Talk About Titles

After you finish reading a book together, ask your preschooler why he thinks the author chose that particular name for the book. For example, you might ask, “Do you think Corduroy is a good name for this book? Why or why not?” Have your child try to explain his opinion. You can ask questions to help him think about the reasons. For example, you could say, “Lisa is the girl in the book. Why do you think that the author didn’t name this book Lisa?” Then, ask your preschooler, “Can you think of another title that would be good for this book?” Have some fun together, coming up with some alternative titles. In addition to having fun, you are helping your preschooler think analytically--a thinking skill that will be ctitical to his academic success in the years to come.

Family Reading . . . Mix It Up

We've all heard about the advantages of families sitting down together for an evening meal. Reading together is also an excellent idea. And there are endless combinations possible for family reading. Parents read to children. Grandparents read to children. Even an older sibling can read with your preschooler. 

But think out of the box. Have your preschooler read to his baby sister or brother. He will feel very grown up. No baby around? How about your family’s pet? Many dogs will welcome the petting and attention that accompanies your child’s rendition of his favorite story book. Try eavesdropping. You may be amused at your child’s interpretation of a book when he is the reader-in-charge.

Be Resourceful

It is beginning to feel like spring!
As you drive or walk by yard, garage, or sidewalk sales, be on the lookout for tables of children’s books. Many people empty their shelves of toys and books as their children outgrow them. Buying secondhand books can be an inexpensive way to build your child’s library.

On the flip side, if you have books that your children have outgrown or you want to pass along, give them to friends, libraries, hospitals, schools, day care centers, and so on. Share those books!

Be Part of the Story

It is not too late to join in the excitement of World Read Aloud Day on March 6. Make plans to read aloud with your child's class or at a local bookstore or library. Or read to a group of children at home. Check out this page for ideas for how you can participate.

http://litworld.org/worldreadalouddayactivities/

Please take moment to see this video, which shows scenes from last year's celebration of World Read Aloud Day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n54cy97V-Ms

Words change worlds. Be part of the story.

Meet LitWorld!

LitWorld is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting literacy worldwide. In future posts I will tell you about their annual event, called World Read Aloud Day, which is scheduled for March 6. But first, read about this amazing organization and its work  (http://litworld.org/).  

In LitWorld's own words . . . .


Our Mission: LitWorld is a non-profit literacy organization fostering resilience, hope, and joy through the power of story.
Our programs and campaigns build self confidence, promote leadership, and strengthen children and their communities. LitWorld's LitClub and LitCamp programming cultivate a new generation of leaders, storytellers and academic achievers, effecting change for themselves, their community, and their world. Our campaigns mobilize children and adults from around the world to advocate for literacy as a human right that belongs to all people.
Literacy is the foundation for emotional and physical well-being, intellectual growth, and economic security. The right to read and write is a fundamental human right and belongs to all people.
Worldwide at least 793 million people remain illiterate. Two-thirds of them are women. All over the world, children are hungry for learning and for the power it brings. Research shows that children learn to read and write best by writing and telling the stories of their own experiences. Yet it is rare to find safe spaces where children feel fully comfortable to do so.
LitWorld is changing that.
LitWorld stands on three core pillars: Advocacy, Education and Innovation. These pillars together create a complete approach to how we can impact outcomes for the world’s children and help them reach adulthood as readers and writers. 

What will LitWorld Accomplish?
By 2014: Help one million children learn to read.
By 2016: Equip ten thousand literacy leaders to effect change that will impact ten million children across the globe.

These are words changing worlds.

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.