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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 16, 2013)
in other words may16 2013 9 Better Parenting: Help Your Kids Become Lifelong Readers By Sonia Spackman I read my first book “all the way through” AFTER high school! Because of this, I had a long hard road prepar- ing for college. I am now a believer that reading strengthens and contributes to success not only in school now but also later on the job. Reading helps prepare kids and us late bloomers for successes no mat- ter if it is in hobbies or college, not to mention being better on the job and/or advancing in a chosen career. So how do we motivate out kids to read for their own good and for their pleasure? Check out these ideas from the NEA (National Education Association) Magazine. Start with their own book choices, Kids are more likely to spend time in a book and enjoying it when they have had the chance to check out the in- teresting books that are easy to read and on their reading level. Take your kids on a date to the Vernonia Library and entice them to check out good quality books they may be interested in from dinosaurs to super- heroes. Build on their book interests, Be it music, animals, sports or hobby interests, interact with your kids in a meaningful way with activities to get your kids thinking, talking, creat- ing and exploring their book interests. A good website aimed at children, includ- ing summer reading challenges and oth- er events is startwithabook.org. You could ask staff at the library for help or activities they are planning. Make their own books special at home, Display books that will make your child’s books special. If your child likes fish or the ocean get posters or have them draw pictures to put around the shelf or table where your child’s books are displayed. If you are a low-income family “First Book” has several pro- grams that can help to get books at little or no cost, ask library staff or go online to firstbook.org. Develop a time for reading, Provide a daily opportunity for a quiet time to read at their own pace. They will get excited about reading, gain confidence in their ability, and be encouraged to read more. Parents can motivate their kids to read and explore a variety of topics and fun activities. If you are interested in how families can help kids make summertime reading a priority go to rif.org Organize a “play date” for same age kids, Make time to read with their friends, and talk about their books to- gether and share their knowledge, so they get a boost and turn reading into a fun activity. There is an award-winning family program for children from birth to age 8 that helps families develop book-sharing routines that you or others may want to start in Vernonia. You can find more information at their website, raisingareader.org. Seek out summer reading programs, The Vernonia Library always has a yearly summer reading program that begins sometime in June. Look for coming information in Vernonia’s Voice or contact Jennifer Moloney at the li- brary 503-429-1818. Also, Barnes & Noble has a summer reading program, “Imaginations Destination” where your kids can earn a free book, here’s how: Step 1 Read any 8 books and re- cord them on the B&N reading journal. Step 2 Bring the completed jour- nal to your local B& N store. Step 3 Choose a free book from their selection on the reading journal list at the store. If you are interested and want details and a store location go on line to BN.com Support your struggling reader, who isn’t enthused about reading, Try yourself, or ask an interest- ed relative, neighbor, senior - or maybe you can pair an older student as a read- ing buddy who reads aloud and listens to your child read thus opening the door for a reading role model to encourage and motivate your reader. Your child may ex- perience feelings of failure and embar- rassment. By building their interest and excitement you can motive your child to accept help to focus on new reading skills. Rachael Walker is a curriculum specialist with more than 20 years’ ex- perience in children’s reading, for more tips, go to belleofthebook.com. In closing, book lovers of any age will say there’s nothing better than reading a good book for enjoyment. No matter the weather - you can snuggle up with a book on a cold day or lay in the hammock in the warm sun and travel to another time and world without spend- ing a dime or moving an inch. Sounds good for all the family doesn’t it? Resource: Ready…Set…Read! Help Your Students Become Lifelong Readers, by Rachael W. Walker, neatoday, Spring 2013, Washington, DC, neatoday@nea. org, Barnes & Noble, BN.com. 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