Helping Your Child Become A Reader

An indispensable guide to welcoming children—from babies to teens—to a lifelong love of reading, written by Pamela Paul and Maria Russo, editors of The New York Times Book Review. Do you remember your first visit to where the wild things are? How about curling up for hours on end to discover the secret of the Sorcerer’s Stone? Combining clear, practical advice with inspiration, wisdom, tips, and curated reading lists, How to Raise a Reader shows you how to instill the joy and time-stopping pleasure of reading. Divided into four sections, from baby through teen, and each illustrated by a different artist, this book offers something useful on every page, whether it’s how to develop rituals around reading or build a family library, or ways to engage a reluctant reader. A fifth section, “More Books to Love: By Theme and Reading Level,” is chockful of expert recommendations. Throughout, the authors debunk common myths, assuage parental fears, and deliver invaluable lessons in a positive and easy-to-act-on way.

Proven ideas from research for parents.

Annabella rushed in. "They're gone! My jewels are gone." Princess Annabella and her sisters, Belinda and Christina, joyfully receive boxes of jewels from the king. When the gems begin to disappear, Christina and Belinda set out to solve their father's mystery. Annabella doesn't like mysteries. She just wants to have fun-until her sisters find jewels on their crowns. Why do Belinda and Christina's crowns have gems? And why is Annabella's crown still plain gold? Told from the viewpoint of Leopold, the royal cat, Annabella's Crown is a parable for children about developing a loving relationship with God.

Glad, sad, silly, mad - monsters have all kinds of different feelings! In this innovative die-cut book, featuring a snazzy foil cover, you'll try on funny masks as you walk through the wide range of moods all little monsters (and kids!) experience. Here's a fun, interactive way to explore the many different ways we feel! Caldecott Medal-winning author/artist Ed Emberley provides readers with an imaginatively crafted book that helps children identify and understand their emotions. Visit him at his Web site: www.edemberley.com.

Noting that the roots of reading and writing begin long before children enter school and that parents set the stage for the development of reading and writing skills, this booklet explains the ways children read and write in their early years and what parents can do to support their child's learning. Based on the High/Scope preschool key experiences in language and literacy, the booklet begins with a description of young children's early reading and writing efforts and parents' role as their child's first teacher. Suggested activities for parents and children built around their everyday interactions and activities relate to the following: (1) have daily conversations with your child; (2) keep lots of printed materials and writing materials in your home; (3) set up a reading and writing space for your child; (4) let your child see you read and write; (5) read with your child every day; (6) call your childs attention to reading and writing in everyday activities; (7) make a message board; (8) encourage your child to "read"; (9) display your child's writing; (10) make a bank or file of words your child likes to write; (11) go to the library with your child; and (12) use television and technology wisely. The booklet includes a list of sample reading and writing materials for young children. Also provided are tips for selecting storybooks and reading with children. The booklet concludes by reiterating that parents can help their children become skillful and appreciative readers if they remember that reading begins with language and that reading continues with print. (KB).

This booklet gives you information about how you can use your language skills to build your child's skills. It offers suggestions about how you can: -Talk with and listen to your child; -Read together with her; -Help your child learn about books and print; -Encourage your child's early writing efforts; -Help your child learn to read if his first language is not English; and -Prepare your child for success in school. The major portion of the booklet contains activities that you can use with your child to strengthen her language skills and encourage their love of reading.