“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Penn

 I will admit that I never heard of The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn until after my daughter came home from her first day of kindergarten. Her little handprint – with a heart in the middle of her palm – had been placed beneath a precious poem related to this story. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes. 

The Kissing Hand

 What was it about this story – I had briefly heard about – that tugged at my heart? I did not want to wait and see. This book was so popular that I had to place it on hold at our local library. As soon as it became available, I had the pleasure of reading this sweet story to both of my children.
 
This book was so touching that I could see why it was perfect for my daughter since she did not want to leave her mommy for the day. Kissing her hand put her at ease.

Would I recommend this book? You bet, especially for children that will be beginning preschool or kindergarten. Comfort your little “Chester,” kiss his or her hand and place it against your heart. 
                                                      

“A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon” by Audrey Penn

As a mommy to my own little “Chester,” I can share in mama's effort in getting a little one to sleep. Many caregivers will appreciate A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon by Audrey Penn.

Humans do not look at sleeping difficulties as daytime issues. Therefore, it is  hard to imagine having “dayscares,” until you read this tender tale from a different perspective. I have not read any story quite like this.

As parents often do, mama comforts her son, carried out with a kiss and a connection. Everything is right in the world, and Chester falls asleep dreaming away in nocturnal land.

My daughter has separation anxiety, so I fell in love with the book that started it all, The Kissing Hand. I appreciate the link Ms. Penn carries between her books within this well-known series. Its continuity provides comfort and familiarity, qualities perfect for easing anxiety in children.

I would recommend this precious book - so full of mama’s love – to any parent.  
          
                           

A Bedtime Kiss for Chester Raccoon     

             
         

Taking a Look at Your Developing Reader

If your little reader sees him- or herself as such, he or she has advanced in their literacy journey to the developing reader stage. At the beginning of this exciting phase, he or she will begin to select books that exhibit uncomplicated texts and patterns, such as One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss or Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Farm by Joy Cowley, respectively. Your child will yearn for books with a larger variety of patterns toward the latter part of this stage, so search for and present books similar to Just for You by Mercer Mayer.

Just Me and My Dad by Mercer Mayer

The developing reader gains a sense of the story by illustrations, thus associating them with print. Do not be surprised if you hear your child reading some easy words though! Simple sight words have been known to be uttered by some of these readers, like dog, cat, been, and make.

Expect to enjoy watching your child perusing over his or her choice of books for a short time, but prepare to set aside some “reading” time. Your youngster will want to share his or her selection of books with you!

Nurture your child's curiosity and fascination with early literacy. Let's take a look at how you can do so in my next post! Until then, cuddle up, open up a book or two, and share some exciting stories.   

Signs of an Emerging Reader

An exciting transition from the preconventional stage occurs - typically between the ages of four and six - when the signs of an emerging reader arise. Although most at this developmental stage rely on the visual aspect of books, emerging readers tend to play the role of active participants during story time.

Memorization of beloved books should not surprise parents. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a terrific example and a treasure by many children.
 

In fact, due to the ability to recognize names and words, emerging readers have the potential to read books with simplistic content, such as those exhibiting patterns.

Connections are often made between books and the child's personal experiences. Children begin understanding the concept of rhyming and enjoy playing word games.

This stage is often fleeting due to the emerging reader's excitement and extreme desire to learn to read. Despite the fast moving stage, parents can still assist their emerging reader, utilizing tips that will help to support their child's literacy journey.

Encouraging Your Preconventional Reader

As noted previously, preconventional readers are not reading, per se; however, such little ones show an extreme interest in letters, signs, logos, illustrations, page turning and more. As your child's caregiver, what can you do to encourage your preconventional reader?

• Read books to your child that emphasize rhythm, rhyme and repetition.
• Select books that appeal to your child's age, choosing those with appealing illustrations.
• Equate reading to a time of fun and relaxation. While it is okay to request minimal talking during storytime, do not set rigid boundaries for your early reader, demanding all questions for the end. Answer them along with the story.
• Encourage active participation during storytime. Allow your child to hold the book, turning the pages when appropriate. Additionally, ask your child to read repetitive lines or chorus with you.
• Point out words and letters that your child consistently sees daily while out and about or in a book – such as “stop,” “and,” “up” and “go.”
• Be creative! Make flash cards with simple sight words and emphasize positive reinforcement. A simple “good job!” goes far. Consider reward stickers and stamps. This will encourage you little one to continue his or her reading journey. 

A child with a healthy interest in early literacy is well on his or her way to the next stage, the emergent reader.

Early Literacy: Preconventional Readers

Children develop at their own pace both physically and intellectually, although not too far off from one another. As with stages in childhood, reading too has its own steps.

Somewhere between the ages of three and five, children begin displaying an interest in reading and books, primarily focusing on print. Preconventional readers tend to flock to stories containing the three Rs -- rhythm, rhyme and repetition. While they are not actually reading, they enjoy participating along with the story as it is being read aloud. These readers want to turn pages of books, admiring illustrations. Many at this stage recognize their name, know the names of letters, and have an interest in traffic signs, logos and the like.

Such readers are at the very beginning of this exciting literary journey, known as early literacy, so what can parents do to encourage their child's development?