Teaching Beyond the Book: Methods for Integrating Math, Science and Literacy for All Preschoolers in the Inclusive Classroom

Teaching Beyond the Book is a practical and inspiring guide for early childhood educators, caregivers, and families of young children, with special consideration for children with exceptionalities or learning differences. Written by Dr. Katy Green and Dr. Jacqueline Towson--speech-language pathologists and early childhood special education experts--this book offers a fresh, inclusive approach to integrating math, science, and literacy into everyday routines using storybooks.

This book focuses on specific developmental domains--early math, early science, and early literacy--and demonstrates how to use high-quality children’s literature to spark learning in that area. Chapters include guidance on selecting appropriate books, evidence-based instructional strategies, and examples for children with and without disabilities. Readers will find practical tools such as planning templates, embedded learning prompts, and tips for differentiating instruction.

With a focus on inclusive practices, this book equips educators to support diverse learners in inclusive settings, offering strategies that align with developmentally appropriate practice and universal design for learning.

Whether you’re a teacher, early interventionist, parent, or home educator, this resource will help you turn shared reading time into rich, accessible learning opportunities for all children.

Katherine B Green, Ph.D. is an Assistant Dean, Professor, and Chair of Special Education at the University of West Georgia. She holds a Ph.D. in Education of Students with Exceptionalities from Georgia State University and degrees in Speech-Language Pathology. With over 20 years of experience--including eight years in public schools--her work focuses on inclusive early childhood practices, teacher preparation, and family engagement. Dr. Green has secured over ＄1 million in grant funding, authored more than 30 publications, and delivered over 100 national presentations. A dedicated member of the Council for Exceptional Children, she is committed to improving outcomes for young children with disabilities and the professionals who support them.

Jacqueline Towson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor and former Graduate Program Director and Interim Associate School Director in the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a joint appointment in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida. She is dually certified as a speech-language pathologist and early childhood special educator. Dr. Towson earned her B.S. in Audiology and Speech Pathology from Florida State University, her M.S. in Communication Disorders from the University of Texas at Dallas, and her Ph.D. in Education of Students with Exceptionalities from Georgia State University. She spent 14 years in public schools as a speech-language pathologist, early childhood special education teacher, and administrator. Her research focuses on building the capacity of professionals who support young children with language impairments. She engages in professional learning and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, aligning with the book’s themes of equity and early intervention.