Itty-Bitty Bookworm Literature-Based Preschool Curriculum

Obviously, I love books. As a teacher, I have always used literature as a basis for my curricular activities. Now, parents and preschool teachers have the opportunity to buy a literature-based program for their young children. Itty-Bitty Bookworm is:

A quality, literature-based education in a box. Our curriculum is based on quality children's literature, as well as the NAEYC recommendations. It sets clear goals for teaching language development and critical thinking skills – while encouraging creativity, socialization and physical activity.

Designed for children ages 18-months to 5-years-old, Itty-Bitty Bookworm provides parents and teachers with monthly thematic literature selections with activities and daily plans. The literature selections represent some of the best children's books for this age group, such as The Little Engine That Could and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, as well as some new titles I have not encountered before reviewing this curriculum.

The Itty-Bitty Bookworm curriculum is perfect for parents and teachers who are beginning their careers in early childhood education. The curriculum is well-organized and simple to lay out. For more experienced or educated teachers, the curriculum may not be as satisfying as the one you've created over the years; however, you will be able to find treasures within Itty-Bitty Bookworm.

My only criticism of the curriculum lies in the art activities, which I would classify more as crafts or activities in replicating teacher examples. As an artist and educator, I find this a common problem in early childhood education, as young children are not given an opportunity to truly express their artistic ideas individually. In fact, the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised Edition states that art activities should allow for individual expression. "Individual expression means that each child may select the subject matter and/or art medium, and carry out the work in his or her own way."

You can read Bo's, the Itty-Bitty Bookworm, story by clicking here. An incredible amount of work went into creating the Itty-Bitty Bookworm curriculum, and I think this is a very useful tool for beginning teachers and parents. Great books are the key to any great early childhood program, whether at home, daycare, or preschool.