Spread Book Love on February 14

Have you heard about International Book Giving Day? It is a nonprofit initiative, described this way:

"A day dedicated to getting new, used, and borrowed books in the hands of as many kids as possible."

It is taking place on February 14, 2013 . . .Valentines Day! Check out the website for ideas on how you can participate.   http://bookgivingday.com/

Even if you don't get on board, at the very least, think about the valentines you are giving to your loved ones, especially your young children. This year, forget the chocolate. Offer books.

Send this message:  books = love

A book holds a house of gold.
— Chinese Proverb

Make Reading Sense-sational!

Here are some ideas for enhancing your reading time with your preschooler. Add special effects!

• If you are reading about a camping trip, set up a little tent and read by flashlight. 

• Reading about picking apples? Chew on crisp  apples as you read.

• Honk a horn when you read about cars and trucks. 

• 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.

Be the Reading Role Model

Scholastic has just released its annual Kids and Family Reading Report. I was struck  by the following excerpt:

"Having reading role-model parents or a large book collection at home has more of an impact on kids’ reading frequency than does household income." - Scholastic Kids and Family Reading Report

Be that role model! What matters is that you show your child that reading is important. Besides having books, newspapers, magazines, e-readers all around your home, be explicit. Point out to your young child what, when, why, and how you are reading. Tell your child that you are searching for the latest score of your favorite team, looking for the perfect roast chicken recipe . . .  Or admit that you simply need a book to read to wind down from your busy day. Make it clear that reading matters to you.

 Make your home one that is rich in words.

Name It!

One way to build your preschooler's vocabulary is to emphasize the names for things. For example, if you pass a fire engine, talk about its function and how it may have gotten its name.

Be playful. Make up a riddle to encourage interest in and enthusiasm for words. For example, “What do we call that round yummy circle that tastes good with milk? Right! A cookie.” Then have your child make up his own riddle for you to guess.

Words = Fun!

Two Happy New Year Resolutions

As 2012 draws to a close, many of us think about how we want to improve our lives in the coming year. Here are two related ideas for you to consider:

First, make one of your resolutions the promise to read more—whether books, e-readers, newspapers, magazines—for pleasure . . . for yourself. Fiction or nonfiction? It doesn’t matter. Rediscover for yourself how rewarding it is to spend time with the written word.

Second, make a commitment to read to your young child every day, even for a few minutes. Your renewed enthusiasm for reading will be contagious. It is a win-win situation.

Happy New Year!

Read and Share: Amazing Book List

The New York Public Library shared its amazing list of books to read and share. Here is the link:

http://www.nypl.org/collections/nypl-recommendations/lists/childrens2012

How many do you still have to discover? Enjoy!

It's Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day!

Have you heard about Take Your Child to a Bookstore Day? It is today, December 1.

The idea, as explained by its founder, Jennifer Milchman, is to expose children to the possibilities  that bookstores hold. Milchman noticed how her own children were thrilled by the excitement of entering and exploring bookstores. She began to make it an official event. The movement has grown.

Today, with so many different options for reading, in order for bookstores to flourish it is important to expose new generations to the potential that lies within the shelves. Milchman's website shows the hundreds of bookstores across the country that are participating. Take some time today to take your children--or grandchildren--to a bookstore!


http://www.takeyourchildtoabookstore.org/