Read Across America

Monday was Read Across America Day.  We celebrate this day, Dr. Seuss' birthday, every year to recognize the importance of early literacy.  As a parent, it is important to read to, and with, our children on a regular basis.  What do you think makes reading fun for kids?

When we read to our kids we must:

• Read with excitement
• Use inflection
• Use motions
• Point out words and pictures
• Ask questions
• Allow children to reflect
• Relate parts of the story to child's experiences
• Simply said, "Make it FUN"!

One way to make reading a little more fun, for the child who gets easily distracted, is to use props.  I have kits made up with books and toys, or objects, that relate to the book.  While reading the book, the child can use the toy, or object, to relate to the story.  Children love this activity.  Another way to build interest in completing a story, if you have a child that cannot seem to get through an entire book, is to give them a treasure box that they hold throughout the story and that they can only open at the end of the tale.  Doing this with "Green Eggs and Ham" is fun.  Use a green Easter egg and fill it with a sticker, small toy, or treat.  The kids will want to finish the story and will be encouraged by the reward.