My very first year of teaching, eleven years ago, I taught first grade. They were at an age where most of them were beginning to read, but they all still loved to be read to. I remember purchasing a boxed set of Junie B. Jones books, written by Barbara Park. I also remember starting to read a chapter or two each day to my students. I recall how much they snickered and laughed. Unfortunately, I also forgot that I did not finish reading the story.
I say, “unfortunately” because a few months ago my best friend asked for some chapter books that she could read to her three- and -five-year-old daughters. Since my most vivid memory was of my students’ giggling, I let her borrow my Junie B. Jones books. The next time I saw her, she returned the books. I asked if her kids liked them, and she said they thought they were silly, but that she didn’t agree with what the books were teaching her children in regards to behavior.
As it turns out, many parents agree with my friend (and I, although my memory needed a jump-start) about the lessons being addressed in this series. The main character often engages in rude, obnoxious behavior, and even the language is questionable. Although some people may feel that these issues provide opportunities for parents to address the correct behaviors, I believe a parent would spend more time teaching behavior lessons than they would actually reading the stories.
This is one of those cases where you may need to read them for yourself. I, personally, do not feel the stories are appropriate for the reading level for which they are written (approximately kindergarten through second grade), but there are definitely major fans of this series.
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Written by Laura on March 4, 2011
Some kids pick up the concept of syllable very quickly. Their ears are tuned in, and they are able to pick out the number of word “chunks” they hear just by listening. Other children, however, need a more concrete, visual or physical method of “seeing” or “feeling” the syllables in the word.
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Written by Laura on December 6, 2010
If your child will be heading off to kindergarten this year, you may be a little anxious about the transition. Your child is probably nervous about this new adventure as well. However, there are a few things you can do to help your child get ready for the first day of school. Most schools have some sort of orientation program for kindergarten students. They may be able to meet their teachers, s
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Written by BRWI Staff on August 19, 2010
Does this title sound familiar to you? As my son and I were reading the book in which this quote was found, I immediately thought of the very popular “Dick and Jane” books that were introduced several decades ago. Although I have never been impressed with the “Dick and Jane” series, I am now understanding why they were so popular.
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Written by Laura on August 9, 2010
Although most questions surrounding a child’s entrance into kindergarten are those pertaining to academics, there are also many questions that arise on a more technical note. Enrollment age, kindergarten continuance, and extended day kindergarten are all issues which tend to have many questions surrounding them. The California Department of Education has put together a portion of their web
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Written by BRWI Staff on May 7, 2010
As parents of small children, we have all had times where we are in a hurry, and we rushed to get our child dressed and out the door as quickly as possible. However, at the preschool age, it is better if you allow time for your child to dress and undress herself. This simple activity gives her practice in doing buttons, snaps, ties, and more. All, of which, she should be able to do as she is he
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Written by BRWI Staff on November 16, 2009
You may be able to think back to your elementary school days and remember organizing lists of words into alphabetical order. The lists would start simple with words that all had a different beginning letter. They would then get more complicated and you would have to look to the second or third letters in a word. Although you certainly wouldn’t give a list that difficult to a preschooler,
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Written by BRWI Staff on August 7, 2009
Last week while on a visit to Nana’s, my four-year-old son was playing with some of those large brick-like blocks. He was laying them out on the floor when he shouted, “Look! I made the letter ‘L!’” He was right. He had made the letter ‘L’, and this simple, little activity gave me an idea. He loves to build things out of blocks, Leggos®, and even tra
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Written by Laura on July 22, 2009
Chances are, your three- or four-year-old isn’t going to be really excited about sitting down to trace dotted letters from a workbook. If forced, a child probably could learn using worksheets, but why not make learning fun? Instead of using the traditional paper and pencil to teach children how to make letters, get creative and have your child practice using craft materials or anything els
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Written by BRWI Staff on June 30, 2009
This Sunday, I will be participating in my first triathlon. I am excited, nervous, fearful, elated, and several other emotions all at the same time. My guess would be that this is because I am venturing into unknown territory. I think it will be fun and look forward to experiencing something new, but doubt sometimes enters my mind when I think about the big day. Although I cannot remember that
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Written by Laura on June 26, 2009
Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence to teach your preschooler the joy of reading and writing.
Sponsored by Bridges Reading & Writing Institute -- teaching the JOY of reading and writing to students in preschool through 12th grade.
