|
Publisher:
HarperResource |
Release
Date: January 6, 2004 |
ISBN:
0060510277 |
Awards:
|
Format
Reviewed: Hardcover |
Buy
it at Amazon |
Read
an Excerpt |
Genre:
Nonfiction / Education |
Reviewed:
2004 |
Reviewer:
Brenda Weeaks |
Reviewer
Notes: |
Copyright
MyShelf.com |
|
The
Between the Lions Book for Parents
By Linda K. Rath,
Ed.D., and Louise Kennedy
There are three classic
educational children's shows on PBS: Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood
teaches social behavior and self acceptance; Sesame Street teaches
ABCs, how to count, and life's differences; and now, the new kid
on the block, Between the Lions, teaches reading. Like the first
two, Between The Lions is entertaining as well as informative.
In fact,
it’s such a hit, that the creators of BTL have created a companion
book for parents. It has everything one needs to help a child discover,
learn, and enjoy reading, beginning with preschool and ending with
third grade.
Be
sure to read the Foreward by Christopher Cerf, who explains how
BTL was created and what the creators went through to get the show
approved. Acknowledgements are also important. They give credit
to all who had a helping hand bringing BTL to life and getting it
on the air, WGBH being at the top of the list. Another important
section to read is “How to Use the Book.” At first glance,
this may seem almost too technical, but don’t worry, the reasons
will eventually become clear.
The
authors’ believe “children learn to read when they receive
both instructions in reading skills and introduction to the value
of understanding what they read.” Their approach, in both
the show and the book, is “practical, comprehensive, and fun.”
In the series,
the writers use wonderful, lively characters to keep the young ones'
attention. In the book, the writers use various methods to keep
the parents reading. The chapters are marked by grades and throughout
the book are patterned pages with vital information and explanations
about reading, writing, and sounding out words. The patterned pages
make for quick access.
The
book gives explanations of the five key areas of reading: phonemic
awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. There
are grade-by-grade guides for preschool through third grade, as
well as information on reading and learning disabilities; also lists
of resources, including books and web sites and a glossary. It's
the most comprehensive companion book I have ever seen.
Should you
come across The Between the Lions Book for Parents in the
bookstore, just glance through it and you will see why the show
and the book have received rave reviews. Parents, be sure to do
your child's preschool or elementary teacher a favor and bring this
book to their attention. |