What is my area of expertise, then?

Although I may consider myself an expert in something today, tomorrow could leave me wondering why the heck I ever thought that. Therefore, I prefer to share my opinions rather than claim to be an 'expert' on any one subject.

When it comes to children and them wanting to read, here are a few of my opinions:

1. All children learn to read at different rates and paces. That's okay.
2. Some kids love flashcards and others do not. That's okay, too. Offer what they WANT to read and what works for them.
3. Some children respond well to the Whole Language philosophy and some to Phonics. There is no "one right way" to teach a child to read. Trial and error...trial and error. Figure out what each child needs rather than forcing them to fit the mold that's easiest for you. This may take patience and effort. That's okay. You can do it.
4. There's a reason you see so many books at yard sales that have CRAMMED pages and are full of text, images and info. It's because most kids can not learn to read by being overloaded with information. They look at that book once and toss it aside for a cleaner, simpler, easier to read layout. Read my thoughts on this.
5. Don't tell kids what to read. Anything that's personalized or meaningful to them will usually work great. But...short of ordering a new book from me each week (smile), you can simply ask older kids, "What do YOU want to read?" Take them to the library and let them show you what they enjoy to read. They'll tell you what they want to read. Kids are like that.
6. Does it bother you to think that your boys will read about boogers, snot, farts and monsters? Don't let that bother you. At least they want to read.
7. For older kids, try your best to have books around to read that encourage self reflection. When I was in college, my EDU teachers would always have us read books that made us think about what we had read - to contemplate, wonder, consider and ponder. This is good. We want kids to be capable of critical thinking and of answering big life questions. Good times. Good times.
8. MODEL reading in your home. This is probably the best way to get kids curious and interested in wanting to read books. If they see you enjoying a book, they will be more likely to pick one up and read it. Without being duct taped to the couch and forced to read it, that is.
9. Have plenty of books around to read: on bookshelves, in the bathroom and in the family room. Books are a special gift. Make sure your kids know that you believe that as much as they need to.
10. Every time I ship a book to a customer, I tie a giant bow around it. Why? Because I want the child to view that book as a treat...a present...a gift. Books are special and if you show that you believe that, chances are, your kids will believe it, too. This encourages them to WANT to read.
11. When the book fair comes to school, don't say: "Oh, you don't need money for books. Those books are too expensive." I promise you - funding your child's lifestyle forever will be far more expensive. Get them to read so they will learn and grow and develop and some day - leave home.
12. Do you have a used book store near you? Patron them and take your kids along and let them pick what they want to read for themselves.
13. Use online sites like PaperbackSwap.com to get your kids to trade and read online. Monitor them, of course (always monitor their computer use - this is just common sense as I'm sure you already know).
14. Get your kid to read outdoors. Fresh air is great for the brain and will improve their ability to soak up what's being read. That's a good thing.
15. Host a kid's book party at your house. Everyone brings a book to exchange. Let the kids read to each other. Fun, fun.
16. Start a kid's book club at your house or rotate houses with other trusted friends and family members.
17. Every year for birthdays, give a book. At least one. This is another sign that books are to be viewed as gifts and not chores and makes wanting to read FUN!
18. Give at least one book to your child/children every Christmas (or Hanukkah, etc). Yes, this is another way of saying, "Books are presents to be appreciated!"
19. Create your own books at home using paper, photos or cut-outs from magazines, markers, a hole punch and string (or staples). Kids LOVE making their own books. I used to teach book making workshops (YMCA, Bookmans, etc) and it was so much fun watching the kids create their own story line and characters. Of course one kid wrote a book titled: "Why I hate books." I didn't care. At least he was writing and thinking so I considered our time together a success (the fact that he was my own son did tick me off a bit, though).
20. Finally - don't force your child to read. Some kids simply do not take to books. For these kids, offer something else that encourages them to read: trading cards, games, comics, magazines, music, poetry, etc. Some kids will be like me - late bloomers when it comes to wanting to read books. This used to drive my mother nuts. I was always willing to read a magazine, though, and now...I read books, too.

Work it till it works, I say.

That philosophy usually WORKS :-)

Oh - one more thing. If I were going to promote one product for kids to want to read (other than my own - haha) it would be "Pick-Up Words." I found this game online by accident. It rocks. Can't you just see a teacher playing this game with her kids in class or a family playing at home on game night? Between the fine motor skill development and the practice to read, it's well worth the 14 bucks, I think (last time I looked it was $19 so the price has gone down now!).

There you have it. My 2 cents when it comes to reading and literacy for kids ages 5+. I'm sure I have a ton more opinions than this, though, so I imagine more posts will come.

Until next time

By Shara Lawrence-Weiss, owner of Personal Child Stories

BIO-

I have a background in early childhood, published freelance, marketing, nanny work and special needs. I am married to my soul mate and biggest fan (the feelings are mutual). We have 3 little gifts from God (aka our kids).

Email Shara: info@personalchildstories.com

Visit the Website: http://www.personalchildstories.com

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