On buying books . . .

  Navigate to the link below to read a wonderful essay about buying books by LATimes book critic David L. Ulin.

"Here we have what books and reading bestow: that affirmation, that port of entry, the glorious pleasure of seeing the world open, even if it's not always a world we understand."

"There is no greater gift, no better bridge between us, no other territory in which we enter the imagination of another and discover (miracle of miracles) ourselves."

  http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-gift-david-ulin-essay-20101205,0,4000080.story

What Great Readers Do

When children know most letters and sounds, know how to sound out some words, have mastered basic sight word vocabulary and have progressed past little stories with repetitive text, then they are now ready to get into what reading is all about. Real reading is all about getting meaning from the written word. Real reading is simply not just stringing sounds and words together. Real reading is all about understanding what is read--which is comprehension, and reading with ease--which is fluency. Here is a great checklist I've compiled with help from my 1st and 2nd grade teacher friends. As you read longer books with children, this list will help children focus on meaning and develop reading strategies.

I Am a Good Reader! Here is What I Do:

BEFORE READING: 
I look at the title, author and pictures and think about what I already know about the topic or story. Based on these items, I make predictions about the story.

WHILE READING:
I take my time. I stop and ask myself questions about the story, and look for answers to the questions. Throughout the story, I guess or predict what will happen next. As I read, I think about how something in the text is like something I already know. If the text doesn't make sense, I reread those parts. I think about what the words really mean. When I come to a new word, I try to figure out what it means. I use the words around it, or read on and use the text to figure it out. I stop at periods and take a breath. I change my voice for questions marks, periods, and quotation marks. I make pictures in my mind of what I am reading. I visualize characters, the setting and the events.

AFTER READING:
I summarize or retell the important things in the story. I sequence the events. I think about how this story is like another one I have read. I reread books. I practice reading a lot! I may write about the story or write my own version of the story.

Reading Aloud!

Mom Jennifer reading a book to her son Matthew at Peet's Coffee this morning. Read my previous post to find out why this is so cool!

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Parents! 10 Surefire Ways to Get Your Kids Reading!

1. Read aloud to your kids everyday.

Reading together can help build close relationships and sends the positive message: "I want to spend time with you."

2. Two words--BUY BOOKS. Children need to own books of their own. Favorite ones will be read over and over and will give readers a chance to experience the books in different ways. Rereading builds fluency and comprehension skills.

3. Visit the library and bookstores often. Participate in special programs and story times. Attend book festivals.

4.

Read aloud to your kids everyday.

 Reading and storytelling build vocabulary skills and word power--the power to communicate.

5. "Read the world!" Invite your early reader to read street and store signs, billboards, cereal boxes, recipes, grocery lists, mail, etc.

6. Talk it up! Discuss the books you are reading with your child. Ask questions like: "Why do you think . . . ?" "What would happen if. . .?" or "Can you think of a new ending for the story?"

7.

Read aloud to your kids every day.

 Reading aloud promotes good listening skills. Good listeners are good learners.

8. Turn it off! Whether it's TV, electronic games, ipod, computer games, etc. etc. etc. Involve your child in the real world.

9. Sing songs, chant rhymes and simple poems. Play word games like "piglatin" and board games using reading such as Monolpoly Jr.

10.

Read aloud to your kids every day.

 Research proves that reading at home gives your child an advantage in school. Children learn to read by reading!

Fun Times at NAEYC 2010

Sharing a bookmaking activity with my new friends!



Download this FREE bookmaking activity now. From Build-a-Skill Instant Books: Sight Words, Part 1

I love to see kids and books!

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Caught June reading with her mom at Peet's Coffee! Moms and Dads--don't forget to bring a bag of books on all your outings.

Celebrate Reading Song

Had fun at NAEYC last week, made lots of new friends. Hope to hear from you soon! Here's a song tocelebrate reading that I shared in my sessions. Sing to the tune of "Row, Row, Row,Your Boat." Got this song from an IRA (International Reading) conference many moons ago. Keep checking for more from NAEYC 2010.

Read! Author Unknown
Read, read, read a book,
Beginning to the end.
What a way to spend the day,
A book's a special friend!

Read, read, read a book,
Travel anywhere.
World-wide, you decide,
A book will take you there!

Check out a few of my books that celebrate reading!