Booklist
Booklist
Garden School Lending Library Bibliography
DISCIPLINE & PARENTING: Garden School adheres to a disciplinary philosophy based upon fostering responsibility in children while respecting them as individuals. By rejecting the use of shame, fear, punishment, and rewards in guiding children’s behavior, and creating an environment that provides for freedom within limits, or choices within a structure, we endeavor to inspire children to choose good citizenship, refine personal initiative and self control, welcome personal challenge, and develop their own inner sense of justice. Books offered in this category reflect this philosophy.
Children: The Challenge, by Rudolf Dreikers, M.D.
A ‘must read’ for all parents. Presents timeless, no-nonsense advice and techniques for dealing with misbehavior using natural and logical consequences. A core book in Garden School’s approach to discipline.
Discipline Without Tears, by Rudolf Dreikers, M.D.
Time tested advice on how to discipline children both lovingly and effectively. Stresses encouragement, cooperation, and firm control.
P.E.T. Parent Effectiveness Training, by Dr. Thomas Gordon
Another ‘must read’. Addresses issues of family communication, conflict resolution, and raising responsible children without the use of shame or punishment. (3 copies)
P.E.T in Action, by Dr. Thomas Gordon
Goes to work on the hang-ups, emotions, and problems of resistance in families- resulting in less fighting, more mutual respect and warm feelings between family members.
Discipline That Works, by Dr. Thomas Gordon
Provides evidence that punitive discipline and punishment are harmful to children and are ineffective as a means to fostering children’s good behavior. Instead provides strategies to help children to become self reliant and to control their own behavior.
Between Parent and Child, by Dr. Haim G. Ginott
Tells you how to speak ‘childrenese’- the new way to get through to your child. Helps parents to understand their children’s feelings, deal with their conduct, and live with them in mutual respect and dignity. A classic.
The Challenge of Parenthood, by Rudolf Dreikers, M.D.
An encouraging and highly practical guides makes parents a ware of the ways they themselves may be contributing to their child’s behavior problems. Makes parents aware of ways in which their own emotions and upbringing may be preventing them from following the best course of action with their own children.
How to Really Love Your Child, by Ross Campbell, M.D.
Tells you how to effectively communicate your love to your child even in times of stress and discipline. Discussion of appropriate and inappropriate types of love.
Punished by Rewards, by Alfie Kohn
Highly compelling argument against the use of praise, prizes, and reward systems in child rearing. Presents alternative, more effective, means to raising well behaved, creative, highly achieving children.
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, and Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber & Elain Maglish
Very readable book on how to elicit cooperation and foster the development of responsible behavior in children.
You Can’t Say You Can’t Play, by Vivian Paley
Imaginative approach to presenting a view into the moral climate within groups of children. Discusses fairness, rejection, friendship, and the like. The ideas presented in this book are central to Garden School’s philosophy on socialization.
To Listen to a Child, by T.Berry Brazelton, M.D.
Discussion of how parents, by adding their own anxieties to the child’s own natural drive toward mastery, can cause normal developmental problems to become laden with guilt, anxiety, and tension and, thereafter, develop into chronic psychological issues.
Raising Parents: Nine Powerful Principles by Phil Batchlor
A ‘quick read’ on how to help your child develop self-confidence, integrity, respect, and courtesy.
Guiding Young Children, by Eleanor Reynolds
Practical problem solving techniques that exclude the use of punishment, blame or guilt. Stresses freedom with responsibility and the importance of examining the child’s environment first. Presents techniques for developing listening skills, negotiation, conflict resolution, and setting limits. This is another core book to Garden School’s philosophy.
Easy To Love, Difficult To Discipline, by Becky Bailey, Ph.D.
Gives tools to stop policing and pleading with children and foster self-control in both children and parents. Explores the importance of parents understanding their own motivations and reactions to children’s behavior.
Everyday Blessings- The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting, by Myla & Jon Kabat-Zinn
Discusses how lack of awareness fosters patterns that damage the relationship between parent and child, and how mindfulness can bring transformation in the relationship. Reminds the reader that one’s own non-judgmental, conscious, and fully accepting presence is the greatest gift one can give one’s child.
Growing Up Again: Parenting Ourselves, Parenting Our Children, by Jean Illsley Clarke & Connie Dawson
Guidelines for implementing discipline & structure, setting limits, and showing love. Particularly good for parents raised in dysfunctional families. Discusses how to avoid repeating the mistakes of one’s own parents.
The Heart of Parenting: Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman, Ph.D.
A guide to teaching children to understand and regulate their emotional world. Advances the idea that children taught to master their feelings are more self-confident, do better in school, and are physically healthier.
The Drama of the Gifted Child, by Alice Miller
How humiliation and disrespect of children in the name of ‘discipline’ leads to life-long adjustment disorders.
The Truth Will Set You Free, by Alice Miller
Compelling argument against the use of shame and corporal punishment in child rearing.
The Discipline Book, by William & Martha Sears
Explains what you can do to shape your child’s behavior so that good conduct comes naturally. Focuses on instilling values and on managing behavior problems by preventing them in the first place.
Children Are From Heaven, by John Gray, Ph.D.
By the author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are From Venus. Suggests positive parenting skills for raising cooperative, confident, and compassionate children. Based on the idea that children respond to positive, rather than negative, reinforcement. Concentrates on fostering children’s innate desire to please their parents.
Open Mind, Whole Mind, by Bob Samples
A new look at parenting and teaching in today’s dynamic world characterized by ceaseless change and advances in the evolution of information.
Holding Time, by Martha G. Welch, M.D.
Based on the nurturing bond that develops when you hold your child. Aims to help children become more loving and less demanding as parents’ self-esteem grows.
Parenting Young Children, by Don & James Dinkmeyer and Gary McKay
Deals with issues of temperament, stages of development, and parents’ expectations. Discusses communicating with children and defines what misbehavior is (and what it isn’t), and why reward and punishment are ineffective forms of discipline.
The Parent’s Handbook, by Dinkmeyer & McKay
Topics include: discipline that makes sense, understanding yourself and your child, listening and talking with your child, understanding beliefs and feelings.
A Practical Guide to Solving Preschool Behavior Problems, by Eva Essa
‘How to’ manual using a situational approach for solving specific, common behavior problems in preschoolers. The reader is encouraged to consider the influences of developmental, environmental, and health factors on children’s behavior.
What Do You Stand For?, by Barbara A. Lewis
A guide to building character: accountability, empathy, honesty, integrity, loyalty, imagination, peacefulness, problem solving, justice, respect, etc.
Help! For Parents of Children (18 months to 3 years), by Jean Illsley Clarke, et.al.
Offers ‘how to’ suggestions, backround on developmental stages, and advice from other parents.
Your Three Year Old: Friend or Enemy
Your Four Year Old: Wild and Wonderful (2 copies)
Your Five Year Old: Sunny and Serene, by Louise Bates-Ames, Ph.D. & Frances L. Ilg, M.D.
‘Quick read’ series covering characteristics, social behavior, cognitive abilities, and discipline of the child at each age. Also suggests appropriate toys, activities, and books for each age.
BOOKS BY MARIA MONTESSORI: Some of Dr. Montessori’s books are more tedious to wade through than others. Those that are “more accessible” are marked with an asterisk.
The Montessori Method
Theory and practice of the first Montessori classroom. (Casa Dei Bambini) Explains the pre-primary curriculum (1st edition!!)
The Advanced Montessori Method
Montessori presents her educational philosophy and methods as they relate to children ages seven though eleven.
*Dr. Montessori’s Own Handbook
Dr. Montessori’s own notes as to the use and intent of the Montessori curriculum tools
*The Absorbent Mind
Discusses the unique characteristics and development of the child’s mind and abilities between birth and six years.
*The Discovery of the Child
Explores the child’s instinctive search for knowledge and how we can direct his activities to support his efforts. Montessori describes her views on the true nature of the child (2 copies)
What You Should Know About Your Child
Dr. Montessori’s handbook for parents discussing the mental and physical development of the child during the early years
To Educate the Human Potential
Deals mainly with the psychological needs of the child through age six, (the culmination of his pre-primary experience). Explains the psychic need of the child to understand his purpose in life and his place in the cosmic plan. Intended to help teachers understand and meet the needs of children after the age of six.
*The Secret of Childhood
Series of essays covering the development of the creative and psychic forces within the child during his earliest years, and the nature of learning during this time.
*The Child
Short treatment of the needs of the child, the role of the teacher, and a description of “The Children’s House”
The Formation of Man
Explores the connection between education and ‘a New World order’. By educating in a way that embraces the natural order within the child, and rejecting the dysfunction in the present pedagogy, we can begin to create a new society that supports human values above all. Discussion of how the present education system is prejudiced against the child.
Education for A New World
Montessori’s discussion on the importance of the first two years of development. Further exploration of the connection between early education and the fate of mankind as a whole.
Education and Peace
Series of lectures given on the form education must take if we are to move towards abiding world peace.
Expresses Montessori’s conviction for peace to be obtained by means of education.
ADDITIONAL MONTESSORI RELATED: Those books best suited as an introduction to the Montessori method / classroom are marked with an asterisk. Good for ‘new’ Montessori parents.
*Our Peaceful Classroom, by Aline D. Wolf
Excellent children’s book describing the Montessori classroom. Great book to read aloud to children bound for Montessori school. We recommend it to many parents prior to their child’s start at Garden School and have observed it to be invaluable in the child’s understanding of what he can expect from ‘going to school’.
(2 copies)
Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work, by E.M. Standing
A comprehensive biography
*The Essential Montessori, by Elizabeth Hainstock
An introduction to the woman, her writings, the method, and the movement
Montessori: A Modern Approach, by Paula Polk Lillard
Answers many common questions modern parents have about the Montessori method; What is it? And; Is it right for my child? (2 copies)
*A Parent’s Guide to the Montessori Classroom, by Aline Wolfe
Succinct presentation of the Montessori materials and classroom. Includes basic philosophy (8 copies)
*A Parent’s Introduction to Montessori Preschool, by A.M.I.
Another brief overview of Montessori. Published by the Association Montessori Internationale (A.M.I.) (6 copies)
Teaching Montessori in the Home, by Elizabeth Hainstock
Good ideas on how to continue your child’s Montessori experience at home
Montessori Play and Learn, by Leslie Britton
A parent’s guide on purposeful play from two to six. Introduction to using Montessori in the home.
Ideas for creating Montessori based activities.
*Tomorrow’s Child Magazine, Vol. 9 # 1/ Fall, 2000
A guided tour of the Montessori classroom published by The Montessori Foundation
*The Pink What?, by Deede Stephenson
A quick reference guide for parents on the Montessori materials (3 copies)
The Montessori Community Directory, January, 2001
Nationwide listing of all Montessori affiliated schools
Essential Montessori-The Joyful Child 1999-2000 edition
Essential Montessori-The Joyful Child 2001-2002 edition
Essential Montessori- Child of the World 2000-2001 edition
Mail order catalogs for premium Montessori equipment for use in the home and classroom.
FAMILIES
The Shelter of Each Other: Rebuilding Our Families, by Mary Piper, Ph.D.
By the author of Reviving Ophelia. Includes many stories of diverse families challenging the reader to protect, nurture, and rebuild the family we cherish.
Bradshaw On: The Family, by John Bradshaw
Focuses on the dynamics of the family and how the rules and attitudes we learned become part of each family member.
Self-Esteem: A Family Affair, by Jean Illsley Clarke
Outlines how self-esteem is the most important ingredient for human happiness and how it all starts in the home with the nurturing interaction between adults and children.
Good Enough Mothers: Changing Expectations of Ourselves, by Melinda M. Marshall
Examines the scores of conflicts modern mothers agonize over. Offers solace to today’s mother as she seeks peace of mind amidst the myriad roles and expectations placed upon her by current society.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT
The Child’s Conception of the World, by Jean Piaget
Intellectual discussion of the child’s notion of reality and his understanding of cause and effect. Also discusses developing morality. Author is considered to be the father of developmental theory. (He was trained, in part, by Maria Montessori)
The Hidden Hinge, by Rosa Covington Packard
Hard to find book instructing adults on acquiring the poise and skill needed in guiding children in their own self development. Discusses how children move from destructiveness, chaos, and apathy into curiosity and love of learning.
Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence, by Laurence Steinberg & Jay Belsky
Very readable college level textbook outlining human development in context.
The Piaget Handbook for Teachers and Parents, by Rosemary Peterson & Victoria Felton Collins
Outlines one of the most significant developmental theories on how young children think and learn. Presents many ideas for designing developmentally appropriate activities for school and home.
Understanding Piaget, by Mary Ann Spencer Pulaski, Ph.D.
An introduction to children’s cognitive development. How children perceive the world at different ages and stages. Discusses the foundations of reasoning, language and literacy skills, and mathematical concepts.
Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive and Affective Development, by Barry J. Wadsworth
Introduction to Piaget’s theories on how children construct and acquire knowledge. Discusses the components of intelligence and the factors effecting its development. Each of the four stages of cognitive development is discussed in depth.
Your Baby and Child, by Penelope Leach
Contemporary best seller. Comprehensive and sensitive guide to the child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from birth to age five. Author offers sensible advice to parents for many of the challenges commonly presented at each stage of development.
The Irreducible Needs of Children, by T.Berry Brazelton, M.D. & Stanley I. Greenspan, M.D.
What every child requires in order to grow, learn, and flourish: Nurturing relationships, community, limits & structure, physical protection, individual & appropriate experiences, and protection of the future.
Touchpoints: The Essential Reference, by T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.
Another contemporary best seller, this one written by an M.D. with psychoanalytic training.
Presents a very complete and compassionate picture of the child’s physical, emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development from birth through age six.
What to Expect in the Toddler Years, by Eisenberg, Murkoff, & Hathaway
Support and reassurance for hundreds of concerns. Information on emotional, physical and social development, fostering self-esteem, toddler appropriate discipline, etc.
Behavior Disorders in Infants, Children, and Adolescents, by John M. Reisman
Presents models of child psychopathology and diagnostic information. Comprehensive outline of types of disorders.
CHILDHOOD & SOCIETY
The Hurried Child, by David Elkind
A very important book about how the stressful lifestyle of modern life effects children. Addresses issues in parenting, education, and the media.
Magical Child, by Joseph Chilton Pearce
Presents ideas on how western society is damaging to our children. Questions the current thinking on childbirth practices, parenting, and educating children.
For Your Own Good, by Alice Miller
Hidden cruelty in child rearing and the roots of violence.
Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television, by Jerry Mander
Argues that the medium is not reformable and that it is so dangerous to health, sanity, the environment, and the democratic process- not to mention to children- that it should be banned. Compelling book.
Childhood and Society, by Erik Erikson
Presentation of child rearing practices and childhood experiences across different cultures, written by one of the leading figures in psychoanalytic theory and human development.
Thou Shalt Not Be Aware: Society’s Betrayal of the Child, by Alice Miller
Uncovers the roots of the victimization of the child and how society denies this memory. Describes the destructive results of this process.
EDUCATION/LEARNING
Endangered Minds, by Jane M. Healy, Ph.D.
Why children don’t think and what we can do about it.
How Children Learn Mathematics, by Richard W. Copeland
Implications of Piaget’s research.
PreKindergarten Learning and Developmental Guidelines
Year 2000 report published by the California Department of Education
Ready For School? What Every Preschooler Should Know, by Marge Eberts and Peggy Gisler
Ideas and activity suggestions intended to build kindergarten readiness skills
How To Improve Your Child’s Language and Thinking Skills, by Florence Karnofsky & Trudy Weiss
An activity and idea book
How To Make Your Child A Better Listener, by Karnofsky & Weiss
An activity and idea book
Your Child Is Learning To Read, by Sara Wilford
Provides information, strategies, and reassurance you need to make sure that your child gets the best possible start on the road to reading.
Paperbacks For Young Readers, by Houghton Mifflin Company & Clarion Books
Catalog of current, well recommended books for children
Parent’s Guide to the Best Books for Children, by Eden Ross Lipson
Compiled by the children’s book editor from The New York Times
SPECIAL INTEREST TOPICS
Real Boys, by William Pollach, Ph.D.
Based upon research into the inner world and lives of boys in contemporary society. Addresses issues of low self-esteem, depression, violence and aggression, getting boys to communicate, and the power of mothers and fathers.
Driven to Distraction, by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. & John J. Ratey, M.D.
Recognizing and coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from infancy through adulthood.
Taking Charge of ADHD, by Russell H. Barkley, Ph.D.
The complete and authoritative guide for parents. An expert in the field tells you how to help both your child and yourself.
Maybe You Know My Kid, by Mary Cahill Fowler
A parent’s guide to identifying, understanding and helping a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The Spiritual Life of Children, by Robert Coles
Highly interesting book about the developing child’s ideas about God, religion, and spirituality
All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, by Robert Fulghum
Uncommon thoughts on common things…
The Out of Sync Child, by Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A.
A new explanation for the child labeled as picky, difficult, clumsy, or inattentive.
Raising Your Spirited Child, by Mary Shedy Kurchina
A guide for parents whose child is more intense, sensitive, perceptive, persistent, or energetic.
A Profile of the Contra Costa County Child Care Work Force
Year 2000 report prepared for the CCC local planning council for child-care and development. Provides information on demographics, salaries and working conditions of early childhood education programs in CC County.
READERS: Many children enjoy and benefit from using simple, predictable, & repetitive primers at home. We have several quality sets available for loan. Please check from the selection on lending library shelf.
ACTIVITY BOOKS
365 T.V. Free Activities You Can Do With Your Child, by Steve & Ruth Bennett
The Kids Books of Questions, by Gregory Stock, Ph.D.
Conversation starter questions about morality, society and other personal issues.
Is Your Bed Still There When You Close the Door?, by Jane M. Healy, Ph.D.
How to have intelligent conversations with your kids.
50 Simple Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth, by The Earth Works Group
The Munchy, Crunchy Healthy Kids Snack Book, by Roz Abisch & Boche Kaplan
Many Hands Cooking, by Terry T. Cooper & Marilyn Ratner
An international cookbook for children
How to Give Children’s Parties, by Judy Williams
The Penny Whistle Birthday Party Book, by Meredith Brokaw & Annie Gilbar
The Complete Book of Children’s Parties, by Kingfisher Publishing
Best Kids Garden Book, by Sunset
PlayBook, by Steven Caney
Spontaneous and inventive things for children to do in all sorts of places
1-2-3 Games, by Jean Warren
No lose group games for young children
Anna Banana, by Joanna Cole
101 Jump Rope Rhymes
Holiday Crafts Kids Can Make, by Better Homes & Gardens
Kids Create!, by Laurie Carlson
Art & craft experiences for 3 to 9 year olds
Sticks & Stones & Ice Cream Cones, by Phyliss Fiarotta
Another arts & crafts book for young children
Happy Hands and Feet, by Cindy Mitchell
More art and crafts ideas for young children
EcoArt!, by Laurie Carlson
Earth friendly art & craft experiences for 3 to 9 year olds
The Kids Nature Book, by Susan Milord
Indoor/outdoor activities and experiences
Bugs, Bugs, Bugs, by Better Homes & Gardens
Art, crafts, cooking, etc.
Water Wonders, by Better Homes & Gardens
Art, crafts, cooking, etc.
Living Things in Field and Classroom
Mudpies to Magnets, by Williams, Rockwell, & Sherwood
Preschool science experiences
Easy Science Experiments, by Diane Molleson & Sarah Savage
Science Toys & Tricks, by Laurence B. White
The Scientific Kid, by Mary Stetten Carson
The Outrageous Outdoor Games Book, by Bob Gregson
The Know-how Book of Experiments, by Heather Amery
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