Friday, August 26, 2011

Before the First Day

If your young child is about to start attending a new school, you might want to plan a short visit before opening day. Consider calling ahead to see if a visit is possible. Or walk or drive by the grounds. Perhaps his teacher or a director or principal will be there and can talk to your child, show him around his new classroom. It might be a good time for him to get a preview, before the place is bursting with energy. That way, he will have a picture in his mind as he anticipates the first day . . . and it may help eliminate some possible jitters.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

It is Early Literacy Awareness Week!

This is Reach Out and Read of Greater New York's third annual Early Literacy Awareness Week. Lots of activities promoting reading are taking place right now. And in case you need more reasons to read to your young chdlren this week . . . and every week, here are some right from their website:

What do parents with young children need to know about reading aloud?
  • Children who live in print-rich environments and who are read to during the first years of life are much more likely to learn to read on schedule.
  • Books contain many more words than children encounter in spoken language, helping to build and expand a child's vocabulary.
  • The nurturing and one-on-one attention from parents while reading aloud encourages children to form a positive association with books and reading later in life.
The Reach Out and Read model partners medical professionals with reading experts to provide books to young children and encourage parents to read with their children. To find out more about this wonderful organization, check out the website.
http://www.reachoutandreadnyc.org

Monday, August 8, 2011

Calling All Chefs


Living out the pages of a book helps to bring a story to life. Plan a real or pretend meal, snack, or tea party that involves your child helping you cook. For example, you might choose to make stone soup, green eggs and ham, or milk and cookies. Take a picture of your child enjoying the meal and keep it on your refrigerator. It will be a feast to remember.

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.