Talent Tuesday: Reading with Children

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr Seuss’, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut.

Dr. Theodor Seuss Geisel was a beloved author of children’s books. Through his colorful illustrations and playful words he has captured the attention of young children for many decades. His hope was to engage children in daily reading and foster a love for books. Dr. Seuss is remembered and celebrated each year on his birthday (March 2^nd) as we celebrate Dr. Seuss Day and National Read Across America Day.

 

Educators use short stories and rhymes to engage early learners and spark their interest in reading. Rhymes such as “Humpty Dumpty”, “Jack and Jill”, “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Three Blind Mice” are excellent examples of clever rhymes used to promote early literacy. Ms. Kim, Ms. Gracia and Ms. Christina, from Woodchase Academy (pictured below) are this month’s Talent Tuesday winners. Their dedication to preschool education is unequivocal. They believe that reading daily with children not only promotes literacy but also can instill a love for imaginative thinking and creative writing. We thank them for their devotion to young children!

Here are some everyday opportunities to encourage reading (source kidshealth.org):

• Bring favorite books and magazines wherever you go. While it’s tempting to provide children with electronic games and e-readers, be sure to alternate electronic media with lots of opportunities to read print books.

• Car trips: Encourage your kids to spot words and letters; for example, billboards, store signs, traffic signs and signals, etc. You can turn it into a game by seeing who can find the letter B. Older children can find the entire alphabet…and you can challenge them to find the letters in order from A to Z.

• Errands: Keep books or magazines in your car, diaper bag, or backpack to pull out whenever you’re going to be in one place for a while. Even if you can’t finish a book, read a few pages or discuss some of the pictures.

• Grocery shopping: While shopping, ask your preschooler to “read” pictures on boxes and tell you about them. Older children can read the prices of the products you are choosing.

• The doctor’s office: Bring a book of your own, since the magazines or books in the doctor’s office are probably contaminated with germs.

• Cooking: You can read recipes aloud to younger kids, and older kids can assist you as you cook by telling you how much flour to measure, etc.

• Mail: Ask relatives and friends to send your child letters. Help your child create letters or draw pictures to send back to relatives and family friends.

• Cleaning: While you work around the house, ask your child to name the products you are using to clean; such as, vacuum, broom, dust pan, rag, toilet brush, paper towels, garbage can, garbage bag, etc. If your child is just learning to talk, you name the object and have your child repeat it.