Read Across America Week is this week Feb. 28-March 4.
Mrs. Erickson, our East Midvale librarian extraordinaire, has shared ways to talk about books with your kids!
Monday – Share your enthusiasm about books and reading. There is no other activity your children can engage in that has more positive long-term results than reading every day. A child that is read to or reads for 20 minutes a day is exposed to 1,800, 000 words a year. Talk to your children about what your favorite book was when you were their age and tell them why you loved it. If possible, read that favorite book tonight with your kids. Ask your child what their favorite book is and why they love it.
Tuesday – Children’s book publishing has become much more inclusive over the past years. It is important for our kids to see themselves in the stories they read, as well as learn about people with differences. Books can and should be windows and mirrors to help us understand the world around us. Is there a story you as an adult (or when you were a child) have read that had characters that you related to? What did you like about that character? Did it help you understand yourself better?
Wednesday – A fantasy book has characters and situations that could not take place in real life. They often include mythical characters and some form of magic. A fantasy book can be a great way to strengthen problem solving skills and understanding as your children see others conquer their difficulties. Fantasy books help us all to escape some of our own everyday stresses. Ask your child if is there a character from a book that they wish they could be friends with? Why would they want them as a friend? What would it be like to have this friend come and visit your family?
Thursday – Cookbooks and food can help us explore new places and new cultures without leaving our home. Show our children one of your favorite cookbooks or where you find recipes to share with your family. We are reading a book called Fry Bread by Kevin Nobel Mailard today at East Midvale. It talks about how bread is not only food, but also our culture and our history. He talks about the flavor of fry bread and how it brings families together. What types of bread does your family eat? Are any of these a part of your family history?
Friday – Picture books may seem like a book for younger children only, but there are many lessons that can be easily taught through a picture book. When we read a book that rhymes or has a rhythm it can teach children about patterns and anticipation of the word that rhymes helps your child develop other skills and “lights up” a whole new part of their brain. Having a child look at a picture and predict what is going to happen in the story develops critical thinking skills. Read a picture book with your children tonight and talk about what is happening to the characters. There is no app that will replace “your lap” and reading with your child.
