Language and Thinking for Young Children

Mott Media

This book is described by the publisher as an oral language manual to be used by parents and teachers of kindergarten and primary children. Dr. Ruth Beechick is one of the authors, so those familiar with any of her other books will understand her emphasis on age-appropriate learning methods. Rather than having children begin writing in workbooks at early ages, the authors suggest ideas that encourage children to explore language orally and with activities.

Unit topics are Stories, Vocabulary and Thinking Skills, Language Games, Memorizing, Learning About Telephones, Enjoying Poetry, Manners, and Learning on Trips. Although primarily targeting language arts, teaching ideas also include number and arithmetic activities. This book is especially useful for parents who choose to delay formal academics with their children or for use with children who have reading difficulties in the early grades since it avoids typical academic approaches that rely heavily upon reading and writing skills.