So, with a nod of thanks to Lewis Carroll for those words and a bow to late-night talk-show host David Letterman, I want to talk of things - of ten things - all related to children and reading. Yes, I want to share my “Top Ten Ways to Raise a Reader“.
10. READ ALOUD EVERY DAY
It's that simple and that profound. By reading aloud every day, you’re showing your child you value them and value reading with them. That’s a powerful combination. Read to them everyday - no matter what, including how young or old they are.
9. BOOKSHELVES
Have bookshelves in your home and in your child's room. They can be elaborate or as simple as cinderblocks and boards. It doesn't matter. What matters is what is on those shelves - books! Storybooks, comic books, poetry books, books about places near and far, books about real tigers and pigs and magical ones who romp with Winnie the Pooh. Fill the shelves with books.
8. MAKE BOOKS SPECIAL
Talk about the wonder and importance of books. Show your children how to take care of books. Make books an important part of your family celebrations. Birthdays and other gift giving occasions? Be sure there is a book or two in that stack of presents.
7. READ EVERYWHERE
The bed is a great place to share a great book together. And so is the kitchen table, your backyard, grandma's garden, in a plane, on a fishing dock, under a shade tree, and on and on. It doesn't matter where you are - what matters is you're enjoying great books together wherever you are.
6. AFFIRM YOUR READER
We often have such high and precise expectations of what it means to be a "reader" that we fail to appreciate and acknowledge all aspects of reading. When a very little one opens a book and begins to babble - that's reading! When a preschooler memorizes pages - that's reading. When your child is poring over the football scores in the newspaper or on the computer- that's reading too! Say to them “I love to hear you read” and “What a great reader you are”.
5. SHARE PASSIONS
Is your child fascinated with tractors, elephants, Pokémon, fairies, airplanes or pot-bellied pigs? Great! Find books to share about their interests. Do the same with your interests and passions. Learn together.
4. BE A ROLE MODEL
Actions speak louder than words. Make sure your child sees you read for your OWN pleasure every day. By doing so, you are letting your child know that reading is something you value and enjoy for yourself.
3. LIGHTEN UP
Forget the tests, quizzes, flashcards and other such nonsense. Just read together and enjoy it. Don’t let your reading together become work. Let reading be a joy, not a dreaded chore.
2. GET CREATIVE
If you’re not with your child to read together every day, get creative. Tape record or video tape yourself reading aloud. Read over the phone or via Skype. Find a way to share your love of books together.
1. VISIT THE LIBRARY
Yes! Be sure and bring them to THEIR library at least once a week. By doing so, you aren’t just talking the talk when it comes to reading; you’re walking the walk - with them!
That's it ... my top 10 ways to raise a reader. And in regards to item number 1 on the list, all of us at Neill Public Library are ready and eager to help you and your child. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon (and often). Let’s make time to raise readers. Our kids are worth it.
- by Children's Librarian Kathleen Ahern
published Sept. 25, 2010
in Moscow-Pullman Daily News
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