Become a part of our book club.  We are looking for book donations to improve out ability to support the social and emotional development of the children in our programs.

The books specified below are for general reading to all students as well as when there is an individual need.  Martha’s Table teachers want to support the students with their social and emotional development as well as focus on reading and literacy.  The books listed below supports the Child Development Center's educational curriculum and reflects our commitment to the values of cooperation, equality, and nonviolence.

Cognitive, emotional, and social development is important for children at an early age.  The books we are looking for help students with specific aspects of this.  For instance, our teachers have found that if a particular student struggles with negativity, the book Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBrantney has proved to be helpful by demonstrating ideas of love.  Other books such as No Biting and Hands Are Not for Hitting help students who may be acting out in a violent manner.  The Child Development Center Director, Simone Johnson, has introduced these books because, “the book list includes books that help with insecurities, and show how to cope with strong emotions from trauma, loss, and grief.”

A teacher for the 1-2.6 year old says books such as Quiet Loud, No Biting, and Llama Llama Misses Mama have been very helpful in her classes.  She said No Biting “helps the students to learn gentle touching and to use their mouths for communication and eating,” and that she sees big changes in the kids’ actions after reading this particular book with them.

According to the 'Raise Smart Kid' website, reading books to children is important because the teach children about “relationships, situations and personalities.”  It also states that reading a story relevant to a particular child’s experience can relieve anxiety and help with emotional coping mechanisms.   Read more about the benefits of reading to children provided by the website at: http://www.raisesmartkid.com/all-ages/1-articles/14-the-benefits-of-reading-to-your-child.

Below is a list of the books that we are looking for as a part of our Book Club.  All of the books are listed on our wishlist at the link below: http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2DO9YCSBF2LWE/ref=cm_sw_su_w

The Book List:

The rainbow fish by Marcus Pfister

Pat them gently by Melanie O'Brien

Too loud lily by Sophia Laguna

Baby Cakes by Karma Wilson

Hands are not for hitting by Martine Agassi

No biting by Karen Katz

On Monday When It Rained by Cherryl Kachenmeister