Rebecca C. Bane

This preschooler programming guide offers 50 sample programs that combine thematic stories and songs with homemade props to encourage imaginative play. Each entry is compiled the same way, starting with an overview then listing materials, outlining a sample program and ending with a quick summary of the developmental skills each program promotes. Photographs (usually 2 to 3 per entry) also demonstrate how to make or employ various props. The selection of themes fits well the interests of this age group. Some examples include the zoo, trains, outer space, tea parties and parades. The props are put together with everyday items, are relatively inexpensive and can be reused from one program to another. This book could benefit, however, from more explicit directions on making certain props. It could also benefit from including more choice for thematic stories as there are only 1 or 2 examples listed for each theme. Yet overall, this book is a good resource for how to develop preschooler programming in a public library, and the sample program outlines nicely demonstrate how to mix a variety of activities to keep preschoolers engaged. Recommended for public librarians in need of programming resources.… (altro)

Do you have a preschool or perhaps even a Kindergarten at your school? Daycare center? Even grandparent seminar with your own? If so, this is a fun book of a full fifty creative pretend play activities ready to go with simple-to-make props and complete directions. Creativity is the key here and this is the kind of thing that gets the younger set away from the TV to use their own imagination rather than someone else’s. This is the first book we have seen from Neal-Schuman that has colored illustrations and it adds to the attractiveness of the book. So, whether you want to transport the children to the dance studio, the fair, the pumpkin patch, the airport, to the jungle, or under the sea, this is the book for you. Fun.… (altro)