LITERATURE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AND GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR
CHOOSING CHILDREN'S BOOKS As your child’s first teacher, you
have the greatest influence on the development of your child’s
interest in books and reading. When your child observes you
reading, he or she absorbs a respect for literature and
literacy. When you read aloud to your child, you share in the
pleasure and joy that human communication brings. That joy
stimulates interest in cultural literacy in addition to an
appreciation of beauty. When choosing books for your children
remember to first read the book yourself. Observe content,
grammar, vocabulary, usage of language, and artistic
presentation. When choosing books for children under six years
of age, Dr. Montessori recommended realistic stories. Toddler
and Primary children are trying to understand their world and
cannot differentiate between reality and fantasy. Non-violent
stories about real people and real animals and their everyday
activities will help children develop an understanding of the