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…"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Tip – Life experiences and reading, Part I
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!
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