Toddler book collection
There are books on Timothy’s small white bookcase, books in his storage cubby, in his closet, in the car, in some of my bags and his bags and probably under the couch. We enjoy reading. I have read to him since he was in my womb and continue to read to him during the week. I love words and I love books. Timothy also likes books and sometimes sit quietly by himself looking through his books. (He does not do it as often as before now that he is a busy three year old).
We were working on numbers using his Counting chart when I got a phone alert. I asked him to go find a book on numbers so that I could respond to the text message. I knew that there were few, if any at all on his bookcase. I know–how rude of me right? Send him away from his circle time to respond to a text–I usually put my phone away for our morning time together but this particular morning, I gave in to distraction and sent my baby off to find the invisible. By the time I went out to help, I found him sorting through his books on the floor. He had already brought in ABC by Dr Seuss and another book with sounds for me to check. I admire that he did not give up looking when I told him those wer not on numbers.
It really dawned on me that I have failed to buy him books solely on counting. It made me sad. I realized that since I prefer words, I rarely gravitate towards books on numbers for my sweetsweet 😞😌😔. Even the books he was gifted are mostly about animals, everyday things and phrases, potty training, love, nature, first words and Bible stories. Those are all great books and we enjoy reading them all but I must add some counting books to his collection. Unfortunately, since we are still in quarantine due to COVID-19, I am unable to take him to the library where he can borrow even more books.
As I am typing, the idea came to mind to use the books we have to count the things we see just as we point out the colors! We will make use of what we got! I am also grateful for good friends who are part of our ‘help us raise Timothy village’ who have gifted him with early math books, math puzzles and toys or flashcards. We will use them all.
Making a change.
I will be looking for books on numbers preferably by Black authors simply to ensure that his collection is diversified not only in topics but by authors. May we be careful not to raise our children solely on OUR preferences. May they be well rounded thinkers and doers, with a Biblical worldview but not ignorant or stuck in a one sided, selfish bubble.
Do you have some books on counting to suggest?
