Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Drop It?

Say you've sat down to read with your preschooler. She is squirming and clearly not interested in the book you're reading aloud. Maybe you realize that the style is a bit dull or too wordy. Use your judgment. If you sense your child is losing interest and you believe the book is still worth continuing to read, you have some choices. You can tell rather than read the tale. You can skip over some of the description. You can ask her some questions about the book. You can have her make up a new story based on the pictures. But also consider that this book may just not be for her. Find another one! Or better yet, let her pick one she wants to read instead. 

8 comments:

  1. Nice tips! I also suggest putting the book away and trying it again on another day. Maybe next time the child will be interested in the book. Sometimes I'm in the mood for nonfiction, sometimes a literary novel, and sometimes I want to curl up with a good mystery.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello! I just found you through Bloggy Moms and joined your GFC. My blog is here: http://wahmhosting.com/blog
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is so true for toddlers. I found that it is easier to ask my daughter to pick a book instead of 'suggesting' books for her. I have been reading to her since she was born. It's amazing how much they can learn at such an early age.
    Thanks for all this information.
    Barbara, Bloggy Moms follower; hope you get a chance to visit my blog at: http://spanishforkids-jbplbarbara.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. New follower. Your blog is so wonderful. I'll have to utilize these tips when I read with my boys! I found you on blogymoms. Please stop by my blog when you get the chance. Thanks! http://imjustagirl86.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for this. My son's only 4 months old, but I am trying to get as many tips as I could!

    Lexie Lane
    www.voiceboks.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love all of the ideas and info on your blog. I think literacy is so important. I started buying books for my kids before they were even born and now don't even have room for all of our books. My husband had to build new shelves for us! I plan on trying to make it through all of the books in my son's room this summer. I'm such a sucker for books and with garage sale season upon us, I imagine I will be getting even more. I'm following you now from the voiceBoks.com hop!
    Michelle
    Heartfelt Balance Handmade Life

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lots of great information. I am glad to have found your site. I found you on BloggyMoms.

    ReplyDelete
  8. love your ideas- i have 3 boys who don't want to sit still (no issues- just busy) i have had challenging moments getting them interested - but, ya know what - eventually they really will get interested when we keep it up and if WE are interested! i now have 1 avid reader and 1 beginning reader and 1 who loves to listen to stories and is thinking about reading! :)

    ReplyDelete

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.