Growing Good Readers

How does a good reader get that way?

More than likely they were read to early in life. Other topics and subjects are also important, so I am in no way “dissing” math, science, history, art or music.  However, reading is a fundamental part of existing. Think about your typical day. How often are you reading something . . . street signs, reports, emails, grocery labels, medication, newspapers, websites, stories to our kids . . .

It is a fact that reading is a fundamental part of our world. But raising a reader goes much deeper than this basic need to function. Reading is not only a fundamental part of our world, it is a fundamental part of education, and a fundamental factor in language development in children, leading to the good, solid skills and habits necessary for lifelong achievement and success.

How does this impact a young life?
The language development in children who are routinely read to in the years prior to entering kindergarten better prepares them academically to learn than are children who aren't read to.  The countless stories these children heard exposed them to a diverse vocabulary, contextual understanding, and a working background knowledge that is critical to language development in children, and enables them to enter kindergarten prepared to learn from the very first day. 

So why not take turns reading to each other:

Find books of suitable level and interest and take turns reading to each other.  Early reader books designed with the K-3 child in mind can help motivate the beginner reader. Some books like those from Lunchpail Books are suitable for either (reading to a child or having the child read to you).  Start with Peep Peep’s first adventure “Peep Peep Comes Home.”  Besides an age appropriate vocabulary (based on the Dolch Sight Reading Word List) they also have humor and a simple (not preachy) message at the end (e.g. the comfort of love in a family)

Parent and child bonding is essential to each and every child out there, and reading with your child is a simple way to establish a strong and nurturing parent and child bond.  Yes, reading stories provides a simple and SUREFIRE way to bond and really connect with your child. 

I can't imagine a conscientious parent out there who doesn't want to snuggle with their little ones and really bond with them.  And in these uncertain times in our world, our children need more than ever to know that we love them and care enough to take time out from our hectic lives and busy schedules and give THEM our undivided attention.  Double the impact of the message in word and action through Lunchpail Books!

Give each other your undivided attention—read together. 
http://www.lunchpailbooks.com