Talking Children’s Books
For the last couple of years I have run a small book business with Total Learning, selling educational books to parents in a personal way. The main reason I do this is to provide my children with a home library our family can enjoy. Reading not only teaches children about pattens in language and word/letter recognition but is a loving way to interact with them.
This morning I enjoyed talking children books with a great bunch of Mothers. I always get excited when I talk to Mums about books; it is something I am passionate about.
Some interesting facts:
o In Reading Magic, Mem Fox assert children need to hear at least 1000 stories before they become readers themselves. Read 1-3 books a day.
o New Brain Development Research: A Wonderful Window of Opportunity to Build Public Support for Early Childhood Education is a brilliant article every parent should read. The first 3 years of life are very important because the brain is able to make the most connections. I love this quote from the article “Particularly in the first three years of life, brain connections develop quickly in response to outside stimulation. Thus, when we snuggle a baby or talk to him in a singsong, undulating rhythm, we are contributing to the growth of his brain”. Reading a favourite book to your child is a great way to achieve this.
o According to the 2000 University of Michigan study How American Children Spend Their Time, children under the age of 13 spend most of their waking hours (about 80%) with their parents, not their teachers, so parents must assume most of the responsibility for their children’s learning, including helping them learn to read.
o SquiggleMum’s Blog Post Book-Loving Boys has some great tips on reading to your child.
If you are just starting a home library here is a list of some of my top books to get you started.
Age 0-3 years
DK Baby and Toddler’s Big Book of Everything
Age 3-6 years
Are you My Mother? by PD Eastman
Because You’re You! by Sarah East (Aussie Author)
Dig Dig Digging by Margaret Mayo
Peepo! by Janet and Allan Ahlberg
Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox
Age 6-9 years
Are we There Yet? by Alison Lester (Aussie Author)
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems
Down the Back of the Chair by Margaret Mahy (NZ Author)
The Story about Ping by Marjorie Flack
What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry
Age 9+ years
Mandie Series by Lois Gladys Leppard
The Famous Five Series by Enid Blighton
The Power of One: Young Readers Edition byBryce Courtenay
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Dicamillo
Reference
DK Illustrated Family Encyclopedia
Reading to your children from birth is important. It’s an act of love that sets them up for success.
Love books and your child will love them too!
SquiggleMum
on
2009.07.20
You've included some great titles in your suggested reading list Kelly!
[Reply]
Big Mama
on
2009.08.02
I love the pic of your four kids all together reading. My four are big readers too. Such a gift to give is reading to your kids. I still read to my 14 (well he is on Sunday!) year old, and often they all gather round when I am reading to the four year old! Robby and I are avid readers, Hubby too! Some great books in that list, some of my faves. sounds like a great job, you have!
[Reply]
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