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Showing posts with label #literacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #literacy. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

How to Encourage Your Reluctant Reader to Read

When kids struggle with reading or show no interest in reading, they may be reluctant readers. There is many reasons a child may be reluctant to read. One reason may be that they just need to be coaxed to read.  There is ways that can help your reluctant child learn to love reading.  Here is just a few ways that may help your child learn to love reading.

Listen to Audio Books 

Audio books teach children to learn the attraction of words as well as the rhythm and flow of the written language.   The first step to encourage the love of reading in a reluctant reader is to encourage them to listen to audio books or even books on CD's.

Usborne Books & More has books that come with a CD so that children may listen to the story while following along with the written words on the page of the book.  By following the words spoken on the CD in the pages of the book, children become more confident in their own reading skills and will soon be able to enjoy the pleasure of reading a complete book or story on their own.

Usborne Books & More books with CD:

Bible Stories with CD

This engaging collection of Bible stories has been written, with the help of a language expert, for young children who are just starting to read. Each story is told word for word, with delightful sound effects, on the CD included with this book. By following the words across the page as they hear them, beginner readers will gain confidence and soon be able to achieve the pleasure and satisfaction of reading a whole story by themselves.





The Little Book of Train Stories with CD

This book with CD pack contains a delightful collection of short stories which have been especially written for young children who are just beginning to read. Lively narration with fun sound effects and music make the CD perfect for reading along with or just listening to.





Ted and Friends with CD
Created in consultation with a language expert, the stories have been especially written to help your child learn to read. The stories not only take into account recent research on the most effective ways of teaching reading, but are also great fun.

There's also a listen-along CD that brings the stories to life through charming readings.
This exciting edition contains twelve titles from the popular Phonics Readers series.  
Included titles:  Fat Cat on a Mat, Ted in a Red Bed, Big Pig on a Dig, Hen's Pens, Fox on a Box, Frog on a Log, Ted's Shed, Sam Sheep Can't Sleep, Shark in the Park, Toad Makes a Road, Goose on the Loose, Mouse Moves House 

The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales


A book reading memories are made of. This will be a favorite from 18 months to first grade. Dual level text - read just the top line and the story makes sense. Perfect for wiggly little ones who aren't always in the mood for long stories. Add the bottom line for more detail. Beginning readers can read the top line, and a helper can read the bottom. And there's a little yellow duck hiding on every page! 

This delightful book contains 20 of the popular Farmyard Tales stories. Young children will love Stephen Cartwright's charming illustrations of life on Apple Tree Farm, and the gently amusing stories of Mrs. Boot, the farmer, her children Poppy and Sam, and their animals, Rusty the dog, Curly the pig, and Woolly the sheep.


 Assign Short Reading Assignments

When reluctant readers are asked to read 15-20 pages at one time, it can become very intimidating to them. This can cause them to choose a different book or title (one they may find to be "easier") or they will just choose to do something totally different and try to blow off reading.

Keep book reading assignments shorter.  Begin by giving a reluctant reader 5 pages and increase the number of pages as they become more confident in their reading.

Choose Super Easy Books

When a reluctant reader is asked to read a book that is too hard for them, they may become discouraged as they fight their way through a book that seems impossible to read.  By giving them books that are easier to read, they are more likely to keep reading and feel it to be less of a fight.

It is more motivating to a struggling reader when they can lose themselves in the words or enter another world through the words in the story they are reading.

Giving your child a well-written, easy to read books will encourage them to enjoy reading and they are more likely to begin reading for pleasure and pure enjoyment.

Create a Comfortable Place to Read

Create a comfortable reading nook for your child to read.  Fill it with excellent children's literature, audio books, pillows, or a comfy chair.  Ensure it has good lighting.  There is NOTHING better than a comfortable place to curl up and enjoy a good book.



Schedule Periodic Reading Days

There are days when maintaining a daily routine is out of your control. There is also days where it may just be a good idea to break routine to connect with your kids and family.  Snow days were school is cancelled and it's too cold to go outside?  Rainy Day? Home Sick? Maybe life has been busy for mom and dad or the kids have had a lot of activities that keep the family from having family time.  Toss aside the usual daily routine and spend the day reading!

Read TO your children as they sit, snack on their favorite treat and listen to you narrate their favorite stories and bring them to life. Read before naptime, bedtime, or any time!

Have family reading days (nights). Every member of the family can grab their favorite book, magazine, or even newspaper and sit down to read together! When children see you reading, they see it as something "important" and will want to copy you.

Make reading time FUN and SPECIAL.  Curl up together in a blanket on the couch, on the floor with big fluffy pillows and sleeping bags, or maybe build a blanket fort in the living room and just READ.

Encourage Reading

You can encourage a struggling reader by choosing books that are related to their interests.  Do they love Big Trucks, Big Tractors, Princesses, Farm Animals, Sports, or maybe even History or Science? Choose books that relate to those interests.   If the books relates to their interests, they are more apt to want to read it and learn MORE about their particular interest.


 Make Reading a Daily Part of Life


Read street signs while out and about, read recipes or recipes books while making their favorite meals or treats, read newspapers and talk about local events, sports, etc.. While grocery shopping, create shopping lists then point out how labels on food containers match what is written down on the signs and your shopping list.




Make Reading Interactive

 Ask your child what their opinions are about what they are reading. Ask them how they would handle a situation, what they might do different.  Ask them how it makes them feel.  By doing this, you are engaging them in the story.  Choose books that help them to become a part of the story and understanding more about what they are reading because they will be more focused. Choose Your Own Journey is a great book for allowing your child to choose the direction the story takes him.

Set Goals or Challenges for your Child

Challenge them to read "x" number of books over holiday breaks from school or sign them up for summer reading programs.

Engage them by challenging them to do a Summer Reading Challenge such as this one highlighted.

Have Older Children Help Younger Children

 When older children help a younger child with their reading, it boosts the confidence in the older reader while providing important practice for the younger reader.

Spend at Least One Hour Per Week at the Library

Scheduling a weekly trip to the library each week will give a reluctant reader something to look forward to.  There is many options available to him, and he is sure to find a book or two or three... to catch his attention. I still remember how excited I was to go to the local library during the summer time when I was a little girl! The smell of the old building, the books, and everything about it excited me!

Set an Example

When a child sees you reading, it will encourage her to do the same.  She will see that reading is something that you do for pleasure  and that you enjoy... not just as a "homework assignment" or something you are being forced to do.

As time goes on, your reluctant reader will associate reading with being comfortable, special times, and full of wonderful stories.  They may never become an avid reader, but they will no longer be reluctant to read.  





Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission at no additional expense to you.

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Friday, May 11, 2018

Reading's Five Finger Rule



Do you struggle with finding the correct reading level when searching for the books you buy or check out of your local library for your children?  There is an easy way to determine if a book is too easy or too hard.

 Use the Five Finger Rule.

Open up a book to any page.  It doesn't matter, first page, last page, or any one in between.  Have your child read the page.  For every word your child struggles with, hold a finger up.
  • One finger up or just one word they didn't understand or know?  The book is "OK" but too easy.   

  • Two fingers up or just two words they didn't understand or know? The book is still a good choice for your child but still a little too easy.  These books are best for when they are lacking confidence in their reading and reassurance is needed.

  • Three fingers up or just three words they didn't understand or know?  This book is just right for your child, though, they may still need your assistance.

  • Four fingers up or just four words they didn't understand?  This book is a little too hard for independent reading. With your assistance, it's still a good choice to help challenge them... especially for the child who is eager to learn.

  • Five fingers up or five words they didn't understand or know? This book is just too hard. This book may be better suited for an older child or the parent to read to the younger reader. 

Next time you are choosing new books for your child to read, use the Five Finger Rule formula.  It will definitely make for better reading. No more breezing through a book because it's too easy and no fuss about not wanting to read because the book is to hard.  







Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission at no additional expense to you.





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Saturday, April 28, 2018

Great Leaders Don't Set Out To Be A Leader...

I have worked in retail for so many years.... pushing sales has NEVER been a thing I enjoyed doing. Never has been never will be. I actually turned down a couple of positions while I still worked at Sears because I knew I was not aggressive enough to succeed. I knew I would be setting myself up to fail if I accepted the positions. Hence why I stayed in receiving or helped on the sales floor doing mark downs, ad sets, or doing resets.
While I am an independent consultant with Usborne Books & More, the last thing I want to do is push a sale, beg for my friends and family (or even their friends and family) members to buy books. What I really enjoy doing is sharing Usborne Books & More's amazing award winning titles with everyone. Sharing how these books can help improve the literacy of our children, grandchildren, and all the children in our lives. I want to make a difference in the life they create for themselves. I want to make a difference in the lives of families everywhere.
When I post a message or send a private message asking if you'd like an invite to my party, I'm not doing it to force you to join, participate, or even to buy. I'm doing it because I want to share with you something I think will be a benefit to your children, grandchildren, or any of the children in your life. I ask, because I don't want to annoy my friends and family by adding them to a party without their permission.
Maybe you aren't interested in attending an online party, maybe you are busy the evening I'm hosting, or maybe you just truly not interested.... I will understand, I just ask that you communicate that with me. That last thing I want to do is keep asking each time I host an online event because I truly believe I have something of interest for your family and come across as being annoying or pushing to make a sale.
I also just ask that you maybe consider help me grow my business and spread literacy by liking, sharing, commenting, or even posting a gif or emoji on my posts. Maybe your friends and family will see the post and find it beneficial to their family. Together, we can give our children a brighter future through literacy. When children are given the books they need to improve their literacy skills, books that broaden the world they live in, books that give them the power to become the person they dream of being, it will give our children a better world to live in.
To those who share, like, and comment on my posts often, I Thank you! Because of you, I continue to do what I do without giving up. Because of you, I'm reaching children and families who are falling in love with books and working on building a better future for them. Thank you!






Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article may contain links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books which I may have highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission.

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Tuesday, April 24, 2018

How to Raise A Reader

When children are born, they immediately begin to look for meaning to the world around them! In some ways, they are already "reading". They may not be looking at words on paper or even looking at a book, newspaper, magazine, or a site online, however, they are attaching our words to world around them.  As parents, grandparents, teachers or even day care providers, we can begin preparing our children for what will come faster than we may like!  The American Academy of Pediatrics really encourages pediatricians to encourage us to begin reading to children as soon as they are born.  I actually began reading to my daughter before she was born!
Talking to your children throughout the day about what you are doing, what they are doing, asking them questions and answering them helps to build a larger vocabulary... even if they can't answer you!  Say things like, "Good morning! The Sun is up already, time for you go get up too!"  Take a peek outside the window to see the morning sun! It may be laundry day so as you grab their clothes from their hamper you could say "It's time to wash your clothes so they are nice and clean for the next time you wear them." Then head to the laundry room and show and tell them how you wash their clothes! It also helps them learn word patterns and word associations.
When you pick up a book to read to your child, use your finger to point to all the words as you speak them.  This will help your child as see the importance of the characters on the pages.  It will show them that those symbols have meaning and that they are the source of the story being read to them.
Create different voices for each character in the story.  Use sound effects or exclamation where appropriate in the story. This engages the child and allows them to differentiate who is saying what! It also gives a demonstration of sounds they may hear... such as "craaaaack! & boom!" as the tree trunk breaks and falls to the ground!
Encourage your toddler to teach reading a story book to their favorite stuffed animal or doll using the pictures as clues! It doesn't matter that the words are different from what is printed in their story book or if the book is turned upside down. Maybe offer hints to them such as "Your friend, Whatif Monster, doesn't know that the book is upside down. Can you show him how to fix it?"
In the morning as you sit and read the morning paper, have your child sit down beside you with a book of their own so you can read together.  Kids like to imitate the things mom and dad do, so make sure that you show them how important reading is to you and that you enjoy it!
You don't have to only read at bedtime! Read at all times of the day! Start your day by reading a story to your little ones as they are waking up. This eases them into the daily routine instead of waking up and being in a rush to get things done.  After lunch time, bring out a picture book to tell a story as they let their meal settle or before they are put down for their afternoon nap.
As our children grow older, you will want to continue keeping the focus on making the words and the story fun.  Having a larger vocabulary will help their understanding of words when they begin sounding out the words themselves.
Allow your preschooler to choose which book will be read.  Give them options to choose from! This will help them to feel like they have a say.  If they are forced to listen to a book they have no interest in at the time, it's likely they will not cooperate and sit to read together even if it's a book they've loved in the past.
When talking to your child or even reading books, replace some of the words with "larger words".  If the child does not understand, then it gives you an opportunity to teach them that different words can mean the same thing.  An example would be, 'manufacture' being a different word for the word 'make', yet, they mean the same thing.
Take your children on a little field trip to the library! Show them how many books there are, how they are arranged on the shelves, how to check them out, etc.  Make it somewhat of a big deal! Something special! They will want to do it again and again!
While on your little field trip to the library or even to the grocery store, school and shopping center, point out all the different signs on the side of the road, in the stores, or schools! This will show our children just how important reading is in our daily lives and not just something we do for fun.
While you are at the grocery store doing your weekly grocery shopping, have your toddler help you write out your grocery list.  Then, when you get to the store, show how the words on your list are also on the products and signs of the products you are buying!  When making out your shopping list, use the stores weekly sales flier to show them how the words are used there too! 
When you preschooler is ready to begin learning words, help them make letter associations or connections.  Take the letter's B, D, & C and have them pair them up with the coordinating Book, stuffed Dog, or toy Car.  Ask them "Which letter goes with which toy?"
Have your child act out parts of the story.  For example, if you are reading "Noisy Farm", every time you mention the word "cow" have your child make out the sound of a cow... "moo".. This makes the books more fun as it engages them in the reading of the book!
Another fun way to engage them in books, is by having your child write and illustrate their own books! This allows your child to put the words in his head onto paper and draw a picture of what they are envisioning! Use several sheets of paper to tell the story, staple it together along the side or use a folder with fasteners to create a cover. You can also help them create their own story with these fun "Write Your Own" books.
Show your child that books hold a place of honor in your home! Frame pages from books and use as decorations in your home!
Another great way to teach preschoolers word association is to make labels and place them on things around your home! You can label things like dressers, mirrors, tables, doors, and so much more! This will allow them to recognize words by associating it to what the label is on. You can also label their dresser drawers with things like "socks", "shirts", "pants", etc.  with a picture of each! Then allow them to put their own clothes away when laundry is done!
Dance to the beat of nursery rhymes! Grab your toy tambourines and drums and start dancing! This helps teach your littles ones the rhythms of speech! Want a fun book to read along with as you "Shake-a shake, crash" your tambourine? Check out Eric Ode's "Dan the Taxi Man"! A fund rhyming book that will have your kids singing and dancing along with "Dan, Beep! Beep!, the Taxi Man"...
When you are writing your "to do list" encourage your child to write one of their own! Even if they don't know all their letters! They will have fun checking off their accomplishments from their list! 
Cook up some fun! Another great way to show how words are important in our daily lives is to write up a recipe using simple words!  Have your child help you make and prepare the recipe! Not only does this teach them how words are important in our daily lives, it teaches them an important skill they will need when they are much older AND... they may just enjoy eating dinner tonight knowing they helped prepare it!  Check out this fun cookbook that is perfect for beginners! There is over 150 recipes free of the hard cooking terms and is jargon free! Just fun recipes to create from sandwiches to baking cakes.  Your child will love being able to "Start to Cook" and share their creations with the family!
Don't be too quick to rid of books that your children have outgrown! A children's library should contain three levels of books! The first being favorites they may have memorized after reading it over and over.... like the "That's Not My" book they have read over and over and over! The second being, books that are at his current reading level. And third, books that are slightly difficult for him to read. We all like to just "go back to basics" sometimes, so having books he already knows, helps reinforce his self confidence in reading while having books slightly harder, brings on a challenge and helps him to learn more.
Kids often come to us with some sticky questions! Instead of dodging the question, encourage them to help you look up the answer either online or in a reference book.  This will show how reading is a great way to access the information they want to know.
Leave notes! Packing your kids lunch in the morning, pack a little note inside!  Notice that they cleaned up their mess in their bedroom without being told, leave them a note thanking them! You can even leave little notes on their pillows to find when they head to bed! Kids love getting little messages that are written special just for them!
While out running errands, you can expand their vocabulary too by introducing new words such as "Deposit" and "Withdrawal" while banking.  Explain to them what the difference is and why you do it.
Kids are made readers in the lap of their parents! It's not that hard to build a foundation. Use a bit of creativity, this list, and go have some fun as you engage with your child, build a special bond  and memories between you and your children all while teaching them that reading is fun and that it's important for their futures.

 



Note that I am an Usborne Books & More Consultant and that the above article contains links which direct you to my shopping site where you can purchase the books I've highlighted in this article. All purchases made through these links to my shopping site will in return will earn me a commission.

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