Reading to your children

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Reading is essentially the most important give a parent can give their children. It is a skill that they will use for the rest of their lives, and a skill that almost all other skills branch from. It can be overwhelming though for a parent to know where to begin, how early to begin, and what to select. To begin, I suggest you start reading to them before they are born, but if you did not, just start today. Take at least 15 minutes out of your schedule each day to read to your child. Yes, you do want your child to read to you, but your job as reader does not stop the moment they learn to read. They still need to hear correct reading skills, and this they can learn from you, the parent. I also suggest keeping one main bookshelf for their books but also investing in a canvas based organizer. You'll find them at most local stores. They have three canvas slots at the top and underneath are storage bins. Move about three to five stories out to the slots each week and spend your week reading and re-reading those stories. If you have never bought a book for your child before you can start with the well known Newberry Award winner books or Caldecott award books. You'll find that most of the sales people in the children's section are very knowledgable, as well as your local librarian. They can help you choose books that are appropriate for your child's development, as well as interest level. And do not be afraid of comics or graphic novels. These are very legitimate pieces of literature and can engage almost any reader. I started reading to all of my children the moment I found out I was pregnant with them, and that continued after they were born. I make books my gifts, or at least one of them, and we make frequent visits to the bookstore and library. I'd like to see this discussion focus on the teaching of reading as well as literature recommendations and welcome all thoughts on the subject. Hopefully, the result will be something that people searching in this area will be able to use with their children. Namaste-Anora