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Parents need to make books a special thing in
home, like a collection. They can be kept in a special place created to showcase reading materials. Children will value books and respect them if a parent demonstrates that same care and value of them. Parents can also model being avid readers and life-long learners. Children need that modeling very early in life.
In choosing books, they need to be appropriate age level for child. If a book is eye catching and is motivating, a child will read it again and again. Books that utilize repetition and rhyming are always very popular with children. Books that are filled with pictures, are ideal for reading sessions because child will be receptive to more discussion and comment by looking at pictures.
Where will you find time to do reading session with your child? Start with television. Shave enough time from TV viewing to work on reading activities with your child. In addition, use television time to tie into language development. Parents need to take charge of TV time and selection of programs to be viewed. Choose programs that meet following criteria: captures child’s interest; encourages listening and questioning; helps child learn new words; helps child’s self-esteem; and can be connected to real life.
There are many stages of language development that can be addressed by parents. A parent should be involved in all components. There are many materials and handbooks available from which parents can learn basics and can learn some specific activities to use with children. Children need a jump start in reading, and parents can make that happen.
Copyright usage: No permission is needed to reproduce this story. The About Author statement must remain in tact. We would like to be notified of where and how article is being used if possible. mailto:barb@sbmag.org
About the Author Barbara Snyder M.A. Ed. is a retired California Distinguished School Principal and Coordinator For Human Resources. She has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds elementary education, secondary, community college, and administrative credentials. She is currently a Student Teacher Supervisor at Chapman University College and the publisher of http://EducationResourcesNetwork.com.
