Samantha Cleaver – författare

In Ghana and some other West African countries, when a baby is born, the extended family prepares for a whole week to welcome the little one at a celebration called an outdooring. Andani can't wait to meet her new baby cousin, but a week is so long!As her aunties and uncles prepare cassava, tuo zaafi, fufu, and other delicious food for the outdooring, Andani will have to patiently (well, okay, sometimes not so patiently) wait to perform the most important job of all: being the first to greet the little one by name.In Samantha Cleaver and Reuben Nantogmah’s charming picture book, adorably brought to life by debut illustrator Bri Marie McNish, readers are invited to a joyous cultural celebration full of delicious food, laughter, and love.

Close reading, the purposeful, focused reading and rereading of text, is more than an education buzzword. Every Reader, a Close Reader defines and unpacks the components of close reading and explores how to apply it within the context of the Common Core State Standards so that every student will be able to implement close reading strategies in class and independently. Drawing expertise and ideas from research, as well as teachers from across the country, Every Reader, a Close Reader serves as both an instructional guide and professional development tool for classroom teachers and instructional leaders to use when starting or strengthening close reading at the classroom level. In addition, this book includes chapters that focus on developing the close reading skills of students who are struggling readers, English language learners, or gifted learners.

Parents and early childhood teachers know that reading aloud to children is important, but the specific things that adults do while reading with children that make reading a powerful way to improve children’s language, vocabulary, and early literacy skills can remain a mystery. Read with Me makes those behaviors clear and easy to implement for parents and teachers by outlining the ABCs of Active Reading (Ask Questions, Build Vocabulary, and Connect to the Child’s World). Active Reading is an approach to reading aloud with young children that is supported by decades of research. Read With Me provides parents and teachers with the knowledge and skills to engage young children (age 2 to 5) in Active Reading with examples, clear explanations, and ideas for making one-on-one or small group read aloud sessions a powerful way to build children’s early literacy and language skills, all while creating a lifelong love of reading.

"This book will prove a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and librarians on the vital topic of reading aloud." Library Journal, Starred ReviewParents and teachers know that reading aloud to children is important, and many parents of infants and toddlers read aloud to them daily. However, when children start to read on their own, parents often stop reading aloud. But these early elementary school years are actually a perfect time to build vocabulary and comprehension skills through reading aloud and Active Reading. Raising an Active Reader makes clear the process of learning to read, how Active Reading fits into raising strong readers, and what adults can do to encourage strong language, comprehension, and vocabulary in children in grades K-3. This book extends on the ABCs of Active Reading (Ask Questions, Build Vocabulary, and make Connections) as they apply to older children for picture books, chapter books, and novels. It provides parents and teachers with examples, clear explanations, and ideas for making one-on-one or small group read aloud sessions a powerful way to build children’s early literacy and language skills, all while creating a lifelong love of reading.