Books in Literacy, Language and Learning series

Karen Gallas provides us with a window into children’s thinking about the world, enabling us to see how students build complex theories, identify important questions, and begin to enter the world of science, all within the naturalistic setting of the classroom.As the title suggests, this book treats classroom science as a particular type of discourse, with its own set of language and thinking practices. Gallas describes the content, structure, and practice of her child-centered approach, explains how the teacher’s role in Science Talks develops and changes over time, and discusses how the use of Science Talks could transform science instruction as a whole. The full transcripts of two such talks included in the appendix, in addition to many smaller quoted interchanges throughout the text, will fascinate readers.

In their new collaboration, Celia Genishi and Anne Haas Dyson celebrate the genius of young children who are learning language and literacy in our diverse times. Despite burgeoning sociocultural diversity, many early childhood classrooms (pre-K to grade 2) offer a one-size-fits-all curriculum in which learning is too often assessed by standardized tests. In contrast, Genishi and Dyson proclaim diversity as the new norm. They feature stories of children whose language learning is impossible to standardize and teachers who do not follow scripts. These master teachers observe, informally assess, respond to, and grow with their students―some of whom are rapid language learners and some of whom become speakers, readers, and writers at “child speed.” Much of this learning, regardless of tempo, is found within the language-rich contexts of play. Chapters focus on children’s ways of communicating through varied modes, including the use of nonverbal expression; languages such as Spanish, English, and the variant of English known as African American Language; and multiple media. Throughout the text there is a resistance to labels such as “at risk” and a much-needed advocacy for child-sensible practices in a world where diversity is indeed the “new norm.”

This wordless picture book features vivid images of various landscapes in America. Children will be engaged and inspired by pictures of beautiful places all over the country. Beginning readers who are just learning to read will build their foundational literacy skills as they describe what they see in the pictures. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for a shared reading experience between parents and children.

A familiar story comes to life in this illustrated version of the traditional rhyme. Beginning readers will be delighted and engaged by the bright illustrations that support the rhyming text. This book supports early childhood literacy and provides a shared reading experience for young learners and parents. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for a shared reading experience between parents and children.

Through vivid, engaging images, children will be introduced to different types of animals. Parents and children will enjoy a shared reading experience, with photographs showing animal parents and babies in their natural habitats. Young learners who do not yet know how to read, or those who are just beginning, will be inspired to tell their stories with this wordless book that supports early childhood literacy. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for read-alouds.

Most people wear their feelings on their faces. They also wear them on their bodies. This charmingly illustrated book teaches beginning readers to recognize many different emotions and matching facial expressions. The simple text is perfect for beginning readers. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for a shared reading experience between parents and children.

Beginning readers will love this rhyme about a girl named Molly taking care of her sick doll. The simple text and colorful images work together to help readers understand the story. Young learners will build foundational reading skills and learn the importance of health and safety. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for a shared reading experience or teacher read-alouds.

With colorful illustrations that support the text, this book introduces beginning readers to different careers. Young learners will be inspired to think about what they could be when they grow up. Parents and children will enjoy a shared reading experience, while children develop foundational literacy skills. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for read-alouds.

This beautifully illustrated book features vivid images that work together with the poetic text to engage young learners and help the m understand the story. This book introduces beginning readers to the differences between day and night, and supports early childhood literacy with images that support the simple text. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for a shared reading experience between parents and children.

This wordless picture book features colorful images of children enjoying various activities at school. Beginning readers who are just learning to read will build their foundational literacy skills as they describe what they see in the pictures or relate their own school experiences. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for a shared reading experience between parents and children.

Take a ride into outer space! Children will discover the wonders of the universe as they read this delightful book. With bright illustrations that work together with the text, this book engages beginning readers and helps build foundational reading skills. This large lap book measures 9.5" x 12" and is ideal for a shared reading experience between parents and children.