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Encourage your child to read this Christmas break
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Posted on Dec 23 2008
[B]By SUDI Q. NAPALAN[/B]
[I]Special to the[/I] Saipan Tribune
This Christmas, why not bond with your children by reading?
Family members who read to and with their children promote literacy by growing their understanding of stories, enhancing oral language, and building vocabulary.
Here are some ideas that may help.
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Create a special reading place and time at home.[/B]
Provide a space in your home for comfortable, quiet spot with good lighting for reading. Set aside a quite reading time everyday and be consistent in reading 10-15 minutes daily.
[B]
Discuss books with your child and set a good example by reading on your own.[/B]
Parents can start the conversation by talking about what they also read and ask their children to talk about books and other print materials that they are reading. Ask follow-up questions about their readings.
[B]
Get a library card for your child. [/B]
Visit the library every week and borrow several books reading materials for your child. Become familiar with popular books and magazines that your child may be interested in. Most public libraries offer activities, services and programs that are free of charge and find ways to involve your child in them.
[B]Collect reading materials at home. [/B]Gather books, newspapers and magazines and have them available for your children. Be aware of your child’s interest and find books that are related to his interest. Look out for garage sales and book fairs for cheap books or local bookstores discounted sales.
[B]Read books that last for days. [/B]Children enjoy continuous stories and are eager for the next installment. Read chapter books to your children. For older children, try to find a series that he really likes. The library can provide list of books with series for different genres.
[B]Reread favorite books.[/B]Expect children to have favorite books and they may ask you to reread them. It is important for children to hear books with rhyme, rhythm, and repetition.
Remember: Don’t force or nag your children to read. Encourage them by reading aloud, reading alternate pages of the book or reading silently side by side.
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[I]Sudi Q. Napalan is the librarian at the Saipan Southern High School Library.[/I]
