Literature Tips:

Activities Book.  Here's a great book I refer to all the time: Balls, Balloons & Bubbles by Kim A. Lutz.  It has over 200 activities and songs arranged thematically.  Themes include Colors, Body, Animals, Clothing, Outside, Actions, Descriptions, Food, People, Vehicles, House & Places/Tools.  Each theme unit contains around 5 songs and 12 clearly written activities, games and crafts all of which are highly original and work wonderfully with kids from 2-12.  At the back of the book are a few worksheets and craft sheets as well as syllabus ideas.  The book is only available in bookstores in Japan, but can be ordered internationally via Amazon Japan: click here for the order page, ignore the Japanese and click on "Add to Shopping Cart" then "Proceed to Checkout".  Then fill out you details (in English).  Price 2,800 yen (approx. US$24), ISBN: 4894072556.

YL Theoretical Book. Anyone who is serious about teaching English (or any other language) to young learners should have this book: Teaching Languages to Young Learners by Lynne Cameron, 2001 (CUP).  The book is very clearly written and explains the most up to date research and current views on YL language teaching. Chapters include learning through tasks & activities, spoken language, words, discourse, literacy skills, grammar, stories and theme-based teaching.  Click here for a review.