Boost reading success
While there is no guaranteed foolproof method to make every child a reader, there are a few simple things you can do to help you and your child succeed in this endeavor.
Find a quiet place to read together. That means no television, music or other distractions to take the focus away from the book you are reading to the child.
Make a game of reading by saying, with enthusiasm, "Let's read two books — you choose the first book, and I get to choose the second!" Don't worry if the child selects the same book over and over again. Your book selection will be different and might very well become the new favorite book.
Ham it up! Be dramatic in the voices you use to help bring the characters and the story to life.
This makes the story more exciting, helps focus the child's attention on the story and sends a strong message that reading is fun.
Have the child sit next to you so he or she can see the illustrations and follow along with the story. If the child's attention begins to wander, reengage the child's focus by making a statement about the story based on an illustration, such as, "Oh my gosh! Look at the mess that duck has made in the kitchen!"
You can also ask the child a simple question about something that you just read — not as a test, but as a way to redirect the child's attention back to the story. For example, "Do you think those silly chickens are ever going to find the farmhouse?"
Once the story is finished, ask the child if he or she liked it. This gives the child an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills and understand that they are entitled to their opinion.
Lastly, but most importantly, read aloud every day. The habit will become one you'll both look forward to!
The following book is available at many public libraries.<B>"Hurry! Hurry!"</B> by Eve Bunting; illustrated by Jeff Mack; Harcourt; 32 pages; read aloud: age 1 to 3; read yourself: age 6 to 7.The hen shouts the announcement to all of her friends on the farm, "Hurry! Hurry!"Each farm animal goes as fast as they can, and when they are finally assembled in the barn, a most wonderful thing occurs!Absolutely delightful, this simple story for little children celebrates the joy of life.
<B>Library:</B> Prospect Community Library, Prospect<B>Library Director:</B> Jeanne Sarnese<B>Choices this week:</B> <B>"Bear Snores On"</B> by Karma Wilson; <B>"The Ugly Caterpillar"</B> by Carl Sommer; <B>"Stranger in the Woods"</B> by Carl L. Sams
The following books are available at favorite bookstores.<B>"Duck Soup"</B> written and illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic; HarperCollins, 2008; 32 pages; $16.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 to 6; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Max the duck loves to cook soup, and his new recipe promises to be his masterpiece. Max tastes and tastes the soup and finally decides it needs some fresh herbs from the garden. Just as Max leaves the kitchen, three of his friends arrive. The friends smell Max's soup, but can't find Max. Then, Dakota the cat spies one of Max's feathers floating on top of the soup. No! Not duck soup!A hilarious romp of three friends frantically searching for the missing Max, "Duck Soup" will have readers laughing out loud and clamoring to read this selection many times over.<B>"Big Chickens Fly the Coop"</B> by Leslie Helakoski; illustrated by Henry Cole; Dutton, 2008; 32 pages; $15.99 hardcover; read aloud: age 4 to 6; read yourself: age 7 to 8.Four big (and VERY silly) chickens feel safe and happy in their chicken coop, but they've always wanted to see the farmhouse. One day they pluck up their courage and boldly set off in search of their dream. But finding the farmhouse isn't as easy as they thought. As a matter of fact, it's down-right terrifying!A very funny story about simple-minded chickens and ridiculous misunderstandings, this selection is nothing less than perfect.Nationally syndicated, Kendal Rautzhan writes and lectures on children's literature. She can be reached via e-mail: kendal@sunlink.net.
