VERNON HILLS, IL, August 3, 2004#151; ETA/Cuisenaire, the industry leader in interactive literacy
programs and manipulative-based education, introduces 40
new titles to SunSprouts, a comprehensive
series of Big Books for shared reading and leveled
texts for guided and independent reading. Intended
for students in grades K–3, the additional books
expand the number of titles in the series to 220.
SunSprouts books are carefully leveled and feature award-winning
authors and illustrators who create stories with satisfying
and surprising outcomes in both fiction and nonfiction
texts. Each SunSprouts level offers 20 titles that introduce
early readers to a wide range of literacy styles and genres,
while helping them learn skills and strategies necessary
for successful reading and writing. A comprehensive Teacher’s
Resource Guide is available at each level and includes
detailed lesson plans with hands-on Reading Rods® activities,
blackline masters, and a Record of Oral Reading for assessment.
The two newest SunSprouts levels, Cornflower and Plum,
build upon the fundamental literacy skills and concepts
presented in the previous nine levels. Designed for Guided
Reading Levels K–N, Cornflower and Plum levels feature
an increase in new vocabulary words and more complex sentence
structures.
In addition to these new titles, ETA/Cuisenaire will
be introducing at the beginning of the 2004–2005
school year SunSprouts
en español—70
titles in Spanish that are adapted from the English language
books in the SunSprouts series.
A primary reason the SunSprouts series is so successful
is that it supports interactive literacy learning. "Even
at the simplest, most repetitive level, beginning readers
need topics they can easily identify with and texts that
engage them so they see a reason for reading," noted
SunSprouts author and editor, Rodney Martin. "Moreover,
the literacy skills introduced provide an ideal opportunity
for incorporating manipulative-based activities in every
lesson, such as ETA/Cuisenaire’s Reading Rods®.
These interactive learning strategies combine captivating
text with the power of hands-on learning to help children
build essential literacy skills."
The SunSprouts series offers multiple opportunities for
early literacy learners to actively engage in reading,
listening, and speaking. Selected SunSprouts titles are
available in Big Book format for shared reading or whole-class
instruction, allowing instructors to introduce skills and
concepts in a context that supports all children. Stories
are also brought to life with audio CDs and with hand
puppets of recurring characters, Max, Bear, and Wolf.
The SunSprouts series is an ideal complement to the ETA/Cuisenaire
reading/language arts product line, which centers on interactive
approaches to literacy teaching and learning. "More
and more research continues to emphasize how critical early
literacy learning is to our children’s academic future," commented
Dennis Goldman, ETA/Cuisenaire president. "If we
can open up opportunities for emerging readers of all ability
levels and learning styles to grasp the essential literacy
skills, we are making big strides toward preparing them
for success in subjects across the curriculum."
The SunSprouts series is available in a variety of packages
and combinations, ranging from $21.95 for a 6-pack to $4,495
for a complete K–2 bookroom. To learn more about
SunSprouts, to view sample pages, or to listen to audio
clips of the series, visit www.etacuisenaire.com/sunsptpr.
About ETA/Cuisenaire
ETA/Cuisenaireis recognized as the premier publisher and pioneer of Interactive
Literacy and manipulatives-based education, with more than 8,000 supplemental
reading, math, and science resources. Aligned to state and national standards,
these products offer hands-on educational opportunities that make learning
fun for students and teaching more effective for educators. For
more information, visit www.etacuisenaire.com or
call 800-445-5985.
For more information, press only:
Londa Della 800-445-5985, ext. 5219,
About Rodney Martin
Rodney Martin
is an author, editor, and publisher of children's books and
educational materials at ERA Publications in Adelaide, Australia.
He has also worked for 14 years as a primary school teacher,
administrator, and curriculum writer. Mr. Martin spends a
considerable amount of his time conducting professional development
workshops with teachers throughout Australia, the United
States, and the UK, sharing his innovative insights and
practical ideas on the teaching of writing. Rod Martin’s
parent company, ERA Publications, has partnered with ETA/Cuisenaire
to publish the SunSprouts titles and other nationally acclaimed
Australian series in the United States.
