Hand Songs: Read and Rhyme with Me From Many Lands

Read and Rhyme with Me is an early childhood anthology that includes one song, two rhymes, and a poem in Spanish, French, Hindi, and Mandarin. All pieces also appear in English. Hand Songs are symbols built into the text that encourage movement, or "finger plays." Studies show that using gestures builds literacy skills in young children. The book is great for parents and teachers who want to introduce a second language, build literacy, and introduce diverse cultures.

Before and after each reading there are activities that are accessible and easy to use. Background information sets up the reader to understand the place and origin of the song, rhyme, or poem (from Mexico, France, India, and China).

Beautiful high-quality illustrations inspire the imagination of children and prompt drawing and coloring of their own. Children are also inspired to develop their own Hand Songs symbols as they read the book.

The book gives confidence to parents as they read to their children. The combination of the songs, rhymes, and poems (with the Hand Songs symbols) make reading a shared and enjoyable experience.

Read and Rhyme with Me is also an effective solution for any early childhood school program with requirements to meet ELL/ESL standards and objectives. In addition to meeting language arts standards, Read and Rhyme with Me offers cross-curricular opportunities (science, social studies, math) to meet those demands.

The Hand Songs series includes additional titles in other languages and cultures.