Books

"The more you read, the more you know, the more you learn,

the more places you'll go."

- Dr. Seuss

I love reading and I always have. I am linking up with Kelly today, as she features her favorite children's books. I am doing this in two parts. One, just good ole' books to read aloud to all children, and the second, books that are especially beneficial for children with special needs.

Some of my favorite books to read aloud are ones that are upbeat, repetitive, involve children in the reading, and allow for fun voices and voice inflection. These are fun to read aloud to a classroom of elementary students, or to my most captive audience of one. The one and only, love of my life Baker Doodlebug Bell.

 These two books are fun for all children - both typical children and children with special needs. Although no guarantees adults in the room won't be drawn to these read alouds as well.

The Pout, Pout Fish

 

The repetition, and sing-song chorus in this one are too much fun.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

 

There are several Pigeon books, all fabulous!

They each involve the audience in not letting the ever-persuasive pigeon get his way.

 

And these three are books that Baker's therapists have promoted time and again. These all elicit a cause/effect relationship, which is vitally important to all children, but especially children with special needs. Even if you have a typically developing child, I would encourage you to allow your children to have exposure to these types of books.

 

Baker loves "The Wheels on the Bus!" It is a song we have been singing probably since the day we brought him home from the hospital. Although, then, corny me was likely singing the "The Wheels on the Murano..."

 

But this edition allows Baker to press the buttons on the side of the book to make the given noise. We rarely travel anywhere without this book. And I rarely make it a full day at work without humming this to myself. It's permanently ingrained in my brain, threatening never to leave. Ever.

 

The Wheels on the Bus

 

 

Pat the Bunny,

and other touch and feel books

 

 

Children with Down Syndrome are typically very sensitive to textures. Baker's occupational therapy frequently involves various objects and surfaces. Last week, they even sat him in a bucket of dried beans! We practice rubbing the bottoms of his feet on leather, denim, cool surfaces, hard surfaces, carpets, sand, grass, etc. so that when he begins walking, he will feel comfortable walking anywhere. Books like Pat the Bunny are great for increasing his exposure to differinng textures.  

 

Tickle Monster

 

 

We got this for Baker for Christmas. It comes with Tickle Monster gloves and we have a blast reading it together! There is always a serious case of hiccups accompanying the close of the final page.

 

Most of the time, it doesn't matter what you read with your child.

Just read!