II. Make the Reading-Writing Connection
As a parent, you may ask, "What can I do to help my child become a better reader?"
You know that reading aloud to your child each day is an important acitivity,
but helping him/her
connect writing with reading will also help your child learn to read well and with
enthusiasm.
Your daily read-aloud sessions will help increase vocabulary, which is important
to both reading and writing development. Reading leads to writing, and
writing leads to reading! Reading aloud also promotes the idea that reading is pleasurable.
So... how do you create opportunities for reading and writing in daily life to help
connect written words with meaning?
You will notice that your child loves to scribble or draw on paper with crayons,
markers, pencils, or anything available. It's important to realize that these scribbles
are a form of expression. They might represent a story your child wants to tell. Encourage
him/her to look at the scribbles and tell you the story in his/her own words.
"Wow! Tell me about that."
Ask your child's permission to write his/her story on the same paper next to the drawing
as s/he tells you the story. Then read the story outloud.
III. Taming the TV: Use the VCR and DVD - Part III
If you videotape a show in advance, you'll be able to watch it at
any time that fits into the family schedule.
There are a couple of advantages.
You can
skip through all the commercials, which leaves more time for parent-child
interaction.
The tape can be stopped for discussion.
Videos / DVDs can be borrowed from the libray, rented from the store, or special ones can
be purchased.
A wide range of possibilites....
- adaptations of outstanding children's literature that makes rereading the books even
more enjoyable.
- classic movies the whole family can enjoy together.
- documentaries and how-to videos that inspire further exploration of interests
and hobbies.
Consult with your children's librarian or bookseller or reviews in parenting publications
to find
out the best of what's available.
Next month Part IV on TV watching.
IV. Fun Interactive Science Sites for the Young
For the last nine months I have been writing a web site,
www.super-science-fair-projects.com
for middle
through high school grades. The baby has been launched!!!
I'm reeeally excited!!!!!!
While doing research for the science web site I found some more fun sites for young children....
First, let me mention that when you read directions aloud to your child,
s/he experiences
first hand that learning to read can teach him/her how to do fun things.
So...here are some fun science related activities for young children.
More to come next month.
V: Is it "Time to Label" Your House?
The warmth and security of your home can provide many wonderful reading opportunities
for your child. Children by nature are inquisitive and curious and are always looking
for something to occupy their busy minds. Here are some suggestions for exploring reading:
- Keep books, magazines, and newspapers in your home to give your child constant exposure
to reading possibilities.
- Tape and label names on objects in your home - such as bed, doll, table, chair,
refrigerater.
Or ask you child, "What would you like to label this week?"
It doesn't really matter whether your child learns to read the words or not.
This is not school and
there are no "have to's." Just seeing that there is a word / object connection will make a
difference. AND most important, children learn when they are ready... their natural learning
"clock" sets the pace!
Gradually add one or two labels a week. I remember doing this and by the time my
children were reading they were familiar with so many words!
- Help your child see how people use reading and writing through daily events such as
reading a recipe while preparing a meal, reading aloud cards and letters, and writing lists or
checks.
- Work on your home computer. This can show your child a variety of information in many
different forms. Here's a great site that can keep you in conversation with your child every
day...
Astronomy Picture of the Day.
Are you thinking,
"another science site"? Yep!
- Outside the home, point out signs, labels and logos to your child. This can encourage
early attempts at reading. Even the youngest child will quickly begin to identify familiar
signs
and places.
- Visit libraries, bookstores, newsstands and other places where books and other
reading materials are found. Ask for help in choosing books your child will like.
This is one of my favorite books. Each of my grandchildren have one.
Are you thinking, "I don't know where to begin?"
Well, Don't be concerned about that. Sydney will help you to find your interests and passion, and
be profitable.
If you decide to follow this path, let me know. I just love successful stories!
