The "Forgotten Extremes"

Dear Readers,

Books Before Birth and Beyond is about cultivating literacy and numeracy using any medium necessary. This movement is also about identifying and celebrating all readers.

When it comes to pre-teens, at one "forgotten extreme" of readers are the pre-natal, whom we know can interpret sound. They love Mother's soothing voice as she reads to them. At the other "forgotten extreme" of pre-teen readers are children in the so-called "gap years" from about 7 to 11 years of age. Many mistake these newly independent readers for confirmed read-it-yourselfers, when in fact, research shows that they continue to enjoy reading to someone and being read to by someone.

Just because you have exceled at making the "lap years" of 1 to 6 fun for the entire family, don't make the mistake that the family's literacy job is done. Far from it! :-)

For more about this subject, see Steve Leveen's blog, The Well-Read Life, at http://blog.wellreadlife.com/my_weblog/golden_age_of_books/. Find out why "We are entering the golden age of books"...

Cultiviting Readers for Life

Books Before Birth and Beyond (B4 Literacy) believes that cultivating a reader and thinker can be compared to planting a garden. In order to plant a garden, you will need four items: soil, seed, water and sunshine.

You need the same four items in order to cultivate a reader and thinker for life:
The soil can be compared to the child. A mother and father should begin to read to the child while in the utero stage. When this is performed a reading bond is established and formed between the parents and child before birth and beyond.

The seed can be compared to the books that are read to the child in utero and the books that will be read to the child during the lap years, gap years, and pre-teen years.

The mother and father can be compared to the water. Water is a source of life, and you as the parent(s) of the child are the source of life for the child. You will be responsible for teaching the child everything he/she will need to know.

The sunshine can be compared to the support system (grandparents, aunt, uncles, siblings) that will play a major part in the child's life.

These four items given to the child in a balanced fashion will produce a child that will have a hunger and love for literacy and numeracy for a lifetime.

Holiday Traditions around the World

Dear Readers,

Santa Claus, St. Nick, Christmas Trees, Candy Canes, Christmas Carolers, Colorful Christmas Lights, Christmas Shopping, ...

Share with us what happens on Christmas Day in your home, city, state or country.

What do you love most about this time of year?

Lyn & Kay

The Night Before Christmas at My House

Happy Holidays to all of our Readers,
M
Christmas and the Holiday Season are almost here.
This is always a special time of year.
People are shopping,
And children are hopping...
As they await Christmas Day!

Share your favorite Christmas your poem with us.
Create a poem of your own.
Share what happens the night before Christmas at your house.

Lyn & Kay

Favorite Holiday Bedtime Stories

Hello Readers,
I hope some good books are in your stockings this year! A few of our favorites are:

1. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0399231900/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
2. Drummer Boy
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/039925174X/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
3. The Donkey Christmas Song
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0439273137/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0394800796/ref=sib_dp_pt#reader-link

Check out the promotions at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/
Let us know what you think!

Lyn & Kay

Literacy for the Holidays!

Hello Readers,

Ever notice how the pre- and neonatal always receive an abundance of "practical" items during the holidays? Do something different this year and give the long-lasting gift of a book! Research shows that those in the third trimester understand Mother's soothing voice while reading. And even small newborn hands can clutch cloth books.

Besides, long after clothing sizes have become too small, your gift of literacy will be still be proudly displayed among your child's precious belongings. Think about it!

Photos Sought: Mother Reading to (Unborn) Child

Dear Readers,

Little did the stock photo agencies know that there is a vast world of the caring community that is not represented: That of passing the love of reading from mother to child.

If you have photos that feature you reading while you were or are pregnant, and would not mind allowing us to use them as part of our stock photo collection and slideshow, then please send them to b4litnum@gmail.com. Thank you very, very much!

Lyn & Kay

Literacy and Numeracy: Keys to the Age of Thought

Hello Reader,

Join us as we create and explore efforts to create greater literacy and numeracy worldwide. We are on a mission, starting before birth. In fact, "B4 Literacy and Numeracy" stands for

"Books Before Birth and Beyond".

• We feature reviews of books and music for the ante-natal, post-natal and childhood sets, and for their adoring families.
• We publish books and other media for children and their families.
  
• We discuss teaching and learning at home and at school.
  
• We discuss social and economic issues that affect the ability of families and their villages to provide a wide range of literacy and numeracy skills to their children.
  
• Above all, we want to hear your tips, questions, and comments about those stellar successes at early reading, writing, arithmetic, and more(!), that make all families proud.

Sign up for our RSS feed for news and reviews about books, music, and software for teaching and learning. Or, you may send us a blank email message, at b4litnum@gmail.com and we will send you our news by email.

Sharing a love for literacy and knack for numeracy,
Kay and Lyn