There's A Book for That!

I’m back again with more book recs! As an educator, I often turn to books to help answer difficult questions or to start a conversation about a challenging situation.

The right books can illustrate real-world experiences in a way that children can understand and relate to. For parents, books can encapsulate what you want to say in a child-friendly way, offer a neutral introduction to a difficult topic, or be used as a springboard for a more extensive discussion. They also allow children to return and engage with a topic when they feel ready: often, this is not at the first read.

Over the years, I’ve collected titles for a wide variety of situations and topics. We’ll be sharing book recommendations with you in each newsletter going forward, so if you have some requests for topics, let us know!

For this issue, here are five of my current favorites for tackling changes that might be coming up in your child’s life.

Moving House by Anne Civardi

Great for Toddlers and Preschoolers, the simple text and eye-catching illustrations document what happens when a family moves to a new house, including packing and unpacking and meeting new friends and neighbors.

Ages: 2 - 5 years

Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend by Cori Doerrfeld

This sweet book focuses on the idea that when one experience ends, it opens the door for a new experience to begin. Following two best friends, it details the hard goodbye of a friend moving away.

Ages: 4 - 8 years

You Were the First by Patricia MacLachlan

Sentimental and caring, this book serves to remind first-born children that they will always be loved, even when welcoming a new baby. It also does double-duty, as appropriate, celebrating that one and only children are precious as well.

Ages: 4 - 8 years

The Next Place by Warren Hanson

This gorgeously illustrated book offers calming and inspiring reassurance to the loved ones left behind when someone passes away. The text is open-ended, allowing families to incorporate their own beliefs and values.

Ages 2 - 7 years old

The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright

Kevin, our protagonist, doesn’t like change, but, as we well know, change is inevitable. This delightful story shows children that stepping outside of their comfort zone can bring great new experiences!

Ages: 2 - 5 years

By Head of School Pherooz Karani

Want to learn more? Read our next article:

BENEFITS OF PRACTICAL LIFE FOR TODDLER DEVELOPMENT

Comments

Další články

Dealing with Emotions Through Art

“Social and emotional learning(SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.”

IMSP Podcast: Meet Alumnus Caleb Miller

Introducing our first guest on the IMSP podcast series: Caleb Miller. After graduating from IMSP, he moved back to the United States, finishing his university degree. Caleb and our host, Mariana, chat about independence in childhood, the benefits of multi-age classrooms, and what advice he has for current IMSP Elementary students. While reflecting on his time at IMSP, Caleb looks towards the future as he pursues a career with a global focus. “That's one thing that Montessori, our school, planted in me,” Caleb tells us, “the desire to engage with the world”.

Staff Interview: Greg McCracken

What is a motto that you live by? When I was young, my dad often reminded me: “Always do your best.” In the same way, what I often try to keep in mind is "Do what you can, where you are, with what you have."

IMSP Podcast: Meet alumnus Hubert Kobr

Join us as our host, Mariana Bečková, interviews Hubert Kobr on this week’s edition of the IMSP alumni podcast. Born in the Czech Republic, Hubert attended IMSP until beginning an IB program in a traditional Czech school. Discussing his education after Montessori, he shares how IMSP’s English-language curriculum prepared him to take on such a rigorous academic plan.

Understanding your child's inner sense of order

Have you ever noticed that your child enjoys singing the same song over and over again, or wants you to repeat the same story for what feels like a million times? Dr. Montessori highlighted the importance of sensitive periods in children, which are known as windows of opportunities for children to develop skills, including movement, language and most definitely, order. A child’s need for external order is present as early as childbirth and peaks in their second year, before fading at about the age of 5. This period of development helps a child to develop a connection between themselves and the world, process information and overcome challenges.