Posts from the ‘Reading’ Category

Reading Aloud to your Children

Written by Beth Clay

Do we really need an excuse to read aloud to our children? If so, know that reading aloud raises both receptive and expressive language abilities, both of which predict future reading skills. Reading books with sophisticated language provides a strong predictor of later vocabulary. While it might seem hard to find the time, know that the dinner dishes can wait long enough to share an experience that’s not only good for your child, it’s also a good way to bond, and the memories will last both your lifetimes.

Getting Started

Here’s what you should know when thinking about reading-aloud to your family:

1. Go for the Montessori approach: read to all your kids at once. Multiage grouping gives each child the opportunity to focus on the components of the book that interest them most, while benefitting from the questions the others ask.
2. Reach up a grade level or two. No matter what the age of your child, be sure to choose something that stretches beyond his or her current vocabulary level.
3. Increase the frequency of read-aloud sessions. Every night is perfect, though every-other night is still good. Make it a predictable part of the night-time routine and you’ll find that you and your kids will begin to look forward to it.
4. Allow for interruptions. Entertain your kids’ questions and ask some of your own. Discuss the text, explore the vocabulary. Begin to work new vocabulary into everyday conversations in the days and weeks after a word is first introduced. See example below of Text Talk (from Pacific Resources for Education and Learning) Read more

On the Importance of Building a Library

Written by Beth Clay

Even Walt Disney, the king of animated movies, had a library to die for. For those of us old enough to remember the lead-in to the weekly Disney movie on Sunday nights, Walt magically, if subtly, demonstrated the connection between the written word and the movies they became by nonchalantly selecting a book off the expansive shelves in his office and setting the stage for the movie that followed.

Growing up in a household of seven kids, we never lacked for books. Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, of course, but also bookshelves filled with poetry, Michener, the complete works of Dickens and a plethora of kids’ picture books and teen paperbacks. I’ve noticed recently that many homes are devoid of bookshelves and the libraries they hold. These same homes have entertainment centers filled with DVDs. What’s happened? Has the glow of the television replaced the glow of the flashlight under the covers after “lights-out”?  Even though many of the books on the shelves in my home haven’t been read in years, I like the fact that they’re available to read. That one day, when my daughter comes home from college and drops a reference to Dickens, the book will be at the ready for her to devour.

So it goes with children at any age. We can’t always guess whether they’re ready for a book that previously had been a bit of a reach. Nor can we anticipate when they want to reminisce with the Velveteen Rabbit for one last time. Keeping a library allows a child to grab a book that excites or interests them at any point in time, for any mood they’re in at that time. With February vacation upon us, consider taking some time to visit your local bookstore (often a magical experience itself) and pick up a few books for your child’s library. While you at it, put a new book on your shelf, as well.

Just the Right Book suggests a few books to get your library started. Of course, you can also consider signing up for a Just the Right Book subscription, and have books sent throughout the year that our expert booksellers will pick especially for your child (or for yourself!)

• Frankie Pickle and the Closet of Doom

Paperback, Fiction, Humor

Recommended Ages: 8-12 yo

Like most kids, Frankie Pickle hates cleaning his room. But what happens when his Mom says he never has to clean it again! Frankie and his unstoppable imagination mean fun. He and his side-kick Argyle become explorers swinging on vines, forging paths through piles of clothes, and scooting past lava pits! They perform flawless surgery on a broken action figure! They spend time in the big house. They even become superheroes. But will all this imagining be enough to conquer… the closet of DOOM?

• The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic by Jennifer Trafton

Paperback, Fiction, Historical Fiction

Recommended Ages: 8-12 yo Read more