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A Passion for Reading ~*~ A passion children will imitate!Dec 02 '00 (Updated Feb 28 '01) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Engaging our children’s interest in reading is a passion my darling husband and I have persevered toward long before our daughter’s were capable of reading the “written” word themselves.
Incredible imitators of the world around them, Children learn immensely by example! Engaging our children’s interest in reading is a passion my darling husband and I have persevered toward long before our daughter’s were capable of reading the “written” word themselves. The methods of introduction to fondness for books has varied but one thing has remained, and that is our excitement for the written word! It is with great enthusiasm that I will take this opportunity to share what has worked in our home. ~*~ Age appropriate books have been placed at child level since birth. Since birth, our children have been in a home environment that continually places age appropriate books within their reach. As newborns and infants we placed the vinyl covered squishy, and the fabric books into the grasp of our girls. These books were machine washable, allowing for quick & easy sanitation. We then discussed what we viewed on the pages. Being “free” to engage in funny faces, odd noises, singing, or whatever the mood struck. This transpired multi times within each day. These books are stored among toys that are within quick reach, and a blanket sits on the floor by them. From one-year of age, we had a larger wicker basket on the floor that held at least 30 board books. These books varied in reading skill level, length of stories, and subject matter. All of them were child friendly! The hard pages with coating allowed for us to wipe them with damp clothe, when those “irks” happened. Daily, the contents of the basket would be dumped and “read.” The colors within the pages were generally vibrant and welcoming to the young eye. Two child rocking chairs are near by and a snuggly blanket is on the floor. From three-years of age, a basket with simple beginner reader books adorned the surface of one of our coffee tables. Within this basket, standing up on end, were early reader’s books; awaiting the curiosity of preschoolers aboard. Included within these series are: All Aboard Reading, Hello Reader, Step Into Reading, Road to Reading, Brand New Readers, and several child made publications! The skill level was generally assessed at preschool to grade 1. The books now provided had a story plot. Something remained present in all of these publications, a larger font and vivid pictures. My favorite books for this age continue to be stories in which the children are able to predict what will happen in the written word by looking at the illustrations. This promotes an “I can read” attitude. In addition, it is nice when they are able to predict what word in upcoming and fill in the blank for you. That explains some of the criteria for placement in this basket. Two children and one adult rocking chair sit close by. Marisa is currently 5, and adores this reading “pond.” She has the words within several of the pages memorized, is able to accomplish some early reading, and submerges into these publications numerous times within the day. From six-years of age, the children have been able to reach the shelves holding numerous books that have more complex plotlines, longer sentences, less illustration, and that are aimed at the reader who is reading on their own. These books stand proudly on the shelves waiting for the eager reader to devour them! They include books such as the Clifford series, Dr. Suess titles, and so forth. The book titles vary in reading ability and theme content. The covers are inviting and there are beanbag chairs and pillows close by for comfort! Marisa enjoys skimming the pages of these books, listening to her older sister read to her, and having her Father and I read them. When 2nd grade arrived, my oldest daughter had achieved an interest in chapter books. These varied from first chapter books that contained bite-size chapters, short paragraphs, and some art, to chapter books that contained longer chapters with the occasional black and white illustration. Such series included the Mary Kate & Ashley, and the Arthur chapter books. One change that we noticed at this age was that Chelsea liked to retreat to her bedroom for reading time. Also, she liked to display “her” books in her own room, and take ownership of them. She had shelving that allowed for her to easily store them on end, and within reach. Her current read remained on her night table. When 4th grade arrived we noticed Chelsea’s interest had shifted to lengthy chapter books with no illustrations. At this point she was very independent in her reading capabilities, and sought retreat in her “nest” for engrossment into the latest publication. She found a couple series Today’s Girls.com and American Girls, to be among her favorite reads. She still visited the family bookshelves for the I Spy books and others. By this point of age, we helped her create a reading “nest” on her bed. The overhead bunk allows for a coziness to transpire on her lower bunk. We installed a hanging lamp to allow for plenty of reading light. We purchased pillows, and a rest thingie to lean against. Also, there is a snuggly blanket readily available. We have called this her nest. Between two bookends on one end table, you find books that Mom and Dad are currently reading and referring back to. A couple of them are those antidotes ones and the children see us devour them frequently. Also within this room there lays a basket containing magazine publications and catalogs. We continue to read such items as recipes, instruction booklets, and letters received out loud to further model the importance of reading. ~*~Make Time For Reading We have always allowed reading time for our children. One example I will give you is at bedtime, most children aren’t fond of bedtime. Well our children think they are getting bonus stay up time by reading in bed. Each night they are transitioned into bedtime knowing that if it transpires as should, they will have thirty minutes to engage in reading. Or they may have the light turned out and go directly to sleep. Given this option, reading is the choice taken. To help with this, there is a basket by all of our beds to hold the “night reads.” I mentioned earlier that my oldest daughter has a “nest”, well we all have an abundance of pillows and a nightside light. ~*~Realize Individual Learning Styles Innately, we are different from birth! Within the safe haven of your home, you can allow your child to learn in a manner that best suits his/her learning style. Remember a confidant and happy learner, will be likely to persevere to reading excellence. Acknowledging your child’s uniqueness will help them accomplish the many milestones on the road of reading! For help with this you may want to read The Way They Learn, by: Cynthia Ulrich Tobias. From my younger daughter, who has characteristics of an extravert, you will hear what she perceives the written word to say. Sometimes it is word for word, either because of site reading or memorization (some phonics – we are still working on that), and sometimes it is her own version made up according to what the pictures say to her. She needs this time to vocally read. It is part of her personality traits. To further encourage her love of reading, we assist her (sometimes she does this on her own) in making her own books. My oldest daughter possesses more introvert characteristics, and likes the environment quiet. Thus being the reason she remains happiest in her “nest” in her room. Classroom environments that allow the children to read outloud during “silent” reading cause frustration to her. Generally speaking, her best reading transpires within the safe tranquility of her room. Along with this thought process, realize the depths of variety available and what motivates one child to read, may not inspire the next! ~*~Make it a Family Affair!~*~ As I mentioned in the opening of this editorial, children learn by example. For proof of that we look no further then the saying, “Do as I say, not as I do!” So, to spark your child’s interest, let them witness the other members of the family reading. This will manifest differently in each household. For some this will include a family reading time, some of you may have a book that each takes turn reading out loud, some it will be the traditional rituals such as bible study or the morning paper with breakfast. However it transfolds, realize you are being observed. We endeavor our children’s interest by letting them witness how important reading is. For instance, they ask you a question you are uncertain of the answer to, “Why Did God Make Mosquitoes?” Your reply would be, “I am not certain, let’s read and find out. When we acquire a new appliance, my husband proclaims aloud, “I will read the instruction manual. The examples are endless. ~*~Make the Library A Frequent Visit Spot~*~ Typically, we journey to the library every other week and plan on spending approximately two hours there. We go as a family and we all check out at least four books. We have a bag that’s purpose is to transport library bags. A ritual sortof. Of course there are those busier times when we have to just drop off and return a different period of time. Nonetheless the children know the local library and it’s importance. Our children usually keep their individual finds in the basket by their beds and know to return the books to the library bag for our journey. ~*~Pick A Bi-Weekly/Monthly Theme~*~ An additional method of sparking interest in books is by creating a learning theme. Perhaps your child has become fascinated with butterflies recently: proclaim it a theme, dive into books for massive information and take a field trip with your newly acquired knowledge. This shows them the brain power results that are received from the written word. Teacher’s use learning themes within the classroom to spark interest, you can benefit from this within the home! Have a basket on the table with theme-related books and games. To example this for you, I will tell you that when my daughter was gaining interest in ballet, we created a dance theme. Several books were acquired from the local library, a few were purchased and they were placed into our theme basket. For that two-week interval we studied dance. Not just ballet, many styles. Our daughters found from books, abundant amounts of information with regard to heritage culture and so forth. By the end of this time period, they knew how difficult it was to be a member of the ballet troupes, etc. They were fascinated by the hours of practice that professional dancers endure. The gain was immense. ~*~Encourage Them To Be An Author We encourage our children to write their own books. We will help with spelling and editing. But the written word and illustrations has to be their own. They share these books with relatives. Occasionally, they make and give books as gifts. ~*~Scrapbook A Story Being an avid scrapbooker, this was a very fun method for me. Using extra photographs (or originals) make a story for your child. The story content may vary depending on your child’s age. A similarity will remain that it is your words and familiar photographs. You might also choose to do an “A,B,C” book or a number book. Children love to view pictures with familiar faces and are certain to enjoy these homemade treasures! Parting Thoughts It is my desire that all I have shared will be of assistance to you as you persevere in engaging your child’s interest of the written word! Reading is an important skill and one I will continue to benefit from. I provided some samples of ways we have encouraged reading within our home. Each child and home is different. Adapt the suggestions as you see fit. It is not important that your home have an abundant amount of purchased books within it. I operate an in home daycare/preschool so our supply exceeds what is probably “normal.” You can acquire books at garage sales, thrift stores, and other used book sources. The library is a wonderful place to borrow books from. You might decide to hold a book swap with your child's play group. What is important, is that your children witness a love for reading, and an understanding for the importance of the skill. Happy reading!  |
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