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How To Get Children Interested in Books: What is a book without words?Dec 09 '00 (Updated Jan 05 '02) Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Teach your child to want to write and read.
Getting children interested in books is one thing but what about getting them interested in writing? After spending the afternoon talking to a friend and listening to the problems that she has had teaching her kindergarten students to write, I decided to write a review on encouraging writing for children. Now I know this is the category for getting your child interested in reading, but books would not be books with out words and words are only made by writing. On this editorial I intend to touch on teaching and encouraging your preschooler to write. If you have any suggestions on the placement of this editorial please let me know. A child’s writing Now most people would probably think that a child’s writing may look like chicken scratch but to a small child it has a whole lot of meaning. Just ask the child to read to you what they wrote and listen to the story unfold. Learning to write takes time just as learning to talk and learning to crawl and then walk so scribbling is the start of writing. It will happen over time when a child becomes more aware of letters and words that they may see on street signs, books, and even newspapers. Now if you ask a teacher of pre-schooler’s what a child learns from writing, they may more than likely tell you that children learn that "Letter’s stand for sounds", "Letters make Words" and "Words stand for objects". These answers came from two first grade teachers Ok so I know you are asking, "Just how do I encourage my child to write? Try using creativeness by giving your child important looking papers and pads to write on. Motel memo pads and memo pads from your office will work nicely. Give them some old bank deposit slips such as the blank ones you get from your bank. My sister -in-law said that her children loved recipe cards to write on as well as paper and pads given to them by their Doctor and Dentist. Even post-it-notes can be fun for a little one with all of the bright colors. Keep plenty of supplies Always keep plenty of markers, crayons, pencils and paper on hand at all times. Wayne is only 14 months old and he loves more than anything to scribble his fat crayons all over his paper. If you are worried about the crayons or markers laying all over the house you can use tupperware containers or even zip lock bags to store them in for your child. I use a tupperware container with a lid so that when Wayne is finished with his scribbling he can then play with the container. Try keeping a small packet of paper and crayons in your car or purse so that they can have them while traveling. Please note that if you live in an extremely hot state such as Texas or Arizona you may want to put pencils in your car to avoid a crayon melt down Always give them the chance to write You know that birthday card you are signing? Don’t sign your child’s name; instead encourage them to do it. I have always noticed that all of my nieces and nephews were insisted upon to sign their own names in guest books and on cards. Is your child a painter? Have them sign their name to the artwork or even help you with your grocery list. Children love attention so the more attention their writing gets then the more they will want to write. Use lots of praise When your child hands you that first piece of paper with their very first scribble on it, respond like you did when they started walking, or said their first word. Show them the enthusiasm you have for what they are doing. Show off their work by hanging it up on your refrigerator or at your desk if you have one at home. You can even save them in a shoe box or photo album to show your child when he or she becomes older. The more you praise your child’s attempts then the more your child will want to write. Don’t point out mistakes, it may make your child self-conscious and reluctant to write. Are you setting an example? Does your child see you sitting at the table writing a note to grandma or to your old college roommate? Does your child see you write notes in Christmas and birthday cards? By seeing you writing notes, lists, and cards your child will begin to understand that writing is a functional, useful and important skill. Be sure to use your skill often in front of your child. Instead of opting to send an e-mail to Aunt Freda try writing her a letter and asking your little one what they would like to add to the letter. There are more ways to write other than with a crayon or pencil. What child would not love sidewalk chalk or making words out of dry noodles? Wayne has a set of wooden blocks with the alphabet on them that we stack on the floor to make words. Lay out rocks or write in the sand to build words. But I hear that finger paints are even more fun. Stimulate your child in numerous ways with writing. Can you think of any others? Making a homemade book My friend April is a first grade teacher and she gave me the following information on making a homemade book. This is a project that she sent home with her students to have their parent's help to create and she was thrilled with the results. 1: Getting Started: A lot of things can inspire a young writer such as a trip to the playground or a family members house. Consider writing a book about a favorite animal or pet, a songbook or even an autobiography. 2: Write on: Let your child write with made-up words and scribbles or you can write while your child dictates. 3: Picture Perfect: Let your child be the artist too. What book doesn’t look good when it is illustrated? Drawings, paintings, photos and even cut outs will work great. 4: Cover to cover: Make a cover, title page and even a dedication page if you wish. All of these touches will make your child feel like a real writer. 5: The ties that bind: Try using needle and thread ort even a hole punch and yarn and bind your child’s book in vibrant colors. 6: Read it again and Again: Encourage your child to read their homemade book to friends and family. And let them read it as often as they like. In Conclusion Many thanks to my friends April and Vivian who are kindergarten and first grade teachers. With out their input this editorial would really short. Illiteracy is an predominately-ignored problem in our society with children and adults alike. Anything that can be done to help our children want to learn to read and write should be done. To get the facts on illiteracy in America please visit the following web sites. A United Way Organization http://www.indian-river.fl.us/living/services/als/facts.html Literacy plus Program http://www.rotary6440.org/literacy/litdesc.htm A.B.L.E Association for better living and education http://www.able.org/canido.htm  |
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