When you think of reading to children, you probably think of reading a storybook. However, a variety of opportunities for reading present themselves daily, and the simplest thing can become a teachable moment.
Read recipes when cooking. At a restaurant, read the menu. Read the weather forecast in the newspaper. Point out street names and numbers in addresses when out for a walk. At the market, read labels on cans and boxes as well as words on the display signs. This can lead to a discussion about colors, shapes (square, round), sizes (big, small), and fruits and vegetables. Read the market advertisements. This was my daughter’s personal favorite. She was fascinated with these supplements and not only learned Ralphs, Vons, and Albertsons, she would point out these same market trucks on the freeway. Read a magazine or book on a topic of interest to your child. I “read” Road and Track to a four year-old who enjoys cars. We discuss colors and sizes of cars and count the number of cars on the page.
Reading to children involves more than saying the words on the page. It’s about engaging them, involving them by your eye contact, facial expressions, tone of voice, and the questions you ask them. Open-ended questions such as “How do you think the little girl feels about that? How would you feel?” or “What do you think will happen next?” as opposed to questions having a yes or no answer invite children to participate in the story.
Reading to children helps them make a connection between themselves and the world around them. Read to your child, engage your child, and enjoy the experience.
Carol’s Tales For Tots, a story time experience for young children, is offered this summer on Saturday mornings at Compassionate Solutions. Carol has Multiple Subject and Learning Handicapped teaching credentials.
For information call 661-714-2699.