A Year of Primary Literature

Finding age-appropriate, quality picture books for children ages three through six can be a challenge. It can be even more difficult to find titles that meet the Montessori Primary Casa's reality-based criteria as well as support the Total Reading goals of reading comprehension, interpretation of emotional content, and appreciation of authors' and illustrators' individual styles. Written by AMI Primary Diploma holder Mary Da Prato, A Year of Primary Literature includes the rationale behind presenting reality-based rather than fanciful literature to young children, several related activities that reinforce story listening and storytelling skills, and an overview of the Primary classroom's official hands-on Reading Analysis exercises that foster reading comprehension. Summaries of 365 diverse picture books suitable for the Montessori Casa or home library are provided as a reference for lesson planning.