No Need for Worksheets

 

You never want to get on a plane where the pilot learned to fly from worksheets. ~ Todd Whitaker

https://learningprofessor.com/2018/09/03/the-problem-with-worksheets/

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=134

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Books & Brain Development

 

A study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital on a  child's brain development. Reading and screen time-what happens to your child's brain development? 

https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/16/health/child-brain-reading-books-wellness/index.html

I'd Like to Teach the World to Read

I'm lucky.  My 'boys' love to read. We had lots of books available when they were young. As they grew older, they bought their own books. Books were birthday gifts and Christmas gifts.   We have moved about 500+ books out of our house and into their living space. Their childhood books are boxed up for later.  Books are still everywhere in our home.  So, how often should you read to your child so you can raise a reader?  

Every day.  You should be reading to your child every day.  I loved reading books to my boys when they were little. They are both good readers and they still read a lot!  Reading to a child EVERY DAY is one of the best ways to help them achieve success in school. Reading should be a fun and enjoyable activity for parent and child. Here are a few tips to help you help your child become a good reader-

• Read any time and all the time but make reading a part of your bedtime routine.  Most children like hearing a story every night at bedtime.
• Let your child pick the book and hold it. 
• Read your child's favorite books over and over and over again.  Young children enjoy knowing what is to come.  
• Discuss the illustrations. Point to the pictures. Encourage your child to point and discuss illustrations.
• Read alphabet and counting books.
• Read to your child with expression and feeling. 
• Stop and discuss unfamiliar words to build vocabulary.
• Rhyming and silly stories are well liked by preschoolers.
• Use books to help w/new experiences (going to the dentist, first sleepover, a new baby, etc.)
• Use 'voices' for different characters in the story.  
• Encourage your child to repeat refrains (for example in the book Owl Babies I have students 'be' Bill and say "I want my Mommy!"
• Discuss wht your read to make sure your child compresheds the story.  Ask questions like "What do you think would happen if..."
• Make predictions. Ask your child "What do you think will happen next?"
• Make sure your child has books at home. 
• Read every day! 

Start with the Child

"It starts with the child and not with the subject matter."

Learn more...The Wisdom of Play

https://elf2.library.ca.gov/pdf/WisdomOfPlay.pdf

The Literate Home

 How do you create a home that encourages reading and literature? 

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-create-a-literate-home-young-child-and-kindergartner

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