How do children come to literacy? This documentary observes that encouraging young children to make pictures—to invent their own graphic representations—sets the literacy process in motion. As children experiment with crayons, markers and pencils, they begin to realize that these marks can stand for the sounds of language. That learning path leads from telling stories with pictures to telling stories with words. And as some very enthusiastic young students demonstrate, these early interests can evolve into a passion for reading and writing. 

This documentary is one of four in The Learning Child Series, produced by Jonathan Diamond Associates, Inc. in association with the Child Development Institute at Sarah Lawrence College. 

Enhance your curriculum with these popular collections drawn from special theme issues of Young Children. Compiled by series editor Derry Koralek, these volumes are perfect as readings for college classes or in-service workshops. Each book includes resource lists and carefully designed questions and activities to aid in reflecting on issues of practice.

The Spotlight Curriculum Set includes volumes on Creative Arts (#286), Language (#283), Math (#282), Science (#281), and Social Studies (#287).

All children can develop their creative potential and artistic skills, even when they are raised in impoverished environments. Written in both English and Spanish, the authors describe their work teaching Bolivian children to draw using elements in nature. This accessible book combines, theory, real life examples, and pictures of the techniques that the authors suggest. From Child Care Exchange.

This DVD demonstrates how working with natural clay benefits the emotional, creative, intellectual, and physical development of young children. I Am Clay is an educational documentary featuring experts on early childhood and children 13 months to 6 years old. From K-Play.

30 min.

Art and literacy experiences can be integrated into the classroom to great effect, and Susan Thompson shows us how. Interpreting and creating pictorial representations is an important step on the road to literacy, as is experimenting with combinations of symbols and text. When we value and support children's symbolic expression and communication, children respond and gain confidence.

This engaging book is a joyous exploration of visual expression combined with writing and reading. Included are instructions for more than two dozen printing, painting, collage, and other techniques that children will enjoy learning and using in their illustrations.

To view the table of contents and sample pages, click on Preview Content above.

The creative arts—including music, movement, dramatic play, puppetry, painting, sculpture, and drawing—are a crucial part of early childhood. Not only do the arts allow children to express themselves, but creative activity can enhance development of children's skills in literacy, science, math, social studies, and more. This engaging collection of articles from Young Children also includes resources and carefully designed questions and activities to aid readers in reflecting on best practice.

This beautiful book describes the revolution that the Reggio Emilia atelier (art studio) brought to the education of young children in Italy, and follows that revolution across the ocean to North America. It explores how the experiences of children interacting with rich materials in the atelier affect an entire school’s approach to the construction and expression of thought and learning. Offers detailed interviews with Italian educators, examples of projects, information on practical aspects such as organizing the environment, and much more. From Teachers College Press.

Shine the "Spotlight" on your practice with new posters from NAEYC! See also Language (#493), Math (#492), Science (#494), and Social Studies (#4121). All are 18"x24" and laminated.

The Spotlight on Young Children set includes five posters: Creative Arts, Language, Social Studies, Math, and Science.

• 11”x14” size is ideal for small spaces

• Posters fit standard picture frames

• Perfect for posting at children’s eye level

• Purchase individually or as a set

• Laminated

• Also available individually in 18”x24” size

When you share picture books with young children, you build their lifelong literacy and enjoyment of reading. In beautiful full color, the new edition of this popular book will help you recognize quality in children’s literature and illustration and see how to use picture books to best advantage. Lists of recommended books are included.

To view the table of contents and sample pages, click on Preview Content above.