Books-To-Order.com : Blog Home : September 2006
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Children's Books - Make Reading Fun! September 2, 2006 06:48 |
Children's Books - Make Reading Fun!
September 2, 2006 06:48
Too often today, kids get most of their input from television, or video games, or movies. But children's books offer so much more, and stimulate reading skills that will be invaluable later in life. After all, a movie provides entertainment for an hour or two, and is usually forgotten. But a good book can provide entertainment for days or weeks, and tell a story that's remembered for many years. I can still remember reading The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer as a child in school, and my sense of wonder at the amazing adventures Mark Twain's famous book. And children's books aren't just for kids. Many adults enjoy reading them as well, and a good children's story can remind us adults of the way we once were, and the curious ways we looked at life and the world around us. Kids have a way of trusting and experiencing life as it comes. They live life moment to moment, enjoying every twist and turn, without the fears and worries that haunt so many adults. Perhaps we should all crack open a good children's book from time to time -- if not for our kids, then for ourselves as well...
Children's books are an invaluable tool in the effort to get children to read more. Children's books have been around for centuries, and almost everyone can remember a storybook from their childhood that left an impression on them. In a children's book, kids can escape the routine of their everyday lives. They can explore faraway lands and have fantastic adventures with imaginary creatures. They can also learn important lessons about life, civility, sharing, and making and keeping friends.
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Encourage Kids To Read By Rewarding Them September 4, 2006 13:18 |
Encourage Kids To Read By Rewarding Them
September 4, 2006 13:18
I remember as a child growing up in Denver, Colorado, that the elementary school I attended had a summer reading program. The deal was that if you read 10 books over the summer break, you recieved a free pass to one of the local amusement parks. The program was run in conjunction with the city's public library, and was based on the honor system (and as far as I know, no-one cheated). Even now I can remember how enthusiastic I was about reading those books during the summer, and anticipating my trip to the amusement park. I developed a love of reading, and children's books, during those summers, but I'm not sure I would have ever cracked open a book if it hadn't been for the thought of that trip to the amusement park. Which just goes to show that sometimes the reward system really does work. Now if you'd really like to see your own kids reading more, but they'd rather be playing video games or out skateboarding with their friends, you might want to consider starting your own reading reward program. It would be easy enough to set up, and there are lots of great children's books that would be suitable for such a program. You could offer your own trip to the local amusement park if your son or daughter read, say, one book a week on their own, or one a month during the school year. If an amusement park visit isn't enough incentive for your children, offer to take them horseback riding, or enroll them in karate school, or buy them that skateboard they've been drooling over. The point is to get them reading, regardless of the bribe -- er, reward. Then, hopefully once they've read a few good children's books, they'll be hooked, like I was all those years ago.
by Kent Johnson
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Personalized Books Encourage A Love Of Reading In Children September 6, 2006 07:14 |
Personalized Books Encourage A Love Of Reading In Children
September 6, 2006 07:14
If you're like me--and a lot of other people--you have fond memories of your first storybook. I'll never forget my sense of wonder as I explored the pages of my first children's book, with its colorful illustrations and magical storyline. All things seemed possible, as my imagination placed me inside the story, and I walked alongside the fascinating characters as they played out their wonderful adventure. Personalized children's books give children that same sense of wonder today. A personalized book has a child's name printed right into the storyline, making the story even more real for the young reader. And most personalized books also include the child's age, hometown, and the name of several of his or her friends or family members. In today's media-driven society, where there are a thousand distractions vying for a child's attention, it's harder than ever to get kids to sit down and read a book. That's were personalized books can make a real difference. By seeing their own name printed in the pages of a book, a child's attention is instantly focused on the words, and the storyline. Instead of reading about someone else, the young reader is suddenly the star of the story, and reading becomes a fun and exciting adventure.
by Kent Johnson
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Good Reading Skills Are Critical For Childhood Development September 7, 2006 04:59 |
Good Reading Skills Are Critical For Childhood Development
September 7, 2006 04:59
* 74% of the children who are diagnosed with reading problems in the 3rd grade, continue with problems into the 9th grade. This shows the importance of building a love for reading at an early age when children are most impressionable. * children who fall behind at an early age (even in Kindergarten and 1st grade) fall further and further behind over time. Without remedial help, child reading problems do not diminish over time, but persist through the school years and into adulthood. * Among those children, 10-15 percent drop out of high school and only 2 percent complete a four-year college degree. * Surveys of adolescents and young adults with criminal records show that about half have reading difficulties. * Of youth with a history of substance abuse, half have reading problems. So turn off that television (at least part of the day). Buy good quality children's books and make sure your child spends at least 30 minutes per day reading one. And read to them out loud. Some of my fondests childhood memories are of my father reading me bedtime stories as I dozed off to sleep. Develop a love of reading in your children, and watch them blossom into productive, successful adolescents and adults.
Think children's books are just for fun? Think again. Studies have shown that teaching children good reading skills, and a love of reading, at an early age will pay long-term dividends. And unfortunately, children who don't develop good reading habits early-on are at a disadvantage in school and later on in life.
According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development:
These are some pretty sobering statistics. Is it any wonder that the US is lagging other developed countries in graduating new scientists and engineers? Reading, after all, is fundamental to learning, and no computer program or high-tech learning tool can make up for poor reading skills.
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Preparing Your Child Cognitively to Read September 8, 2006 08:11 |
Preparing Your Child Cognitively to Read
September 8, 2006 08:11
The ultimate goal of reading instruction is to enable children to understand what they read, so reading instruction has to be about more than simply matching letters and sounds -- it also has to be about connecting words and meaning. It is clear from research on emerging literacy that learning to read is a relatively lengthy process that begins very early in development and clearly before children enter formal schooling. Children who receive stimulating literacy experiences from birth onward appear to have an edge when it comes to vocabulary development, understanding the goals of reading, and developing an awareness of print and literacy concepts. Children who are read to frequently at very young ages become exposed in interesting and exciting ways to the sounds of our language, to the concept of rhyming, and to other word and language play activities that serve to provide the foundation for the development of phoneme awareness. As children are exposed to literacy activities at young ages, they begin to recognize and discriminate letters. Without a doubt, children who have learned to recognize and print most letters as preschoolers will have less to learn upon school entry. The learning of letter names is also important because the names of many letters contain the sounds they most often represent, thus orienting youngsters early to the alphabetic principle or how letters and sounds connect.
By Deanna Mascle Platinum Quality Author
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How To Develop The Reading Habit In Kids September 10, 2006 08:58 |
How To Develop The Reading Habit In Kids
September 10, 2006 08:58
Okay, let’s say your child has decent reading skills, and can read at a level at or above their age group. But the problem is they’d rather play video games, or play with toys, watch television, or a movie, or play outside with their friends. And there’s nothing wrong with any of those other activities, if pursued in moderation. The problem with most children in today’s media-driven society is that many of them would rather do almost anything than crack open a children’s book and read. One way to get children to read more is to make the activity fun. Instead of drudgery, or some kind of school homework, make reading a game, an exciting adventure. Make it something that they can share with you, the parent, and use it as a way of spending more quality time with your kids. I can remember in my own childhood, going on field trips to our local library, where we would all crowd onto a “magic carpet” in front of one of the seated librarians. Hushed, we would sit cross-legged, eyes closed, and let our imaginations run wild as we listened to exciting tales of far-off lands and hair-raising adventures. I can still vividly remember these library field trips, and how they fostered in me a love of language and the written word. So why not do this in your own home? Assemble your children on the livingroom floor--along with friends and other kids from the neighborhood--and force them to close their eyes while your read a story to them. They might rebel at first, or think the whole activity "stupid," but you’ll be amazed at how they’ll grow to enjoy it after a few minutes. If the story’s good, and keeps their attention, you’ll soon find yourself reading to a group of mesmorized children who are hanging on your every word, and who can’t wait to find out how the story "turns out."
Unfortunately, just because a child has the ability to read, it doesn’t always mean they’ll develop a love of reading--or even a strong interest in the activity. Reading skills and an interest in reading are really two different matters, and have to be addressed separately.
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Personalized Children's Books Make Great Gifts! September 11, 2006 09:10 |
Personalized Children's Books Make Great Gifts!
September 11, 2006 09:10
This year, give the gift of reading with a personalized children's book. Not only are personalized books more fun for kids to read, they also become keepsakes that your child will treasure for years to come. By seeing their own name printed on the pages of a children's book, kids become fascinated with reading, and come back to the book again and again. Many of our customers return to our site to buy more of our books, as do their family and friends. Personalized children's books also promote learning and high-self esteem in young people. It's been shown over and over that kids who learn to read at an early age go on to do better in school, sustain that level of achievement all the way through college, and go on to become more successful in their careers and in their lives overall. At a time when many students graduate high school but are barely literate, teenagers who have good reading skills have a distinct advantage over their less-literate counterparts. So think of personalized children's books as a success tool, not just another toy or game that gets thrown in the closet after a few weeks. Think of our books as an investment in your child's future success, just as you would with the purchase of a textbook, personal tutuoring, or other educational resource. And you can begin the process even before your child can read -- it's been shown that young children can recognize their name even before they've learned how to speak. Our children's books are also filled with wonderful full color illustrations, so your child can enjoy the action and visualize the story as they're reading along. So if you've never purchased a personalized book for your child or grandchild, give it a try -- they'll thank you for it, now and in the future.
By Kent Johnson
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Children's Books - Teach Your Child The Alphabet At An Early Age September 13, 2006 05:54 |
Children's Books - Teach Your Child The Alphabet At An Early Age
September 13, 2006 05:54
Sharing the alphabet with your child will help him or her recognize the shapes of letters, and link those letters to the corresponding sound. This will help jump-start the reading process, and your child will quickly learn the difference between individual letters, their shapes, and how they interact with the letters around them. Only then should you can begin to introduce children's books, when your child has a firm grasp of the alphabet. Here are some ideas on how to teach your child the alphabet: * Buy a chalkboard and mount it low on the wall in your child's room, where they can reach it. With your toddler by your side, practice spelling out simple words or names. You can start with your child's name, then your name. Draw the letter first, then have your child draw it, name it, and pronounce the corresponding sound of that letter. * Buy a wide-ruled notebook and have your preschooler create an "alphabet notebook." Take the notebook with you on trips, and have your child spend a few minutes each day drawing letters and naming them. Another idea is to clip pictures from magazines, then paste the picture in the notebook and have your child write the name of that image beneath it -- ie house, plane, bird, etc. * Make a game out of learning the alpabet. When you're driving in the car, point out a sign or billboard and ask your child if they recognize any of the letters printed there. See if they can vocalize any of the words. Do the same thing with newspaper or magazine ads, or children's books that you may be reading aloud to your child. Like many activities in pre-school education, repetition is the key here. Keep pointing out words and letters. Keep vocalizing sounds. Have your child draw letters every day, and then move onto simple words like "mom" or "cat" until they begin to connect the letter with its corresponding sound. You'll be amazed at how quickly they learn, and soon they'll be asking to read a children's book on their own, a request that should bring a smile to any parents face.
Okay, so most of us recognize that children's books are a great way to get kids to read at an early age. But before you can set a book down in front of a child and expect them to read it, you'll have to teach them the alphabet first.
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Using Phonics To Teach Reading In Children September 15, 2006 08:32 |
Using Phonics To Teach Reading In Children
September 15, 2006 08:32
Unfortunately, phonics has yet to catch on in the nation's school system. Over 75% of US schools don't use phonics as a reading instruction tool. Most of them are still using the traditional, whole word approach ("see & say," as everyone remembers from their own public school education) to teaching reading and language skills. Well you might be saying to yourself "I learned to read using the whole word approach, and it worked just fine for me." And the traditional approach does work, or we'd all be illiterate. But that doesn't necessarily the best way to teach reading. The traditional approach teaches using the standard memorization and word pictures method, which may be a problem in a phonetic language like English. For some reason, the US has been reluctant to institute a phonics-based learning system in the nation's schools. And we seem to be the exception, not the rule. All other countries that use a phonetic language, teach reading through phonics. The advantage of phonics-based learning is simplicity. There are only 44 sounds used in the English language, while there are over one million words. It only makes sense that children would have a much easer time learning and memorizing the sounds, rather than struggling to learn hundreds of thousands of individual words. With any luck, the nation will eventually adopt a phonics-based system to teach reading in the schools. After all, language development problems can contribute to poor reading and listening comprehension along with difficulty in verbal and written expression. And as we struggle to compete with other countries in the global marketplace, the last thing we need is a school system that's churning out students that are functionally illiterate.
Using phonics to teach reading to children has become more and more popular in recent years. After all, many research studies have proven that phonics is the best way to teach reading to all students, not just pre-schoolers and early elementary school students. And it's often the only way to teach reading to students with learning disabilities.
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Personalized Children's Books Make Great Gifts September 16, 2006 07:13 |
Personalized Children's Books Make Great Gifts
September 16, 2006 07:13
Shopping for a gift for that special child in your life? Why give a toy or game that will be unwrapped, used enthusiastically for a few weeks, then tossed in the closet as soon as your child's interest wanes? Instead of a toy or game, consider giving a personalized children's book as a birthday or Christmas present this year. Not only do personalized children's books make great, original presents, they'll encourage your child to read, which just might be the greatest gift of all. At Books-To-Order.com, we're dedicated to providing the best quality children's books around, both online and offline. And a personalized book won't get tossed into the "used toy" bin at the first opportunity -- they usually become treasured keepsakes, a momento of your child's past, like a scrapbook or elementary school yearbook. These books are rugged, hard-bound editions with sturdy bindings and washable covers. Just imagine the joy on your child or grandchild's face when they open one of these personalized children's books and see their very own name printed on the first page, with a personalized greeting from the giver. We have many letters and emails from customers who are amazed at how much their kids enjoy the books, and they often re-order more for their other family members and friends. After all, reading is a critical skill for children, both in their pre-school years and as they advance through the elementary school system. It's almost impossible to succeed on a high level without good reading and verbal skills, and children's books are a great way to get your child off to a great start in life.
by Kent Johnson
Click here to see our current list of personalized book titles
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Make Writing Fun By Practicing Writing Skills With Your Child September 18, 2006 14:32 |
Make Writing Fun By Practicing Writing Skills With Your Child
September 18, 2006 14:32
by Kent Johnson If you want your child to read more, and learn language skills, and how to express him or herself well, it's important that they develop good writing skills as early in life as possible. One of the ways to develop good reading and writing skills in children is to set up a series of writing activities for them to accomplish throughout the day. Look for drills and activities that will stimulate their thinking process, and creativity, along with sentence structure and grammer skills. The earlier your child learns to think in words and sentences, the sooner their become proficient at both reading and writing. Don't wait until your child is in kindergarten to start working with them in these areas. Get them started in pre-school by having them practice holding a pencil or crayon. Most pre-schoolers are familiar with coloring in coloring books, but many times they hold crayons in their fist, like a weapon instead of a writing instrument. Teach them the right way to hold a pencil or crayon, and have them practice writing out each letter of the alphabet. You'll also want to help them sound out the letter as they write it, to reinforce their phonics skills. Most book or toy stores sell children's activity books that have simple pictures, with a place to spell out the name of the pictured object below. These can be a great way for pre-schoolers to learn how to identify and spell the names of a variety of common objects they're likely to see around the house, from dogs and cats, to cars, airplanes, houses and trees. Another good activity is to teach the child how to group similar objects together, as a way of classifying them in their minds. Plants, household appliances, animals, people, etc, can all be put together in groups. This way the child learns how similar things relate to one another, and to the world around them. From there, you can begin to show the child how to recognize and construct simple sentences. Basic grammar and word usage can be taught at this stage as well. Always look for fun activities that will stimulate your child's mind, and make them think about words and sounds and the names of things. Flash cards, chalkboards, and other tools can be valuable aids as you teach your child how to read and write.
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Children's Literature - Exciting Reading For Kids and Adults Alike! September 19, 2006 07:40 |
Children's Literature - Exciting Reading For Kids and Adults Alike!
September 19, 2006 07:40
by Kent Johnson Children's books and children's literature don't have to be dull exercises in learning. Most adults can remember reading books in school that were less than thrilling, and unfortunately, many children--and adults, for that matter--come to think of books and literature as something to dread, like a trip to the dentist's office. But it doesn't have to be this way. Good children's books are written to appeal to kids, and keep their minds and imaginations occupied. And literature is full of children's books that appeal to adults as well - Huckleberry Finn and Alice in Wonderland being just two examples. A well-written children's book is crafted to keep a child's attention, and be fast-paced and full of adventure. Authors of these books know that today's kids often have short attention spans, and so they tend to write stories that will hold their young readers focus with lots of action verbs, colorful characters, and illustrations that enhance the lightening-fast storyline.
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Are You Connecting With Your Child Every Day? September 20, 2006 06:31 |
Are You Connecting With Your Child Every Day?
September 20, 2006 06:31
Are you connecting with you child on a daily basis? Studies have shown that spending just 15-20 minutes a day connecting one-on-one with your child can make the difference between cooperation and conflict, friendship and alienation. And one way to connect in this way is to sit down with a good children's book and read to your child (or with them, if they're older) and then discuss the meaning of the story. It sounds so simple, but with the busy, overloaded schedule that most parents have these days, it can be hard to find even 20 minutes to sit down with your child. And if you have two or three children, it can become even tougher to carve out this important, one-on-one time together. But if you want your child to cooperate, and be well-adjusted and well-behaved, you have to find the time to forge this critical parent-child bond. And children's books can be an important tool in this connection. Unlike television or movies, reading to or with your child is an interactive exercise that makes your child feel that you're focusing on them, not the TV screen. Reading gives an opportunity for the child to ask questions, and learn from you directly. Almost every good children's book has a lesson to teach, and often parents find themselves re-learning important morals that they themselves learned as children, but perhaps forgot as they grew into adulthood. So find that time to connect with your child. If they're not interested in reading, find another activity that they might enjoy. Go for a walk, or a long drive. Put a puzzle together. Play word games. Help them with their homework. I think you'll find it time well spent, and an investment in your child that will pay rich dividends today, and for years to come.
by Kent Johnson
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Personalized Books Boost Self-image In Children September 21, 2006 07:29 |
Personalized Books Boost Self-image In Children
September 21, 2006 07:29
By Kent Johnson Numerous studies in recent years have shown that personalized books help to develop a healthy self-image and self-concept in young children. And a healthy self-image has a positive influence on the child, both in school, and in his or her personal life as well. Surveys also indicated that it was important to begin developing the child’s self-image and self-concept as early as possible. And personalized books can be an important tool in this development. If possible, kids should be exposed to personalized children’s books during their pre-school years, and in kindergarten at the latest. Children who develop a healthy self-esteem, and a good attitude toward school and learning, tend to perform at a higher level as they progress through elementary and middle school. Personalized children’s books like "School Is Fun" or "Sesame Street: Let’s Count!" make learning a fun and rewarding exercise, especially when the child sees his or own name included in the storyline.
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Childrens Books - Reading To Your Child Aloud Is Important September 22, 2006 08:24 |
Childrens Books - Reading To Your Child Aloud Is Important
September 22, 2006 08:24
Okay, so your child loves to watch television, play video games, surf on the Internet, and listen to music. And there's nothing wrong with those activities, as long as they're used in moderation. Most parents would also love to see their kids participate in more constructive activities -- like reading children's books -- but the trick is to get your little ones to actually sit down and crack open a book a few times per week. One way to start is by sitting down and reading aloud to your children. By reading aloud to your kids, you're showing them how to enjoy children's books, the English language, the wonders of a good story, and hopefully, you're instilling a love of reading and learning. Many kids associate books with the drudgeries of school and homework, but you want to show them how a well written children's book can be an exciting adventure, a real pleasure, as their imagination takes them to places they've never been to visit with people and characters they've never met. And reading aloud to your child usually carries over to their interests in school. If your child goes to school and is instructed to read several pages in a book that doesn’t interest them, they’re going to view the activity as a chore, something to be gotten through in order to achieve a certain grade in that class. If they have no real passion for reading, and no passion for the subject matter, then there will be minimal retention at end of any reading assignment of this type. Regrettably, few children today seem to read for pleasure. In a recent study, only 7 out of 10 9-year-olds said that they enjoy reading as a pastime, compared with 78% five years ago, while for 11-year-olds, the proportion has declined from 77% to 65%. Children said they preferred watching television to going to the library or reading. But the biggest changes in attitudes were among boys. In Year 6, only 55% of boys said they enjoyed stories compared with 70% in 1998.
by Kent Johnson
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Looking for a great back-to-school gift? Think personalized Books! September 24, 2006 20:19 |
Looking for a great back-to-school gift? Think personalized Books!
September 24, 2006 20:19
These keepsake children’s books are hardbound, rugged, and they’re much more effective than normal books in engaging your child in the story. Studies have shown that kids recognize their name at a very early age, and seeing their name printed on the pages of an educational book, along with their hometown and the names of their friends, makes the story come alive. Instead of boring "homework," reading and learning become a fun and fascinating adventure, and children who read at an early age, tend to have enhanced confidence and self-esteem. Almost everyone can remember a favorite children’s book from their childhood. I can remember many hours spent on cold winter evenings, reading such classics as "Cat In The Hat" and "Winnie The Poo." Books expand children’s imaginations, and provide a chance to learn important language skills that will last a lifetime. So consider a children's book as a present as your youngster heads back to schoo, and give the gift of lifelong learning.
Okay, so the little ones are on their way back to school. Instead of giving them a new video game, or another blouse or sweatshirt, why not give them a personalized children’s book instead? Personalzied books are reasonably-priced, entertaining, and, best of all, educational.
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African American Children’s Books September 25, 2006 10:56 |
African American Children’s Books
September 25, 2006 10:56
And these African American children’s books are different in that your child or grandchild is the star of the story, their name printed right into the storyline. In our "African American Heros" book, your child is taken on a journey through time, and exposed to such important African Americans as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Thurgood Marshall. In our "Kwanzaa" book, your child or grandchild is taken on a tour of an African-American fair, and taught the meaning of Kwanzaa as an important American holiday. The meaning of the red, black and green Mkeka mat is also explained, along with Kwanzaa’s seven guiding principles, and its history and African heritage.
At Books To Order, we’re proud to offer several African American children’s book titles. As everyone knows, African Americans have made many important contributions throughout US history, and we feel these contributions need to be recognized by children of all ages. That’s why three of our personalized books were written to honor African Americans in all walks of life.
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Children's Books - Parents Can Help Their Children Read More September 26, 2006 07:53 |
Children's Books - Parents Can Help Their Children Read More
September 26, 2006 07:53
Schools can help parents promote their children's reading by communicating that it is important to read to children, and that they don't have to be well educated to do so effectively. Schools can direct parents to free sources of children's books and other reading materials (such as the school itself, libraries, and community organizations) and manage book swaps. They can also encourage parents to allow their children time for reading and provide an inviting place for it. Parents can also be helped to integrate reading with their children naturally into their schedules Parents can model reading, sharing what they have learned, recommending good books, and mentioning what they want to learn from reading in the future. Parents and children can read together, selecting increasingly difficult materials to help youngsters improve their skills and promoting positive interactions as they predict what will happen in a story and then discuss what did happen and why. Parents and their children can look up information together both to show the value of reading and to help boys develop problem-solving skills. Parents can take children's books along on long trips or to places where waiting is anticipated to help kids appreciate the value of reading as recreation. Finally, parents can maintain a reading log with their child that indicates what, when, and how much they are reading. The log keeps parents informed, supports their children's efforts, and encourages reading together.
Helping your child read more, and be a better student, isn't solely the responsibility of the schools. Parents need to take an active role in their children's education, and use children's books and other tools to help their kids read more and be better prepared for school activities.
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Use Children's Books As Tools For Early Learning September 27, 2006 05:57 |
Use Children's Books As Tools For Early Learning
September 27, 2006 05:57
Why is it that home activities such as reading to children, telling them stories, and singing with them help them learn? Research suggests that reading and story telling stimulate the imagination, help to increase children’s vocabularies, introduce them to components of stories (such as character, plot, action, and sequence), and provide them with information about the world around them. Singing songs probably also encourages a love of language and the rhythms of language. It also encourages phonological awareness (that is, awareness of the sounds and parts of language), which can be an important predictor of later literacy learning.
Children begin the process of learning to read long before they enter formal schooling. Families, and parents in particular, play an important part in this process, and for many, children's books are important tools in teaching pre-schoolers to read. For decades, research has shown that children whose parents read to them become better readers and do better in school. But reading to children is not the only activity that helps children become readers and to do better in school. Activities such as telling stories and singing songs may also encourage the acquisition of literacy skills.
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Preschoolers Who Are Read To Show Signs Of Early Literacy September 28, 2006 05:03 |
Preschoolers Who Are Read To Show Signs Of Early Literacy
September 28, 2006 05:03
Research has shown that preschoolers who are read to three to four times per week show signs of emerging literacy. This early literacy has also been shown to carry over once the child begins school, and can give the young student a jump-start over their less-literate peers. Children who are read to from children's books or other literature three times per week have a higher chance of being able to: -- Recognize all the letters of the alphabet It's clear that reading to your child at least three times per week will give him or her a better chance of succeeding in school. So read to your children, tell them stories, and play word games with them. And take them to the library as often as you can. Exposing them to the world of children's books, and books in general, will give them positive references and help them develop a love of reading and learing. Children whose families taught them letters, words, or numbers three or more times in the last week or who visited the library with their families in the last month are also more likely than other children to show signs of emerging literacy.
-- Write his or her own name, even if some of the letters were backwards
-- Could count to 20 or higher.
-- Read books on their own, even if they were only pretending to read.
Fifty percent of children whose families took them to the library at least once in the past month show three or more signs of emerging literacy compared to 33 percent of children whose families did not take them to the library in the past month.
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Children's Books - Using Literature To Teach And Learn September 30, 2006 07:47 |
Children's Books - Using Literature To Teach And Learn
September 30, 2006 07:47
Using children’s books and children’s literature as a teaching tool is nothing new -- even some elite colleges employ literature-based learning. Literature can be used to teach history, philosophy, geography, writing and vocabulary skills, and more. History, for example, comes alive for the read when it’s the backdrop of a great play or story. And new words have more substance and meaning when uttered by memorable characters in literature. One way to use children’s books and literature to teach is through the so-called "Charlotte Mason" method. In this method of teaching, the child "tells back," in his or her own words, a short book or poem, or a chapter of a longer book. The child is forced to focus on the story, and understand its meaning. This type of verbal narration is especially effective in younger children who may not have the writing skills necessary to put their thoughts down on paper. The child should be encouraged to express themselves fully, without judging their word choices or syntax. This "tell back" technique is also effective in building English and speech skills, and imprinting information firmly in the child’s base of knowledge.
By Kent Johnson
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