Today happens to be Sunday, and as he does almost every weekend day, the second he woke up, Sprout wanted to know, "Is it a school day??" Sprout loves his preschool, and so do we. He's been fortunate to have had excellent day care providers, and now is in a more structured preschool program where he really shines. His teachers are involved and creative, thoughtful and kind. As a parent, it makes my day so much better when I know that Sprout is thriving in his everyday environment.
When Sprout first started preschool, we read and recommended a number of excellent titles for the transition. It's Time for Preschool! by Esmé Raji Codell is a great addition to that list. One glimpse at the cover and you know you're in for a good time with this one. Lively and fun, this is a great look at all the activities that most preschools incorporate into their regular routine. The only downside I can think to this title is that it makes me want to spend all day in such a cool place.
Codell is a teacher, librarian and reading specialist, so you know you're in good hands with the text here. She's got an engaging thread of rhyme that crops up now and again, and she does a fantastic job of explaining just what an average day in preschool looks like. She even covers special events, like field trips and fire drills, that are left out of most preschool-prep titles. Sue Ramá did the illustrations for this title, and true to form with her other work, she includes a healthy dose of diversity among teachers and students. There's loads of variety in the games and activities , as well - boys and girls alike playing house, making crafts, playing dinosaurs (and princess dinosaurs!).
Best of all, the book includes acknowledgements that kiddos may have a hard time during the day, and addresses worries like a parent not showing up at pick-up time ("But never never never / (I will say it with a shout) / Would your folks forget to pick you up. / It's not even worth thinking about.") This is a nice reassurance for kids who may feel uneasy about this new phase in life.
Whether your kiddo's a preschool veteran or still has that phase to look forward to, It's Time for Preschool! is a great escape into the fun of a busy school day.
It's Time for Preschool! by Esmé Raji Codell, published by Greenwillow Books
1 comment:
I will have to add to my diversity starting school list. Looks wonderful!
Post a Comment