Reading with your children is one of the most important things that you can do to increase the likelihood of success in school. The ability to read is crucial. But more than the ability to read is the desire and enjoyment of reading. If you enjoy reading with your children, they are more likely to enjoy reading on their own.
The goal is not only to raise children who can read; it is to raise children who choose to read.
Mary Gordon
Reading is often left to the moms. But research shows that dads play a key role in their children becoming interested in books and reading. And it can be a lot of fun for you, too!
How to keep your child interested in books . . .
Babies to age 2
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•introduce young children to books
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•link objects in the world to objects in books
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•use sturdy, chewable board
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•bright pictures that are familiar to the baby
Some suggested reading:
The hungry caterpillar - Eric Carle
Spot - Eric Hill
Good night moon - Margaret Wise Brown
Guess how much I love you - Sam McBratney
Maisy series - Lucy Cousins
Ages 2 & 3
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•stimulate imagination and make believe
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•large, colourful picture books
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•colours and shapes
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•categorizing and grouping
Some suggested reading:
On the day you were born - Debra Frasier
Good morning sun - Marie-Louise Gay
Alligator pie - Dennis Lee
Little blue and little yellow - Leo Lionni
Animals should definitely not wear clothing - Judi Barrett
Something from nothing - Phoebe Gilman
Ages 3 &4
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•concept books to compare, classify, count objects
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•introduce diversity and difference
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•social skills, sharing, taking turns
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•identifying emotions
Some suggested reading:
When Sophie get angry - Molly Bang
Franklin series - Paulette Bourgeois
Any Robert Munsch books
Little Critter series
Where the wild things are - Maurice Sendak
The enormous potato - Aubrey Davis
Ages 4 to 6
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•stimulate memory and vocabulary by telling short stories
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•have child repeat a story or make up their own
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•use flannel boards, computer software
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•learning to identify with the characters in the story
Some suggested reading:
Junie B. Jones series
A screaming kind of day - Rachna Gilmore
Fog cat - Marilyn Helmer
How to make it fun . . .
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use different voices for each character -
act out the story you are telling
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ask questions about the story as you are telling it
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ask your child what she thinks will happen next
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allow your child to say lines or phrases they may have memorized
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sing the story (though this may drive your child crazy!!)
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read what you both enjoy and enjoy what you both read!
Remember. . .
reading deepens connections with your child. The more time you share cuddled together with a good book the more great memories your child will have. He will also grow up believing he is worth your time and effort. Any time you choose to spend with him will be like money in the bank later. Reading is one great way of making that happen.
Any thoughts? Email Brian.
