If you have been reading my blog you must already know that I am a multi-task mommy who does just about anything. I am fortunate enough to be able to stay at home with my kids and do all the fun things mommies do. And one of them is definitely teaching my kids.
From the moment my daughter was born I started to teach her everything from learning how to read, counting, how to recognize the alphabet and lots more fun activities. I did this up until she was ready to enter kindergarten. Her teacher even asks me on several occasions if she was in pre-school before and I stated no. I taught her everything I thought a pre-schooler should know. Her teacher stated that she did so well and that she was ahead of most kids.
Now that I have a son I decided to use the same method I did with my daughter, but a little different. My son loves books and enjoys it when I read to him too. So, each day I set aside 20 minutes and I let him pick one book he wants me to read. His favorite book right now is, Pete the Cate, I love My White Shoes.
I don’t just read the book straight through. I start by reading the title, author and illustrator. I point to the pictures, mention the colors, point to the characters in the book and lots more. I change the tone of my voice and make funny expressions depending on what the book is about to keep my son motivated and engaged. I love how books inform kids, just like how the moral of Pete’s story is: No matter what you step in, keep walking along and singing your song….because it’s all good. I love the fact that the book mentions different colors and fruits throughout the book so kids can become familiar with them.
Whether your child loves to read or not, there are various methods to take into consideration when introducing a book to your child:
- Take your child to the library
- Look for books that he will show you (let he or she select his own book, supervise to make sure it is appropriate for their age)
- Look for books that come with characters (puppets) this way you can use the puppet while reading and keep your child engaged.
- Schedule a time each night or day for 20 minutes to read (regularity is the key to fluency in reading)
- Rotate other family members to read this way your child gets used to different people reading books, not just one person.
- Hand your child the book and allow him to read it for you, even if he cannot pronounce some of the words, but showing you pictures and talking about the book is a good start.
- Most of all have fun with your child while reading books, we want to make reading enjoyable and fun.
I hope you will take a moment of your time and set aside 20 minutes and read to your child daily. It is a blessing, which will last with them a lifetime.
Until next time…happy reading!
Sincerely,
