2. IMPORTANCE
Books are used to help preschoolers and kindergarteners develop a close and enjoyable relationship with
books is a vital step toward literacy. Children should be read to formally and informally throughout the day.
3. ITEM #1
Children need free-choice, daily access to at least 3-5 materials in each of several categories.
These categories are broken down into two different age groups, preschool and toddlers.
Preshcool:
● Realistic
● Fantasy
● People
● Animals
(3-5 books from each category)
4. ITEM #1 CONTINUED
Toddlers
● Transportation
● People
● Animals
● Routines
● Objects
(Infants and toddlers need board or cloth books)
5. TEACHER'S ROLE
● Some books should relate to current themes and follow-up activities should be provided.
● Reading books to young children stimulate their imagination
● Teachers should encourage children to read books to expand their vocabulary and much more
6. TECHNOLOGY
Television and computer times should be limited
● Ages 3-5 1 hour (Television), 20 minutes (Computer)
● NO television or computers for toddlers
● Content should not be frightening, violent, or too difficult
● Content should be culturally sensitive
● Content should be educational
7. ECERS-S RATING SCALE
Scale 1
● Very few books are accessible
Scale 3
● Some books accessible for children (Ex. during free play children have enough books to avoid conflict)
Scale 5
● Books organized in a reading center
Scale 7
● Books and language materials are rotated to maintain interest
8. ITERS RATING SCALE
Scale 1
● Staff do not use books with children
Scale 3
● Staff are involved in using books with children daily (either staff or child initiated)
Scale 5
● A wide selection of books is accessible
Scale 7
● Book area set up for toddlers to use independently
