The Love of Reading

Dear Readers,

If your child is given a book report project, let them chose the book to read themselves. You will be amazed at the outcome if the child is able to choose a book that they will enjoy reading. For example, my daughter had to select a book, read it and do a shoebox book report. I was amazed when she chose a book that had been in her home library for at least a year. I was also thankful that I did not have to visit the local library where she would take hours selecting from the many books on the shelves.

She immediately began to read her book and spent the rest of the evening quietly reading. I knew the book must have been interesting when she fell asleep while reading. You know your child is enjoying books when a book is the first thing their hands pick up the next morning. You know that you have to get the rest of the books in the series when the child walks and reads at the same time. You try to conceal your laughter when you see them walk to the car, open the door, get in and buckle seat belt while eyes are glued to the pages of the book.

I was amazed when she finished the 20 chapter book in a day and a half. When I saw the interesting way the author wrote, I realized why she read the book so quickly. She had finally found a book that really caught her interest and one that she enjoyed reading. I was glad that she completed the book so quickly because she became ill the weekend before the book report was due.

Since my child was confined to the house we had no choice but to use items that we had at home. She decided that she could fold origami papers to make all of her items that were needed in the shoebox report.

The project was completed and turned in on time to her teacher. This was because my daughter (even though she was sick) loved folding origami papers.

In the end, we both were amazed at how easy this project was because reading and folding origami papers are two things that she loves to do.

Quote of the Day

Dear Readers,

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.”
- Walt Disney

Teaching your children morals - Character

Teaching your children morals.

The best way to teach your children morals is by example of how we as parents live. Our children are watching us in everything that we do. Do you eat grapes at the grocery without paying for them? Do you tell your child to lie about his/her age in order to receive discounts on dinner, or movies.

Remember our children are watching us as we lead by example.

Quote of the Day

Dear Readers,

“Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.”
- Voltaire

Quote of the Day

Dear Readers,

“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.”
- Victor Hugo

Morals: Helping

Dear Readers,

Most small children love to help parents do something or everything around the house. Whether it’s making the bed, washing the dishes or throwing paper in the trash, there is a fun and learning opportunity for the child.

Imagine my amazement when my 4 year old made her bed one morning. I could tell that she helped her child care provider or watched her closely throughout the day. Her actions told me this because she was always busy picking up paper and throwing it in the trash.

When my children were small I would let them stand on a stool and wash dishes (or so they thought). What they were really doing was playing with a plastic bowl or small pot in the soapy water while I was in the kitchen with them as I prepared dinner. The child thinks they are helping you and feel good that they can help Mom.

This also teaches them that every family member has a job to do around the house.

Teaching your baby morals

Dear Readers,

All parents want our children to be on their best behavior when they are in our presence and especially when they are not in our presence.

"Is your child an angel at home?" was the response from a teacher as she answered my question of how my child was doing in school. Because I was not expecting that answer I had to pause and think about my child's behavior at home. I also had to think about what morals and values I had taught my child. After a moment of thought I felt somewhat assured that my child behaved in appropriate ways because of the morals and values that she was being taught at home.

Webster's Dictionary defines morals as: a.of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior, b.expressing to a standard of right behavior

Look for post of examples of good morals and values that will be posted over the next several months.

Quote of the Day

Dear Readers,

“Effective readers, even at their earliest levels, read in five to seven word phrases rather than word by word.”
- Richard L. Allington, "What Really Matters for Struggling Readers" (2001)

Talking and Reading essential to language skills

Dear Readers,

New studies show that the language skills learned from reading to your child can be enhanced when talking is added. For instance, while reading a book to your child, point to the pictures and ask questions. You may want your child to tell you what he/she thinks will happen next. Or you may want to ask your child to tell you what he/she thinks will happen at the end of the book.

Source:http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/conversing-with-child-more-effective-94603.aspx