Leap into Literature

Brought to you by Pat Feldman and Friends

 
 

Reading and Acting

Reading is an important activity for young learners- it builds their vocabulary, develops listening skills, encourages curiosity and imagination, and encourages lifelong reading. Stories can set examples that help children to better understand the world around them. Acting out a story from a book or an original story will help children to connect the story with real world life. Remember that as you read to your child, you are forming an important bond.

As you read a story, ask questions that relate to you and your child. What kinds of animals are featured in the story? Do they like those animals or would they pick different ones? Can they imagine being in a situation like the story you are reading? Have they experienced anything similar to the events in the story?

Make Reading a Routine

  1. Read a couple of books every evening at bedtime.

  2. Read when your child needs to calm down or regroup.

  3. Let your child pick what to read.

  4. Re-read the same books.

  5. Make a schedule that works for you and your child that allows for reading time daily.

As you read, have conversations with your child. Ask them questions that connect them to the characters in the story through imagining the senses or relating to their own lives. How might they remember the story?

Where can I find more books like these?

Many excellent literary services are available in the community. The best place to start your reading adventure is your local library! In addition to books, libraries also provide computer access, printing services, research assistance, and community programming- all for free! More and more neighborhoods are adding Little Free Libraries where books can be donated, adopted, and exchanged. Ask friends and family if they have any book recommendations- they may be happy to lend or trade with you. Second hand stores offer books at much lower rates than traditional bookstores, and are a great location to send books you no longer need. As birthdays roll around and friends and relatives ask for gift suggestions, consider asking for books! They make wonderful gifts.