Language, Literature & Communication
Children Tell Stories – all about storytelling guidebook for educators
Communication (Aliki) – a children’s book all about communication
Ethnologue – website providing the latest on global languages data & statistics
The Hanen Centre – based in Canada, a great web-based resource for how to communicate with children
The History of the English Language Podcast – etymology & history of
An Introduction to Language – college-level introduction to linguistics textbook
Lena – short for Language Environment Analysis, Lena provides worldwide programs & technology measuring early talk (0-3)
Life Languages – assessments for understanding styles of communication
The Norton Anthology of English Literature – English literature selections divided by time period & including historical context
Putumayo Kids – international music collections for children that adults can enjoy too
A Short History of England – adult non-fiction covering the Saxons to 2011
Through the Eyes of a Child: An Introduction to Children’s Literature – a comprehensive guide to selecting developmentally-appropriate literature
Development
On Becoming BabyWise – a guidebook for the first year
Enneagram Institute – assessments & basic overview for understanding patterns of relating & reactions to trauma
International Literacy Association – global literacy advocacy, research & resources
PBSkids – free educational, online games & videos for children
Personality Hacker Podcast – adult podcast, understanding personality theory & Meyers-Briggs
The Places We Find Ourselves Podcast – adult podcast, understanding attachment theory & the significance of your own story
The Relational Soul – adult nonfiction on relating
SimplyPsychology – website featuring an overview of basic psychology theories
Zero to Three – advocacy, policy & developmental resources for 3 & younger
Education
Charlotte Mason Method – a philosophy focusing on nature study & a literate envirnoment
Choice Theory – the role of choice
Classical Approach – a philosophy incorporating ancient classics, such as greek & roman mythology
Common Core – current ELA-Literacy standards in 41 states for America’s public schools
The Courage to Teach – adult nonfiction for educators
Love & Logic – positive strategies for educators & parents
The National Association for the Education of Young Children – professional organization for early childhood advocates, caregivers & educators
National Council of Teachers of English – a professional organization for educators of English
PYP – early years & primary program for the international baccaulaureate
Teaching with the Brain in Mind – the role of brain science
This page features this website’s most commonly referenced resources. It will continue to grow & change as content is added to the site.
Currently, you will find the majority of information is related to language, literature & communication. More on development & education coming soon… and then early literacy will be next!
You will find a mix of adult & children’s books available for purchase, as well as free podcasts & websites for adults who want to learn more about communication, development, education & literacy for children.
Because an inherent challenge for many childcare providers is self-awareness & care, you will find many of these resources are related to these same topics for adults. Taking care of you is good for you & others, including the children in your life!
This site contains affiliate links, so shopping through these links helps support the site at no additional cost to you.
We’re happy to share as many free resources as we can from a variety of perspectives, but we are selective about relevancy to the site’s content. For example, listing a reference does not imply full agreement or endorsement as much as it offers one perspective.
Finally, some of the resources listed are geared specifically for children and additional recommendations for all can be found throughout the site. Enjoy!
Early Literacy for Infants & Toddlers
5 Early Literacy Basics – your local library is a great resource for storytimes, free workshops, and of course, books!
Sandra Boynton – silly board books because laughter is good for everybody
Early Literacy for Preschoolers
Melissa & Doug – offering developmentally appropriate toys for 0-8+, play is how preschoolers learn best
Early Literacy in the Primary Grades (K-2)