When reading to a child he/she hears many different emotions and expressive sounds. He is fostering social and emotional development. Talking and asking questions develops thinking skills. Stay away from books on tapes, TV and radio. What you are trying to foster is an emotional connection to the words being spoken. As for videos, save these for children over age three.
Reading is a great time for cuddling and bonding with Mom and Dad. The first few months of your child’s life he is hearing the rhythm of language. That is why, nursery rhymes, Dr. Seuss, fairy tales and children books are a good choice. Any children’s literature is rich in vocabulary and language. He/she likes to listen to your voice reading, even if you read a magazine or a novel you are trying to finish. Babies learn a great deal about language before they ever say a word. When you read to baby you set them up to love literacy for life.
As you are reading to young children, focus on the pleasure at hand, not on trying to teach the alphabet and letter sounds. Teach these as your child becomes interested. Sometimes it is not so much the rote learning that’s important, it is developing a literacy rich environment. Teaching him to enjoy reading at an early age, is much more important than just simply phonics.
The amount of literacy in the home is in direct correlation with fluent readers in the future. The most successful readers are those who partner home with school. Home is the first teacher. Children need to see books, newspapers, and magazines in the home. They need to see that reading is enjoyable for their family
The family shapes a child’s learning. Talk to your child, read to your child, let your child see you reading and writing. Help them experience simple things; going to the library, supermarket, or the park. Play language games in the car and at home. Children are sponges. Give them experiences they will cherish. Make your child a participant in your life; this is what will shape his future. “Although excellent formal reading instruction can ensure success in literacy even for high-risk readers, substantial efforts to recruit the partnership of families greatly increase the chances of success.” (Lenses on Reading: Diane H. Tracy and Lesley Mandel Morrow)
Talking and reading to your baby creates a love for reading. It is the greatest gift you can give your child. Make your connection to your child the most important one in your life. As you model a love of reading your child will learn to love to read.
So book club is a good thing for me to be doing. Not only do I get much needed social interaction with friends, my kids also see me reading and enjoying it. It's a win win.
ReplyDeleteLooks really good Mother! Anne and I are very excited to read to our new baby even before our baby is born.
ReplyDeleteVery good information! Thank you.
ReplyDelete