Good children’s literature has always played an important role in Judith Simon’s raising of her daughter and in the daily curriculum of her classroom. She was ahead of her time, in literature based whole language reading programs that comprised her methodology.

This book Parrots2Peacocks Patterns encourages the parent to truly become the child’s first teacher,and with the aid of “scripted instructions” in Spanish and English can implement lessons in early pre-reading and math skills such as color words, number words, the alphabet and recognition of beginning sounds. Seven books are suggested reading to complete the activities in this book, however the activities can be completed without reading the books as well. Directions are simple, yet detailed. Ideas for cutting out and storing the activities to use in the future for skills practice are also explained.

The large, bold and uncluttered format of each page has been carefully thought out. Most activity books and coloring books for early learners are cluttered and difficult for young, developing eyes to track.Children can easily trace, cut and color the images in Parrots2Peacocks Patterns.

Some time ago, Judith Simon gave much thought to the role of the parent in child rearing. She likened a young child to a parrot. The child would imprint as baby chicks and ducks, mimicking what was seen and heard from the parent. The child would grow and develop and gain independence and skills and the parent would be proud and spread wings as a peacock. The child was also proud of his accomplishments, and too spread his wings as a peacock. And hence, Parrots2Peacocks was born!