Teaching your child to read should include trips to the library. The happy memories of many fun learning experiences will be remembered well into adulthood.
I can still remember the excitement of driving up to the massive green lawn strewn with giant weeping willow trees surrounding a big brick library. I couldn’t wait to get into my favorite room where the mysteries awaited me. Remember Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys?
Nowadays there is a lot more going on at you local library than just books. Children will be treated to:
• story times
• movie night
• making crafts
• introduction to musical instruments
• reading contests
Get involved with your child’s activities; don’t just drop them off and go shopping!
Give your child a tour of your library. Show him/her the display cases (these are changes often so re-visit them every couple of weeks). These display cases will open up teaching opportunities that may not otherwise come readily to mind. When there is a topic that particularly interests your child this will be a perfect opportunity to teach your child how to go to the resource/information section and ask the library worker to look up your topic of interest.
You can then show your child how to locate a book by topic, author and decimal system number. After you two have selected a couple of books you can go to a table and look through each selection. Allow the child to take the lead if he is able and let him explore the mysteries within. You can also ask open ended questions enabling your child to use his imagination. Allow him to select a book to take home and let him go check it out.
Secondly, explain to your child the reading contests available. Our local libraries always have summer reading contests. Allow your child to select books of his reading level so he will not become discouraged and quit. Helping him find books of topics that interest him as well as the correct reading level will make him eager to read and keep reading. You will not have trouble getting him to get in the car and go on a trip to the library.
Thirdly, ask the librarian or read through all the flyers they have in their display racks. Find out when they are having a craft session or a movie night for your child’s age group. Go with him to this event. Maybe you could even sign up to help. Remember that doing things with your child will help build a closer relationship with him that will last a lifetime.
Because you were involved in the craft or movie with him you will not only have an opportunity to monitor his behavior you will be able to interact with his learning process and discuss his craft or movie with him. You will also be able to observe how your child interacts with other children and you will be able to guide his social skills in a healthy way. You will be surprised at all the fun you both can have while your child’s world and experiences are expanded.
Besides reading books I’d like to share some book related craft ideas for kids that you may be interested in having your child create.
You could have your child design covers for some of his favorite books in his home library. Supply your child with a variety of materials such as colored paper, markers and crayons. Don’t forget stickers (I love stickers, especially since I began scrap booking!) Oh, and how about rubber stamps too. Find out if he could be allowed to display his cover in your library!
Book pennants would be fun to make! Get some construction paper and cut pennant shapes to promote his favorite books. Your child may even want to make up cheers to put on their pennants. When the pennants are constructed you could help him attach the pennants to thin dowels with tape; or you could fold over the edges and apply glue.
A diorama is a wonderful craft idea when you have more time. A diorama your child creates can be made about a story from a recently read book. Allow your child to showcase the story as he himself remembers it. Find a larger size box and let him help you select the materials and props that he will use for creating his own story. Make sure the scissors are age appropriate as well as any glue you supply. Have a show and tell session some night after dinner when the whole family is home.
I hope you find these ideas useful in creating long term memories for you and your child!
Author Garolyn Bowen. Owns and operates All I Can Imagine, a certified Family Friendly website selling fun and learning eco friendly toys including giant cardboard building blocks, 3d wooden puzzles, wood play sets, wilderness play sets, coat hooks and wood bookends. Visit us at http://www.blocksand3dpuzzles.com.
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