by Dick King-Smith
Frederick by Leo Lionni
Let’s Make Rabbits by Leo Lionni
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Mouse Soup by Arnold Lobel
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr. & John Archambault
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
The Hole Book by Peter Newell
The Slant Book by Peter Newell
Topsys & Turvys by Peter Newell
Topsys & Turvys 2 by Peter Newell
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Babushka’s Doll by Patricia Polacco
The Song of the Swallows by Leo Politi
Alligators All Around by Maurice Sendak
Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak
Pierre by Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Snuggle Piggy and the Magic Blanket by Michele Stepto
Gooseberry Lane by Bethany Tudor
The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber
Noisy Nora by Rosemary Wells
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
The Napping House by Audrey & Don Wood
Piggies by Audrey & Don Wood
Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion & Margaret Bloy Graham
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