From Lullabies to Literature

P/B • 204mm x 255mm • 152 Pages ISBN 9781928896524 Stories in the Lives of Infants and Toddlers The ability to use language (speak, read, write) is not something that children suddenly or automatically develop. It is a culmination of experiences with language that begin at birth. Sharing stories (oral storytelling, books) and other story experiences (conversations, songs, poems, rhymes) with infants and toddlers is critical to building their emerging literacy skills. At the same time, it expands their experience and understanding of the world, and is a wonderful opportunity for fostering close relationships with infants and toddlers. Sprinkled with helpful and delightful vignettes and ideas for stories to share, From Lullabies to Literature explains how the many types of stories and story experiences are best used with very young children, with a particular focus on using books, and how caregivers can plan and provide story experiences most effectively, including by partnering with families. Contents About This Book Chapter 1: Why Stories Matter: The Joys and Benefits for Infants and Toddlers What do we mean by stories? Why do stories matter for very young children? Chapter 2: About Very Young Children: Characteristics of Early Abilities and Development An image of infant and toddlers Development and the individual child A developmental continuum Chapter 3:  Sharing Spoken Language: Sounds, Conversations, Told Stories, and Language Games Beginning with sounds Engaging in conversations Told stories Language plays, rhymes, and games Songs Supporting toddlers as storytellers Chapter 4: The Special Role of Books: Building a Story Collection to Share Why books are special Types of books Building a book collection Chapter 5: Using Stories Effectively: Telling, Reading, and Showing Do’s and don’ts for sharing story experiences Ideas for using told stories with infants and toddlers Ideas for using books with infants and toddlers A good place for books Challenges when using books with infants and toddlers Using stories: Questions from caregivers Supporting inclusion of children with special needs Chapter 6. Planning Story Experiences to Benefit Every Child: Preparation, Observation, and Evaluation Balancing considerations in story planning Planning stories as comfort and support Developing our story planning skills Chapter 7. Partnering with Families: Enriching Story Experiences Through Communication Inclusive perspectives on families Two-way communication Encouraging families to tell stories and share books Chapter 8. The Gift of Stories: Ours to Give to Very Young Children The three benefits of stories revisited Finally… Appendix. Good Books for Infants and Toddlers References