Tip-Back to School

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originally uploaded by nettesbt.

It’s time for school again! Most schools require students to read about 20 minutes a night. I have my own rule for my fourth grader. He has to read two chapters. That way he’s not using the time to look back and forth on the page while daydreaming. Yes, he’s been known to do that. Know your child and if necessary put your own rules into place. It is our lack of interference that makes it easier for our children to blow off their reading assignments.
Also, even though they are required to read every night, it doesn’t hurt to try to read with them once a week. It helps gage their progress.

Tip-the memorable toddler

the world in my fist,
originally uploaded by pulihora.

Try this with a book you've read to your toddler a million and one times. Start the story, but just enough to jog the memory. Then look at your toddler expectantly, if he doesn't continue the story on his own ask him "do you know what comes next?" I've recently started this with "There's a Wocket in my Pocket" and here's what I've found; he enjoys the challenge, he's paying more attention to the parts he doesn't know and getting more and more each time, he's enjoying the participation for a change, and he has a huge smile on his face - which I believe is the effect of his pride in his performance. These are the qualities we're looking for in the learning process! Try it!

Tip – Life Experiences and Reading, Part II

The view from Matira beach at Bora Bora,
originally uploaded by Jean-Sébastien Roy.

Another way to give your children life experiences to draw upon is to tell them stories of your life's experience. The key is to be graphic, all-encompassing. For example, if you want to explain a trip to the beach and the child has never been to the beach: I jumped out of the car, forgetting to close the door. My dad called to me, but I ignored him looking out over the vast ocean and sand I was about to conquer. When I stepped off the bottom step to the beach I kicked my shoes off and wriggled my toes in the sand. It tickled… The ocean went on forever. I couldn't see an end. The waves came in slowly and washed sand back in with them when they receded to the ocean, etc.
The point is to make them feel it too. Let them think they are there. That makes it theirs. And then answer any and all questions in detail also. You could even play afterward at whatever the experience was. "Let's pretend we're at the beach. Get your swim suit…"

Tip – Life experiences and reading, Part I

Into the Woods,
originally uploaded by dwhopkins.

It is imperative to have life experiences to draw upon while reading. Of course living requires we do have experiences, but it never hurts to add to it. Following are some suggestions that are helpful in reading children's books. They have school experiences so why not ask about them during dinner? This causes reflection and often meshing of other children's experiences during the conversation, maybe even some from your own childhood. Also family outings, which can be as simple as going to dinner, walking through a town square with shops, a walk in the woods or neighborhood together, spending quality time at the park, teaching them skills like bike riding or fixing the car, etc. Put some thought into family activities and help your children to see the stories better!

Tip-sharing what you see with your child

reading,
originally uploaded by hans s.

It can really help your child if you share what you are seeing while you read. Be sure to be detailed. You can then read the section or story again. Ask your child to close his eyes, this will help some who have difficulty seeing it in their mind.

Remember there are many adults who have trouble seeing images while they read. Maybe it's time we address this issue!

Tip - Reading takes no vacation!

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originally uploaded by nettesbt.

Summer break is here. Make sure to keep your child reading so they can keep up with and possibly get ahead of their reading level. There are programs at local libraries with incentives if the school doesn't have a summer reading program on place. I have my son read 3 times a week for 20 minutes since he is way too cool to do a summer reading program at the library. I also read with him one of those days to keep up with his progress and to spend quality time together.

Tip – Children telling stories

amberphotos 033,
originally uploaded by nettesbt.

Have your child make up a story of his own. I have a four year old with enough unchanneled energy to tear down the defenses of the US Army on high alert. One day I asked him to tell me a story. This did not slow him down. His story was a traveling story (him traveling from room to room). But he did not destroy anything. And although the story was pretty basic he thoroughly enjoyed creating it. As he begins reading I believe his own stories will become more detailed and charming. Kids love to tell a story!