Emergent Reader Book Choices

Emergent readers are in that magic stage in reading development when all of the experiences with books, all of the practice singing the alphabet, all of the exposure to words, and the introduction of phonics skill finally come together.  Emergent readers are early readers with basic print knowledge, some site words, and some phonics skills.  Most children are entering into the emergent reader stage in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and First Grade.  I remember reading my early phonics readers.  Typically emergent reader books will be very decodable.  That means the words might be from a select word family or may follow an easy rhyme pattern.  In addition, emergent reader books will have very close print and illustration connections. Readers will be able to tell the stories via both simple text and pictures. 

All this to say: my Lil Guy is solidly in the emergent reader stage.  Some of the  This is more than just remembering a story or a few words to a story.  Cold reading an emergent reader text is a sign.  Being able to chunk words or use phonics skills to sound out longer unknown words is also a sign.  Remember that emergent readers are not independent readers by any means is important.  These readers will still need plenty of support.  My Lil Guy needs reminders to read every word on a page and is still learning some letter combinations: sh, th, ng, etc.

signs are reading and recognizing words within text.

Choosing appropriate books for emergent readers is crucial.  Great emergent reader book engage readers.  The text needs to be accessible for the reader, but can still require a bit of support.  Also the illustrations need to engage the reader and give picture clues for the readers.  Many emergent reader books will have reading levels listed.  Even early emergent readers will enjoy these books because of the predictable text patterns and easy to follow picture clues. 

 

Here are some emergent reader series:

I Can Read Series from Harper Collins Publishers.  These books are very popular and inexpensive.  The stories often have recurring characters and also include non-fiction books.  This particular series also features popular storybook characters such as Pete the Cat and Pinkalicious.  Look for “My First” and Level 1 books in this series for emergent readers.

Step Into Reading from Random House Publishers.  Again, these books are very popular and are found on the shelves at Wal-Mart and Target.  Some of the popular series in these books are Sesame Street, Disney Characters, and Barbie.  While those characters might not thrill parents there are other very engaging emergent reader books.  Lil Guy’s first book he read by himself was Hot Dog.  It’s still one of his favorites to read during storytime!  Look for Level 1 books in this series for emergent readers.

Ready to Read from Simon & Schuster Publishers.  These books showcase some of the same movie and cartoon characters, but also offer children’s favorite authors within the Emergent Reader books.  Eric Carle and Cynthia Rylant have books from Ready to Read.  Olivia is also featured as a series for emergent readers.  Look for Pre-Level 1 and Level 1 books.

One of our favorite book series lately has been I Like to Read by Holiday House Publishers.  These books we have borrowed from the library in hardback.  They tell simple but interesting stories.  I’ve seen some comments that the stories don’t feel complete, but my Lil Guy’s imagination fills in the details as he reads.  All of the I Like to Read series books fall solidly into the Emergent Reader level.  Here are a few of our favorites in the series.

So, What are YOUR favorite Emergent Reader books?  What activities do you do with YOUR Emergent Readers at home or at school?  Do you have suggestions for Lil Guy and me?

No Two Persons ...

No two persons ever read the same book. 

~Edmund Wilson 

I recently saw this quote on Twitter and had to retweet because it’s so true.  Readers bring a bit of themselves to each book and take in the story or information in a different way too.  Many non-fiction books capitalize on this truth by offering levels of reading within a book.  Since we read a non-fiction books on a variety of topics at my house I’ve seen many book that offer in-depth captions next to short large font paragraphs or sidebars offering more details.  Many young ‘readers’ experience books without the words.  At our house we’ve been encouraging 3 yr old Lil Guy to tell us the story using the pictures as a guide.  It’s an important step in becoming an independent reader. 

 

One book that epitomizes levels of reading within a book is An Edible Alphabet, 26 Reasons to Love the Farm by Carol Watterson.  This picture book illustrated by  Michela Sorrentino is a traditional alphabet book offering many levels of text within the page.  Readers at the letter recognition stage will easily find the bright letters, but older readers can find alliteration, information, and even folktales and trivia.  All of this pushed into one books is a bit much but we still enjoyed the book.  For the quick before bed read, we only looked at pictures and read the header phrase, “Uu - Udders Under Umbrellas”.  Yes, this illustration did show a farmer and cow walking in the rain.   For a longer on the lap cuddly read, I added in a few details, “Wild Salmon live in both fresh and saltwater.”  I don’t think I would read the book from beginning to end, but farm enthusiast might do so.  Recommended for preschoolers to grade 4, non-fiction readers, and readers who love the farm.

Even More Great Places to Read Everyday, Everywhere

I started this series about a week ago, looking for great places to read and ways to find extra time in your life to read … You can find details for the first 15 here and here.  Here is a review:

1. Read in Bed.

2. Read while on the Phone, waiting on hold for Customer Service.

3. Read at the Library.

4. Read while waiting at the doctor’s office.

5. Read in the car.

6. Read while sitting in your potty chair.

7. Read in a lawn chair while watching your children playing.

8. Read on a blanket, under a tree.   

9. Bring a book for little ones to read during church.

10.  Read as you have your private lunch.

11. Read on your commuter train ride

12. Read while waiting for water to boil/cooking in the kitchen.

13.  Always, always, always bring a book when you are visiting relatives, especially in-laws. 

14.  Read on a Plane Ride.

15. Read while you are waiting for the movie to start at the movie theatre.  

Thanks to Jen Robinson from Jen Robinson’s Book Page who shared these ideas:

16. Listen to audiobooks while doing chores around the house.  Jen mentioned folding laundry and cooking, I might try this while dusting and cleaning this weekend.  Anything to make housework a little more pleasant!

17. Listen to an audiobook while driving in the car.  I have tons of friends who do this to make the commute pass quickly; I am looking for the perfect book now to give it a try.

And some more ideas I been thinking about:

18. Turn off the TV and read.  One night a week (or more) turn off the TV and have personal or family book time.  My Lil guy loves to be surrounded by piles of books on the couch.  He will sit and read reclining on one side of the couch while I recline on the other side.  It’s a peaceful 20 or 30 minutes that I cherish.

19. Read in the bath.  It’s so indulgent to take a bath with a book.  While my e-reading habits don’t really promote this habit, for those of us who enjoy a nice soak, a book can add to a relaxing experience.

20. Read in bed (part 2). Many of us read before we fall asleep, but how many of us read before we get out of bed in the morning.  There is something about the morning that peaceful, especially after a goodnight’s sleep.  It might be a challenge to some of us, maybe after we’ve woken up a bit and brushed our teeth, or after we make the bed for the day, we should relax with a book before starting our day.  I know many of you are not convinced, but perhaps it’s a challenge you can attempt. 

So now we are finished with numbers 1 to 20.  Hopefully next time around I am going to look at how you can "pretend like you are doing something important when really you are actually just finding an excuse to read in peace".  Later I will explore how to build extra time with books into your family schedule and then finally how children can capture extra reading time at school.  I really have enjoyed this series of posts and hope to keep up with more ideas.  Please leave YOUR ideas in the comments and I will add them onto the list.  Thanks.  :-)

More Great Places to Read Everyday, Everywhere

I’ve already started talking about great places to read and today we are adding to the list.  Here is what we have so far:

  1. Read in Bed.

  2. Read while on the Phone, waiting on 
     hold for Customer Service.

  3. Read at the Library.

  4. Read while waiting at the 
     doctor’s office.

  5. Read in the car.

  6. Read while sitting in your 
     potty chair.

  7. Read in a lawn chair while watching your children playing.

  8. Read on a blanket, under a tree. 

  9. Bring a book for little ones to read during church.

  10.  Read as you have your private lunch.

Now for the next five places, I thought I would focus on places to read a book that might otherwise be a giant waste of time.  If you are going to be held captive you might as well have a book, right?

11. Read on your commuter train ride;  Usually when I find myself on a train early in the morning or even after a long day at work, I don’t want to make eye contact with anyone let alone try for conversation, a book is the perfect antidote.

12. Read while waiting for water to boil.  I usually have a book nearby, but I admit, while cooking dinner I usually have my head stuck in a cookbook or in a newspaper.  I like short bites of information as I am reading, so this type of reading is perfect while waiting for water to boil.

13.  Always, always, always bring a book when you are visiting relatives, especially in-laws.  It may seem silly or even rude, but having a good book to lose yourself in while at a relative’s house can be a life saver.   Books not only can be calming, but also can be the perfect excuse to decline an invitation to play charades or join the annual ping-pong tournament. 

14.  Read on a Plane Ride. I would never get on a plane without at least one piece of reading material.

15. Bring a book to read while you are waiting for the movie to start at the movie theatre.  My husband is obsessed with getting to the movies early.  I don’t mind, as long as I have a book.

So, now we have numbers 1 to 15.  I am still looking forward to hearing from you.  What’s the best place to read a book?  Tell me about the places that help you pass your time.  Make sure to leave a comment and I will add it to the list.  Thanks.

Reading Everywhere, Everyday

I try to always carry a few books with me.  It’s like books are my addiction, and the thought of being without one is a little scary.  Being a mother to 3 year old Lil Guy, I also try to have a supply of book for him.  My purse totes an e-reader fully stocked with adult novels, YA books, a few kids picture books/easy readers, and interactive books for toddlers.  We have book baskets in all our cars, we also stuff diaper bags, backpacks, overnight bags, and even lunch bags with books.  Our shelves are overflowing as is my nightstand.  We simply can’t get enough books.  While I do spend a lot of time reading, I also find that I can read just about anywhere, in many situations.  I thought I would share some of them here on the blog in a cumulative list. Anyone who wants to add to my list of Reading Places, add a comment and I will add your ideas to the end of the list.

I will start with 10 places My Lil Guy and I have been reading lately:

1. Reading in Bed:  I read laying in bed at bedtime almost everynight with my Lil Guy, but I also read before bed on my own.  Since I have a backlit e-reader, I can even read in the dark!

2. Read while on the Phone, waiting on hold for Customer Service.

3. Read at the Library:  Sometimes I can’t wait to read a book I just picked up off the shelf.  With Lil Guy, sometimes we will read arm fulls of books and return them before we even leave the library.

4. Read while waiting at the doctor’s office.

5. Read in the car: If it doesn’t make you too queasy, reading the car is a great way to pass the time as a passenger.  My Lil Guy will check out book after book after book occupying himself on longer trips.

6. Read while sitting in your potty chair. Enough said.

7. Read in a lawn chair while watching your children playing: This is absolutely my summertime joy.

8. Read on a blanket, under a tree. 

9. Bring a book for little ones to read during church.

10.  Read as you have your private lunch: While it’s a luxury these days to find myself alone at a meal,  there is something comforting about bringing a lunch companion to the table in the form of a great book.

There is my start to the list.  I would love to hear about places you find yourself reading, your favorite places to read, or maybe even places you wish you had a book to pass the time.

Transition: Board Books to Picture Books

The transition from board books to hardcover and paperback can be tricky for little ones.  There will torn pages and yes the corners of the book will be torn and tattered.  One of my pet peeves is when the books are put away with the pages all open and shoved with other books in between.  Like I said, transitioning can be tricky!  At our house we transitioned first to Easy Reader sized paperbacks and Little Golden Books.  While these books were convenient and cheaply replaced, the real treasure is getting to enjoy large picture books with pages full of huge illustrations and lovely stories that you can really sink your teeth into while reading.  Of course, these books might be parent held with parents turning pages at first.  You might even want to start by sharing these books while your little one is otherwise occupied in a high chair or holding a drink.   Now, my own Lil Guy has gotten to the point where he can independently enjoy paperback and hardback books.  We still have some torn pages and our bookshelves sometimes have smashed and mashed books, but picture books are so worth it.  

Duck at the Door               

While I love picture books, the cost of stocking your child’s library with hardback books is prohibitive.  They make good gifts and are perfect gets from the library for children of all ages.  Sometimes you can even find hardback books as special promotions at department stores during holidays.  That’s how the Duck at the Door came to our house.  Paying five dollars for a book like this is such a treat.  I hadn’t read any of the Duck books by Jackie Urbanovic, but I was pleasantly surprised by a cute story.  The book itself is big and sturdy with bright colorful hand drawn illustrations and text in bold fonts.  Put that together with a funny story and this book is a winner.

Duck at the Door is full of furred and feathered domesticated friends along with a compassionate owner who loves all creatures.  Owner Irene already has multiple dogs, cats, and birds that enjoy all the comforts of home.  The animals cook in the kitchen, have bubble baths in the bathtub, and even vie for control over the TV remote.  The harmony of home is put to the test however when a duck named Max comes to the door.  Of course, Irene invites Max into the family home with open arms.

We like this short book because it offers such a cute glimpse at animal friendship.  The animal characters while maintaining animal-like appearances, display human-like personalities.  Plus the story itself of an animal loving owner who takes in stray pets rings so true to life.  Max the duck, Irene the owner, and all of the other animal friends are charming for sure.  They just make you smile!  Perfect for read-alouds, or read again and again and again, this book is sweet and shares a story about compassion and love and what it means to be a family.

Breaking the Reading Slump: Holiday Preview

Breaking from the reading slump isn't easy.  You get a little lazy and other hobbies take over and your books sit unread.  I am not sure if everyone has these slumps, but at my house they are often.  This time: visiting with family and friends, decorating for the holidays, crafting Christmas gifts, and being a mom all came before reading.  I did manage to finish several Christmas gift projects, start on my holiday shopping, and I even found some fun new winter recipes to cook for my family.   

I don’t want you to think I haven’t read at all!  I took out some holiday/winter books to share with Lil Guy including by Lois Ehlert’s Snowballs, a fun DK Christmas Touch and Feel book, and My First Chanukah by Tomie dePaola.  These three books are read several times a day with a few others (reviews soon, I promise!) and placed in a Christmas Basket near our fireplace. 

Personally I have always enjoyed reading holiday books.  I love holiday romances or children’s books with holiday settings.  There is something about holiday books that make you feel a special connection.  Knowing that others celebrate with their families,  hearing about a little Christmas magic, or connecting to the ancient stories that we still celebrate today, these stories just make me feel good.  This December, I hope to highlight some of my favorites and I can’t wait to read from others about their favorite holiday books and traditions. 

So, I am ready to break the reading slump with holiday reading and other books.  I welcome the snow, long winter’s nights, and books that inspire imagination and keep me feeling warm inside.

More Books Worth a Second Look

Since my last edition of Books Worth a Second Look I did finish (and reviewed) The Duff, I also read The Strange Case of Origami Yoda.  I continue to read (and enjoy) parts of Anna and the French Kiss. The real story here is that I got caught up in a book that wasn’t motivating me to read.  For whatever reason, I was stuck about half-way through Bumped.  The story was interesting and I think it would have appeal to teen girls.  I just couldn’t suspend belief enough to finish the book.  I hate putting books down, but after reading Donalyn Miller’s The Book Whisperer, I know I have permission to put books down and I am sending this one back to the library.  Now I am ready to choose a new book!  Here are a few books on my To Be Read pile these days:

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

I was already excited about this book after reading several reviews.  I saw the huge displays in the bookstores too.  By huge displays, I have to say that the book itself is HUGE!  I was a little overwhelmed at the idea of reading that huge of a YA book.  I finally set my sights on the book at our local store and decided to pick it up.  Opening up the book was like a treasure!  I quickly read through the first five or six chapter and realized the book was exciting and a new literary experience.  I am ready to read this book and get lost in the story!  I also wonder if we'll be seeing more books with this fascinating half pictures, half story format.

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

This quirky graphic novel has me thinking that maybe (maybe!) I would enjoy this book.  I am not only intimidated, but also unsure about graphic novels.  I don’t even know how to read them!  Do I scan the page and pictures first?  Do I read the dialogue boxes in a certain order?  I feel like a thirty something year old virgin when it comes to reading graphic novels!!!  So, I have heard good things about this book and I feel I am ready to take the plunge!  I may not have worn orthodontia, but I had many other awkward things in my middle school years!

Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder

Love, love, love the concept of this book.  I want it in my hands!  I have read enough reviews to be 100% intrigued by the plot.  Here is what I hear about the book: The new girl in town (love it) is dealing with difficult family situations when a little magic (love it) comes her way.   What’s not to love about this book?  This book screams to be used in the classroom, right?  I am excited to read this book and review it for others, so it’s a front-runner on my to-be-read list.   

      

The Friendship Doll by Kirby Larson

Here is another admission from me:  I played with dolls until it was embarrassing.  I remember writing about making my own doll clothes in middle school which garnered laughter from my classmates.  I don’t keep dolls in my house now or have doll-like collectibles being a parent to a Lil Guy who likes balls and books more than anything.  (Yes, I tried gauging his interest in dolls, but he doesn’t really care for them.  Even at his grandmother’s house where the toy baskets have a bit of everything, he ignores the dollbabies.)  Anyway, I heard about this book which focuses on dolls sent as a symbol of friendship from pre-WWII Japan to girls in the United States.   I like the connections between the 2 countries, the time period, and the concept.  I hope I would enjoy the book as well.

Teacher.Mother.Reader

I am a teacher, a mother, and a reader.  I enjoy books!  I decided to start a blog about books to chronicle reading, being a teacher, and being a mother.  I am so excited, I don't even know where to start.  I guess I will start at the beginning...

I loved growing up with books.  I guess I didn't start reading until I was well into 1st grade, but even before that I was enjoying books.  I loved listening to stories and looking at the pictures on the pages, often making stories myself.  By the time I started reading in first grade I discovered that books were a magical place to  find friends and adventures.  I was told that I would sit and read to my dolls and stay up late with a flashlight reading under covers.  I never grew out of these habits!

When I became an independent reader, the library was my favorite place.  I would get piles of books and read, read, read.  I had already read all of my books at home multiple times!  My favorite books were picture books, fairy tales, and adventure books.  

One May, just as the summer was about to begin, I fell from a tree and had a severely broken leg which required a hip to my cast.  I was basically immobile, hot, and bored since most of my friends were off running and playing.  That summer it seemed like books were my only friend.  I started a reading summer challenge at my local library and read more than ever.  I remember reading longer chapter books and discovering new genres like fantasy and even poetry.  My summer was long but it was full of books...

After that I went off to a middle school with a huge library that I tried to spend as much time in as possible.  The librarian in that library would give me wonderful suggestions and I was reading more than ever. (Oh, how I wish I had such eager students!) But, like many eager readers I didn't connect my enjoyment of reading to school or even to the books I was reading in the classroom which, as I remember, were few.

By the time I got to High School I was a closet reader.  I read at home and flew through books in the classroom when they were assigned, but I didn't really connect with anyone about reading.  I remember when I was in high school my mom suggested that I try reading one of her (very tame) historical romance novels.   I loved it!  I also discovered one shelf of books in my local library with YA novels.  Wow!  I was in heaven as I read, read, read.

So, thats it for my first post.  Before I go for now, I was wondering: What are your earliest memories of books and reading?  I had my students once write an essay about reading, asking them to recall their earliest books, memories, and reading.  Many wrote about reading on parents laps, but some could only recall reading books with their Kindergarten teacher.  So, thanks for reading, I hope to have some 'views' soon.