THE EARLY 3 R's: How To Lead Beginners Into Reading, Writing and Arithme-TALK.

THE EARLY 3 R's: How To Lead Beginners Into Reading, Writing and Arithme-TALK. L. Mountain. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2000. 163 pp. This reader-friendly book provides straightforward directions for promoting children's development in reading, writing, and arithmetic--from preschool through the primary grades.

The book's 31 chapters (many of which are only one page long and none of which extend beyond four pages) are divided into four units. Unit I explains how to foster young children's growth toward reading, writing, and arithmetic, while Unit II gives procedures for helping a beginner take the first steps into these areas. Unit III offers strategies for expanding and varying one's early teachings, and Unit IV suggests ways to smooth the early learner's transition into the primary grades.

Although the author does not make any startling revelations in the area of promoting emergent and early literacy, it is refreshing to see the inclusion of mathematical literacy throughout the text. Each of the ideas presented begins by using oral language and then progresses to the use of personally meaningful and relevant print.

Mountain's clear, candid style avoids becoming bogged down in research jargon, instead providing numerous examples of interesting and varied activities. The result is a highly practical guide that would be valuable for anyone working with young children. By following the book's simple, step-by-step instructions, early childhood educators and parents alike will feel confident in helping young learners launch into reading, writing, and arithmetic. Reviewed by Rebecca McMahon Giles, Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL