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Parent Resources

Resources For Preschool Parents

Our mission at The LEAP School is to educate the entire family. One of the ways that we further this goal is to support our parents by being the #1 source of early childhood and preschool resources for parents. Take a look at the insights and resources below. These tools will help our community listen, connect, care, and nurture our children in a way that supports their learning in early childhood and allows them to thrive. 

Please share these with your family and friends to assist in their parenting goals and send us your favorite resources for preschool parents so that we can all create a better world for our children. 

 General Resources:
Bilingual

Articles/Websites

Birthday Party Ideas

Articles/Websites

Brain Development

Articles/Websites


Divorce/Separation

Articles/Websites

Children’s Books

  • Krasny, Laurie, & Brown, Marc. (1988). Dinosaurs Divorce. Little Brown & Co.
    • Friendly dinosaurs in the throes of difficult divorce situations reassure readers in similar situations that everything will be alright. 
Family Fun Activities

Articles/Websites

  • A to Z Kids Stuff. (1999-2003). Toddler, Preschool, School Age, Calendars, and Members sections.
    • Includes art recipes, special days, rainy days, resources, postcards, articles, freebies, links, and links to buy other products.
  • Child.com. (2003).
    • Child.com includes Pregnancy and Baby, Moms and Dads, Living in Style, Community, and Kids sections. Locate activities to do at home by clicking on the “kids” section. You can search for specific information/themes/topics.
  • Gayle’s Preschool Rainbow. (1999). Preschool Home Activities for Parents and Young Children.
    • Educational activities that parents and their young children can do together. Counting, pre-reading, language science, and physical skills are developed as parents play with their preschool children. The use of ordinary household items makes these activities easy as well as fun. Areas to choose from: New Activities, Indoor Fun, Outdoor Fun, Anytime Activities, Holiday Crafts, Book Themes, Brain Growth, Links, and others. Provides ideas as well as developmental information.
  • Parenting.com. (2003).
    • Parents can search Pregnancy, Baby, Toddler, or Child sections. Highlighting each section or using the search tool, activities for each age are presented. Displayed are activities for in-home, out-of-home, games, and celebration ideas.

Children’s Books

  • Katzen, Mollie, and Ann L. Henderson. (1994). Pretend Soup and Other Real Recipes: A Cookbook for Preschool and Up. Berkley, CA: Tricycle Press.
    • The book’s purpose is to enable very young children to cook as independently as possible under the gentle guidance of an adult partner. Each of 17 recipes appears twice, once in words and once in full-color pictures.
  • Kuffner, Trish. (1999). The Preschooler’s Busy Book. New York, NY: Meadowbrook Press Distributed by Simon & Shuster.
    • This book contains 365 fun, creative activities for three to six-year-olds using things found around the home. It shows parents and child care providers how to save money, prevent boredom, stimulate a child’s natural curiosity, encourage the child’s physical, mental, and emotional growth with music, dance, and outdoor play, and keeping children occupied during long trips.

Parent Resource Books


Friendships

Articles/Websites

Hospitalization/Illness

Articles/Websites

Independence (Self-help Skills)

Articles/Websites

Kindergarten Readiness

Articles/Websites

Children’s Books

Limit Setting (saying no, consequences, follow through)

Articles/Websites

Literature List (teacher's favorite books)

Children’s Books

  • Archambault, John and Bill Martin Jr. (1989). Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
    • A wonderfully rhythmic and humorous introduction to the ABCs. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Ashley, Bernard. (1991). Cleversticks. New York, NY: Crown.
    • A book for 4 & 5-year-olds about abilities and talents.
  • Fox, Mem. (1998). Koala Lou. San Diego, CA: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
    • This book is about Koala Lou and her struggle with sharing her mother’s attention. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Henkes, Kevin. (1990). Julius, the Baby of the World. New York, NY: Greenwillow.
    • This book is about Lilly and her developing relationship with a new baby brother. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Henkes, Kevin. (2000). Wemberly Worried. New York, NY: Scholastic.
    • Wemberly worries about everything, especially the 1st day of school. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Hoffman, Mary. (1991). Amazing Grace. New York, NY: Dial.
    • This story addresses the issue of self-esteem and believing in yourself. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Kleven, Elisa. (1992). The Lion & Little Red Bird. New York, NY: Dutton.
    • A book about an unlikely friendship between a lion and a little red bird. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Lionni, Leo. (1991). Matthew’s Dream. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf.
    • Matthew, the mouse, dreams of becoming a famous painter when he grows up. (Ages 4 & 5)
  • Wells, Rosemary. (1998). Yoko. New York, NY: Scholastic.
    • A book about valuing differences for children. (Ages 4 & 5)
Milestones (goals and objectives, what to expect)

Children’s Books

  • Ames, Louise Bates, Ph.D., & Ilg, Francis L., Ph.D. (1979). New York, NY: Dell Publishing.
Moving

Articles/Websites

Children’s Books

  • Asch, Frank. (1991). Goodbye House. New York, NY: Econo-Clad Books.
    • A book about moving for children.
New School

Articles/Websites

Children’s Books

  • Penn, Audrey. (1993). The Kissing Hand. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc. Children’s Book —
    • Chester Raccoon is nervous about school and wants to stay home with his mom. She reassures him with a secret called the “Kissing Hand.” She kisses his hand and says when he is missing her to hold it to his heart and it will fill him with happy thoughts.
Nutrition/Health
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Health

Articles/Websites

  • Dowsken, Steven, M.D. & Rutherford, Kim, M.D.“Kids Health for Parents — Conjunctivitis.” (2001). Retrieved April 17, 2003
    • This site is a specialized site for parents. It contains the signs and symptoms of the disease, a description, prevention and incubation tips, duration, contagiousness, when to call the doctor, professional treatments, and home treatments.
  • Lee, Judith, & Bailey, Gretchyn. “All About Vision.” Retrieved April 17, 2003.
    • This site contains information about the signs of all types of the disease, causes, and treatment. It also contains links to learn about more eye conditions, diseases, and safety.
  • “The Skin Site — Impetigo.” (2003). Retrieved April 17, 2003,
    • This site contains a brief description of the disease, causes, precautions, and treatment

Other great resources for your child’s health questions:

Peer Conflicts (the bossy child, bully, teasing, exclusion, sharing, etc.)

Articles/Websites

  • Greenberg, Polly. (2001, March). “When a Child Pesters Others.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 16.
    • This article gives helpful suggestions on helping children who tend to go around provoking children.
  • Greenberg, Polly. (2000, April). “Solving Sharing Issues.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 20.
    • This article gives teachers helpful suggestions for helping children who find sharing challenging.

Children’s Books

  • Henkes, Kevin. (1991). Chrysanthemum. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.
    • Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect, until her first day of school. “You’re named after a flower!” teases Victoria. “Let’s smell her,” says Jo. Chrysanthemum wilts. What will it take to make her blossom again?
  • Lionni, Leo. (1985). It’s Mine. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf Inc.
    • Three selfish frogs bicker all day long. “It’s mine! It’s mine! It’s mine!” But a bad storm and a big brown toad help them realize that sharing is much more fun.
  • Thompson, Michael. Best Friends, Worst Enemies.
    • Helpful advice for parents who are supporting their children’s social development.
Pre-math and Literacy Skills

Articles/Websites

  • Clements, Douglas H., Ph.D., & Sarama, Julie, Ph.D. (2003, January/February). “Creative Pathways to Math.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 37-42.
    • The article provides creative ways to teach math.
  • Greenspan, Stanley I., M.D., & Leong, Deborah, Ph.D. (2001, October). “Learning to Read: The Role of Emotions and Play.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 43-44.
    • A unique slant on how children learn to read, including emotions and play as critical elements of this developing skill.
  • Miller, Susan A., Ed.D. (2003, January/February). “Helping Children Develop Logic and Reasoning Skills.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 32.
    • The article provides for planning classroom experiences that help children develop logic and reasoning skills.
  • Seefeldt, Ph.D. (2001, October). “A Room Rich in Words.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 34-41.
    • The article provides ideas to help create a print-rich environment.
  • Wardle, Francis, Ph.D. (1998, October). “Moving Toward Reading.” Scholastic Early Childhood Today, 19.
    • Young children are total body learners — learning with all of their beings… physical activities (for children) to love and learn from.
Routines/Limit Setting

Articles/Websites

Self-esteem

Articles/Websites

Sibling Rivalry

Children’s Books

  • Cousins, Lucy. (2003). Za-Za’s Baby Brother. Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press.
    • This book introduces children to the concept of being friends with their new sibling. It lays a great foundation for a rivalry-free sibling relationship. Also, unlike many “new sibling” books, this book deals frankly and honestly with the feelings the older child may be experiencing, rather than making the child feel wrong for their feelings. After acknowledging Za-Za’s feelings of sadness over the change in the family structure, the story goes on to reveal to her the possibility of friendship with her new baby brother.

Parent Resouce Books

Sleeping (naps, bedtimes, routines)

Articles/Websites

  • Frank, Christina. (2002, June/July). “Dry Nights.” Parenting Magazine, 207.
    • Ideas to help prevent bedwetting at night.
  • Henry, Linda. (2002, April). “Goodnight, Baby!” Parenting Magazine, 120-125.
    • Ideas to help your child sleep through the night.

 

Special Needs (autism, sensory integration disorder, etc.)

Articles/Websites

  • Autism – PDD Resources Network. (2003). “Autism-PDD Resources Network.”
    • The site includes general and specific information about autism from childhood through adulthood. Includes treatments, parent guide, I.E.P., job accommodation, housing, Medicaid, and much more.
  • Autism Society of America. (2002). “Autism Society of America.”
    • A website devoted to Autism. Includes Understanding Autism, Treatment and Education, Living with Autism, Resources. The site includes research, news, events, and info to join the organization.
  • Wobus, John (site maintainer). “Autism Resources.” Retrieved from www.autism-resources.com.
    • Site offering information and links regarding the developmental disabilities autism and Asperger’s Syndrome.
  • Wright, Peter W.D., and Pamela Darr Wright. (1999-2003). “Wrightslaw.” Retrieved from http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/autism.index.htm.
    • The site includes information, articles, and other resources regarding autism. Click on Autism under the topic sections.

Parent Resource Books

  • Attwood, Tony. (1998). Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals. London, England: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
    • This book includes chapters including: Diagnosis, Social Behavior, Language, Interests and Routines, Motor Clumsiness, Cognition, Sensory Sensitivity, and Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Barron, Judy, and Sean Barron. (2002). There’s a Boy in Here. Arlington Texas: Future Horizons.
    • Sean Barron and his mother, Judy Barron, report on their experience with autism. Sean has autism. His is one of the very few autobiographical accounts. And it gives unusual, exceptionally clear insights into the disability and its many manifestations. There is much in this book that supports what has been seen through facilitated communications.
  • Basche, Patricia Romanowski, and Barbara L. Kirby. (2001). The Oasis Guide to Asperger Syndrome. New York, NY: Crown Publishers.
    • Basche and Kirby have gathered the most up-to-date information from leading Asperger Syndrom authorities, including Dr. Tony Attwood. They share their own experiences as well as those of dozens of parents facing the same challenges. You’ll learn what Asperger’s Syndrome looks like and how it is diagnosed, intervention, therapies, and medication available, and how to navigate through the school system.
  • Gutstein, Steven E. (2001). Solving the Relationship Puzzle. Arlington, Texas: Future Horizons.
    • A groundbreaking developmental program that opens the door to lifelong social and emotional growth for persons with autism, Aspergers Syndrome, and PDD.
  • Harris, Sandra L., Ph.D., and Beth A. Glasberg, Ph.D. (2003). Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families. Bethesda Maryland: Woodbine House.
    • This book explores the impact of autism on sibling relationships, helping parents to meet the needs of all their children. New materials cover a sibling’s understanding of autism at different ages.
  • Powers, Michael D. (1989). Children With Autism: A Parents’ Guide. Bethesda, Maryland: Woodbine House.
    • This book covers areas that are of special concern to parents. By providing up-to-date information about autism, this comprehensive book will ease the fears and concerns of many parents struggling to understand and cope with their child’s disorder.
Sensory Integration

Articles/Websites

  • Koomar, Jane. (2003). “Occupational Therapy Associates.” Retrieved from http://www.otawatertown.com.
    • Specialists from Occupational Therapy Associates consult with LEAP and provide the OT services available through LEAP. This website gives an overview of their work and excellent, accessible information about Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
  • Martin, Allison. (n.d.) “Children’s Disabilities and Special Needs.” Retrieved 5/03 from www.childrensdisabilities.info
    • The site includes categories regarding Book reviews, Author interviews, articles, mailing lists, and resources on various needs including Sensory Integration.

Children’s Books

Parent Resource Books

  • Ayers, A. Jean. (1979). Sensory Integration and the Child. Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services. 
    • This was the first book written for parents and teachers about sensory integrative dysfunction and its treatment. For years, this was the only book available for parents about sensory dysfunction.
  • Bissell, Julie, Jean Fisher, Carol Owens, and Patricia Polcyn. (1998). Sensory Motor Handbook: A Guide for Implementing and Modifying Activities in the Classroom. San Antonio, Texas: Therapy Skill Builders, a division of The Psychological Corp.
    • This book provides teachers with hundreds of suggestions to help meet sensory and motor needs in the classroom. It also provides parents and children with many entertaining, easy-to-implement activities. Aimed at preschool – 4th grade.
  • Koomar, Jane, Szklut, Stacy, & Cermak, Sharon. (1996). Making Sense of Sensory Integration.
    • Two experienced occupational therapists provide a panel discussion answering questions parents may have about sensory integration disorder. Topics addressed include: effects of sensory integration challenges as your child develops: a discussion of sensory modulation and sensory discrimination; and poignant examples of how both school and family life is affected by sensory integration issues.
  • Kranowitz, Carol Stock. (1998). The Out-of-Sync Child: Recognizing and Coping with Sensory Integration Dysfunction.New York, NY: Perigree Book.
    • Carol Kranowitz provides explanations, examples, and treatment strategies for different types of sensory integration issues in children-including over-sensitivity and under-sensitivity to touch, taste, smell, sound, or sight and/or to movement sensations, unusual activity levels, and problems with motor coordination.
  • Kranowitz, Carol Stock, & Wylie, T.J.(2003). The Out of Sync Child Has Fun: Activities for Kids with Sensory Integration Dysfunction. New York, NY: The Berkley Publishing Group.
    • Features more than one hundred playful activities that are safe, sensory-motor, appropriate, fun and easy, to help develop and organize a child’s brain and body. These activities are a great way to counteract Sensory Integration Dysfunction. They work at home, at school, and out in the world.
  • Schneider, Catherine Chemin. (2001). Sensory Secrets: How to Jump-Start Learning in Children. Severna Park, MD: Concerned Communications. 
    • Sensory Secrets drives home the importance of using information from all the senses to develop foundational skills necessary for growing, learning, decision making, and communication. It is a guide to promote successful learning and positive behavior in people of all ages. Sensory Secrets is written in an easy-to-read style with examples, ideas, and strategies.
Speech/Language Development

Parent Resource Books

  • Bialostock, Steve. (1992). Raising Readers: Helping Your Child to Literacy. Winnipeg, MB: Peguis Publisher Ltd.
    • Steve Bialostock provides parents with specific information about the years before and after children start school and are immersed in learning to read.
  • Kropp, Paul. (2000). How to Make a Reader for Life. Vancouver, Canada: Random House.
    • This book provides parents development strategies to support their child during the reading process. It emphasizes the parent’s crucial role with their child. A list of over three hundred “must-have” books to enjoy with your child.
  • Pinker, Steven. (1996). Language Learnability and Language Development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
    • This study is still the only comprehensive theory of child language acquisition -one that begins with the infants, proceeds step by step according to explicit learning algorithms, mirrors children’s development, and ends up with adult grammatical competence.
Toilet Training

Articles/Websites

Christiano, Donna. (2003, April). “Potty Time.” Parents, 128-134.  

Krueger, Anne. (2001, April). “3 Easy Stages: A Guide to Potty Training.” Parenting, 114-121.  

Children’s Books

Parent Resource Books

  • Gomi, Taro. (1993). Everyone Poops. La Jolla, CA: Kane/Miller Book Publisher.
    • Book describes all sorts of creatures and people who eat and thus defecate.
  • Leach, Penelope. Your Baby and Child. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. (pp. 315-320).
    • Contains helpful information about toilet training.
  • Ziefert, Harriet. (1999). Sara’s Potty. New York, NY: OK Publishing.
    • A humorous introduction to potty training for girls for parents and potty users.
  • Ziefter, Harriet. (1999). Max’s Potty. New York, NY: OK Publishing.
Transitional Objects (home toys, blankets)

Articles/Websites

  • Frankel, Valerie. (2001, April). “Blankies and Bears.” Parenting Magazine, 4.
    • The article talks about transition objects and the age and development children are at when they are present.
War Play/Superhero Play

Articles/Websites

  • Levin, Diane E. (2003). Retrieved April 28, 2003, from http://www.truceteachers.org
    • This website provides some great articles. LEAP recommends “Helping Children During the War.” This article provides a guideline for helping children during the war.

Children’s Books

Parent Resource Books

Writing (letters, development, expectations)

Articles/Websites

  • Solomon, Barbara. (1998, October). “How Writing Blossoms: Transforming Scribbles.” Parents, 159-163.
    • Offers parents a basic understanding of the writing development process and how parents can support their child’s growth.