The Between the Lions (R) Book for Parents: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Child Learn to Read

As a first grade teacher, I highly recommend this book for all parents of children entering school. It has many helpful ideas of ways for you to help your child at home.

Based on the PBSKids television series, "Between the Lions," this book is a storehouse of information regarding helping children to read. It's written by Linda K. Rath, Ed.D (the show's curriculum director) and Louise Kennedy (reporter/editor --- "The Boston Globe") and features an introduction by Christopher Cerf ("Sesame Street" song-writer and personal friend of the late, great Douglas Adams.) Offhand, one might get from a simple glance at the cover that this is a book about the TV show, but it's not. While it does talk about the series, and often refers to the show and its website, this book really delivers exactly what it promises on the cover --- "everything you need to know to help your child learn to read." This book is packed with incredibly useful information you may never have known, but will know after reading it. For example, did you know that schools are required by federal law to screen children in regards to reading ability and learning disabilities even before they reach school age? Did you know that "invented spellings" are actually considered normal for preschool / early grade-school children and that they can be a useful window into a child's though processes. How about that complex dictionaries are not recommended for preschool / early grade-school children, as they generally can't understand them and find them confusing. It's true, and it's these are just three of the many useful things you'll find it this book. It covers a wide range of topics, from phonemic awareness to Readers' Theater. Everything is helpfully indexed and laid out, with various side-boxes providing additional information. The style is informative and useful, but with humor that will appeal directly to parents This book focuses on step-by-step instruction in reading, but also includes a helpful chapter on learning disabilities and difficulties. And it offers an excellent list of resources to consult if you feel you or your child need more help. I'm not personally a parent, so I can't claim I have any first-hand experience with applying any of the material in this book when it comes to teaching children. But I do know enough about the subject and the program to know that this is truly a valuable book. It would have been nice if something like this had been around when I was a kid. I think I turned out all right, and I'm a voracious reader, but this book definitely could have been useful to my parents. I hope somebody this book is readily available in all libraries, schools and reading-advocacy sites. Go between the lions and help a kid find out just how much fun reading can be!

_Between the Lions_ joins Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Sesame Street on PBS. 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. An important section to read is "How to Use the Book." At first glance it seems 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. Parents, be sure to do your child's preschool or elementary teacher a favor and bring this book to their attention.

There are scads of studies linking the ability of children to read well with all kinds of other things: future academic achievement, success in the job market--you name it. This book artfully takes the mystery out of the process of helping your little one tackle the task of reading--in a very conversational and commonsense way. There are fun graphics throughout, and the book is not at all "academic". It also has terrific age specific reading lists--for your child to read alone, and for you to read aloud to your child. The late Captain Kangaroo and Fred Rogers would have approved--and so will your children!! Buy it today!

How did we get along without this book? It is indispensible for anyone who wants to help their children master their reading skills. And who wouldn't want to do that? "Between the Lions" opens up whole worlds to all levels of the family and is the perfect antidote to the piles and piles of plastic that accumulate in homes this time of the year. It's the best gift I received this holiday season.