The GIANT Encyclopedia of Preschool Activities for Four-Year-Olds FROM THE PUBLISHER
This wide-ranging collection of more than 600 teacher-created, classroom-tested activities has everything from songs and books to activities in art, circle time, transitions, science, math, language, music and movement, and more! This complete resource of the best selections from a national contest is sure to become a classroom favorite. Formerly titled It's Great to Be Four.
Kathy Charner has been with Gryphon House for over 10 years. She is the editor of several books, including: The GIANT Encyclopedia of Circle Time Activities; The GIANT Encyclopedia of Art and Craft Activities; The GIANT Encyclopedia of Science Activities; and The GIANT Encyclopedia of Theme Activities.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger, Ph.D.
There are 600 activities divided in 22 different areas included in this large workbook. Supplied by teachers from all over the United States, each activity is generally organized using the following outline: materials, what to do, more to do, related books, and related songs and poems. Not all activities include all items, but many do. There's a nice introduction with a short profile of what to expect from a four-year old and an overall explanation of the steps within activities. The 22 themes dividing the workbook include the usual ones of art, gross motor, language, music and movement, as well as outdoor play, rest or naptime and transitions. The book is a great gift for new teachers, but veteran teachers, as well, will find some new ideas, thanks to new technology and products and creative ideas on how to use them. While most activities seem based on sound early childhood theory, it's to bad that the developmental areas being practiced are not mentioned in each activity to remind teachers that there are goals beyond keeping four-year olds busy. Encouraging teachers to include opportunities to develop the whole child is a good thing. Some black and white drawings, an index for activities and books as well as a monthly planning outline are included. 2004, Gryphon House, Ages Adult.
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