A child's drawing of the "Dad Olympics"

The image above is called "Dad's Olympic Gymnastics" by the young artist who created it on a paper placemat.

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We're Going on A Literacy Journey

Tim Graves, M.S.Ed.

 

This article is from the Fall 1999 issue of the Reporter, the news magazine of the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children.

 I love books and their heavenly homes--the library, the used book store, and Amazon.com.  I especially love children's books and the moments when a child finally "gets it."  As I have been preparing this special literacy edition of the Reporter, I was reminded of the literacy journeys of my own children.

  • One of my children's favorite books was Spooky Old Tree.  I know because I read it so often.  As I child I loved Tikki Tikki Tembo because I genuinely believed that the title was  "Tikki Tikki TIMbo" and referred to me. You and the children in your life probably have favorites of your own.

  • As I exited the highway at the end of a long day, my then four-year-old daughter says, "H for hospital" and sure enough a blue sign indicating the route to the hospital was present.  That moment and that special time when children finally learn the password that allows them into the world of words is truly spiritual to me!

  • When my family moved to New York State five years ago, my then seven-year-old son sounded out the grocery store signs he saw as Grand "Onion."  Rather, than being dismayed at his error I marveled at his brilliance in decoding.

 These were special moments in my own children's lives.  Literacy is a grand journey that is at the root of what it means to be an educated citizen.  In this edition of the Reporter, we explore literacy in Early Childhood.  Dr. Richard Allington defines the characteristics of a positive primary classroom for reading, Sue Updike and Fran Wilson define literacy and explore the teacher's role, Debra Wing brings us Lilian Katz's thoughts on literacy, and, perhaps, the most exciting to me personally because it is action oriented is the announcement by Brigid Hubberman of the NYSAEYC Back to School Book Project in which we are all called to imagine every new kindergartner with a new book of their own.  Enjoy and please send your comments about this issue to me at reporter@trainingwheels4ece.com.

 

©Copyright, 1999 Timothy R. Graves. All Rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce for use with parents and families of young children is granted provided no financial gain is involved and this copyright notice is included. Mr. Graves would appreciate any feedback and knowing how and when you use this document. Please let him know by writing Training Wheels for Early Childhood Education at 1981 Decatur Avenue Wheeling, WV 26003 or sending an e-mail to timgraves@trainingwheels4ece.com. Additional articles and handouts can be found at www.trainingwheels4ece.com