The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. Now in its 16th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources.
Today, March 1st marks the first day of National Reading Month, as well as Read across America Day. Make sure you are taking the time to add additional reading books to your child’s collection. Not to collect dust, but read them to your child while he’s bathing, while he’s eating, while he’s just in random play, and of course you can read to him while he sleeps or as he falls asleep. It’s cliché but reading is really is fundamental. Reading is fun, educational and it increases speech development as well as vocabulary.
Research proves — that it's never too early to share books with your child and that the time you spend together reading has a lasting impact on language and literacy development. That's why our goal is to provide families with quality, age-appropriate books that meet those needs. Reading together is a great way for you and your child to focus on each other and to escape all the distractions of life. Of course, it's a lot of fun, too!
Here are some suggestions for giving and getting the most out of a very special time -- read-aloud sessions with your child.
Remember, it's never too early to start. Begin reading to your child as an infant. Even babies love to hear your voice and to look at colorful pictures.
Read to your child every day. If you can't, ask someone else to be your child's designated reader.
Try to find a regular time and a quiet, comfortable place for reading together.
Turn off other distractions, such as the radio or television.
Read slowly enough so that your child has time to take in the story and look at the pictures.
Children may enjoy holding the book or turning the pages. Invite your child to point to words on the page or help you read the words. Explain unfamiliar words.
Read with expression. Try creating different voices for different characters.
Encourage your children to ask questions about the characters, pictures, and words.
Talk about the story with your child. Did he or she like it? Why?
Your child may want you to read the same story over and over again. After several retellings, ask your child to tell you the story.
Older children enjoy reading aloud, too. They can read their favorite parts, or you can take turns reading chapter books.
Visit the Between the Lions web site (pbskids.org/lions) for more on children and reading.
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