The preschool edition is divided into the sections of poems, songs, stories, history, science, and art. 'Poems' includes 48 of your favorite childhood poems and rhymes with oldies like Pat-a-Cake, One Potato Two Potato, and 5 Little Monkeys. Thirty children's songs are just fun to teach to your children like Wheels on the Bus, and Pop Goes the Weasel. The 'Stories' section includes the whole stories of Goldilocks, Gingerbread Man, Little Red Hen, 3 Little Pigs, How Turtles Got Their Shells, Why Flies Buzz, The Lion and the Mouse, and City Mouse & Country Mouse. In the margins of the stories new words are listed along with questions to ask your child about story content and discussion of the colorful illustrations. The 'History' and 'Science' sections are non-fiction and fiction read-alouds with discussion questions and new words printed in the margins. 'History' stories include First Americans, George Washington, Betsy Ross, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King, Jr. 'Science' covers the topics of animals, habitats, humans, plants, water, light, and air. There are no activities included in the science since the goal is simply to read to children and expose them to the topic. Be aware that this book presents humans as special animals, not their own species. 'Art' includes 12 copies of famous pieces of art along with information about the artist and the art. Some suggestions for art activities along with discussion questions are included.
The last section of this book covers what parents need to know about their preschooler, and the importance of the preschool years. There are suggestions for how to choose a preschool and preparation for kindergarten. Checklists are included for the areas of math, literacy, language, social & emotional development, work habits, health, and general knowledge. Tips are included on reading aloud and enjoying music with your child along with a resource list of books and music for preschoolers. This book provides plenty of information and resources to start your little ones on a smooth road toward elementary learning. - Donna