“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!”
– Dr. Seuss
Children’s books will always have a very special place in my heart. The joy of reading started very early for me based on modeling from my parents. My story on becoming a reader continued into my adult life, and now has blossomed into a passion that my twin preschoolers share as well. Watching them as they learn and explore the world through the bright colors and rich adventures that only children’s books can offer is a heartwarming daily ritual in our home.
I knew early on that I would want our kids to grow up in a household with a bountiful assortment of books. With the elimination of television from our daily lives, it opened up more time for interaction with each other and reading naturally took an important place in our family routine. No, we don’t live completely without television, or in a commune as our close friends lovingly like to say. We do however enjoy disconnecting and the hygge lifestyle that books provide. Consequently, our children are budding young bookworms and are often seen cozied up on the couch reading to each other.
As a mom and a teacher, I realized that reading would have an impact on our children far greater than providing them with fond memories. Early literacy helps to prepare kids for the future and allows them to develop in countless ways that will open doors for them.
“If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.”
– Roald Dahl
When my husband and I read with our children we try to encourage their inner bibliophile by using the techniques below.
- Prediction: Look at a new book cover together and ask the child to predict what the book will be about.
- Questioning: Act as a moderator by asking the child questions about their opinions or thoughts on the story and what is occurring.
- Choice: Allow the child to choose the books that they want to read. This permits them to reconnect with old favorites and develop positive emotional relationships with the characters.
- Letter Awareness: Hunt for letters on the pages and challenge the child to find a particular letter or ask what letter a particular word starts with.
- Routine: Carve out a special time during the day where you sit down and read with the child. This dedication and consistency will assist the child in becoming a lifelong reader. Don’t worry if you miss a day or need to change the time, just do your best… life happens!
No matter what book you pick up or where you choose to read it, get ready for the best kind of adventure that only reading with a child can provide! Don’t know where to start? Visit the Little Bookworms tab in this blog for a list of well loved children’s books that our family cherishes. Happy reading.
Literature & Lattes 
You have definitely hit on one of the most important keys to lifelong learning for children! Please share more thoughts, ideas, and books your children enjoy for other young parents!