Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Sense-Sational Read

Enhance your reading time with your preschooler. Add special effects! For example, if you are reading about a camping trip, set up a little tent and read by flashlight. Light a vanilla scented candle when you read about baking cookies. Honk a horn when you read about cars and trucks. Save a book about a ship or a day at the beach to read during bath time. Play classical music when you read a ballet story. Adding the senses to your reading time makes the book more memorable and allows you to create a unique shared experience with your child.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

With Gratitude

I began this blog approximately one year ago, with the hope that I would encourage my followers to be inspired to read to their young children. Based on comments from my followers, I think that I have seen some evidence of having achieved that goal. However, what has taken me by complete surprise is how rewarding the blogging experience has been. Over the course of the year, I have been in contact with so many supportive and creative people. We are all learning from each other as we navigate the ins and outs of social networking. I have gained confidence in my fledgling technical abilities by trying to expand and experiment with content. My enjoyment has far exceeded my wildest expectations. I hope that I have given parents and caretakers some fresh ideas about reading with young children. And I look forward to much, much more fun in 2011. I thank you sincerely, readers.

What I think . . .

There are all kinds of readers. Some—like my daughter and me—are never without a book to read for pleasure. Others—like my son—are careful, analytical, and curious readers who read primarily to seek information from the page.


No matter what kind of reader your child becomes, you can help him or her get started. After all, you are your child’s first teacher. And, best of all, you can have some fun in the process.


Please feel free to share your own ideas. Tell me about ways you've enjoyed reading with your child.


Madeline Boskey, Ph.D.