A museum guard reads a children’s humor magazine at the entrance desk. A businessman reads comics on a long plane flight. Examples everywhere indicate that the world of good literature is not automatically reached at adulthood.

Whether it’s music, art, or books, children who receive regular doses of the best will usually grow up with a taste for quality. And parents, more than anyone else, have the opportunity to guide children toward the smorgasbord of literature that will feed their interest and imagination.

Setting up a home library can begin early. Before children read, even before they can talk, books provide an introduction to new things and ideas as well as a reinforcement of familiar ones. A home library will ideally include a balance of the traditional and modern, realistic and fanciful poetry, prose, and picture books. Through this variety of stories, children discover their favorites. It may be a preference for mysteries one year or biographies the next. But once they catch the joy of reading, be ready to live with a “bookworm.”

Some parents feel their children just aren’t readers, even though they’ve established a home library. One often neglected asset is making reading an inviting activity. Is there a place to sit near the books, or are there colorful floor pillows? Is there good lighting? Does your child need a step stool to reach some of the books? Having a comfortable place to read can make all the difference. [Read more…] about A home library and comfortable corner can create young bookworms

The art of parenting has received considerable attention during the past few years. Some of the activities offered to parents range from “teach-your-toddler” sessions to help in local communities to special TV programs on teaching children to read. Publishers have stocked the bookstores with a selection of guides on early childhood education.

Many of these new books focus on the important role of parents during their child’s first three years, which are regarded by many experts as the vital years for learning. But what should be done when a child “graduates” from these prime learning years and begins school? Is it the duty of the school to take over his education? What role should parents play in promoting learning during the kindergarten to high school years?

Similar questions are dealt with by many experts. They refute the passive attitude that, since they aren’t trained to be teachers, parents should stay away from actively influencing the education of their children.

[Read more…] about Parents – perpetual educators

“A University of Chicago study shows Russian high school students are 10 times better educated in math and science than American students. While Ivan and Olga are waltzing to advanced calculus, John and Susie are still stumbling over fractions.” Thus began a full-page public service ad in the Wall Street Journal entitled “Johnny and Susie Better Get Cracking.”

Even though the ad emphasized that many students aren’t learning even the basics, it didn’t leave parents hopelessly discouraged.  It urged parents to take up the responsibility of proper education themselves. “Work with your youngster tonight and every night. Make sure they are learning, and know the importance of learning…”  This is a sharp reminder parents have heard before.

A few obstacles often hamper its accomplishment. Lack of confidence and limited materials and teaching methods can be solved through experience and research.  But the lack of time is a constant challenge in working with your youngsters. Even if parents have free time for such academic activities, students have commitments to homework, extracurricular activities, friends, and a real need for their own free time.

[Read more…] about Parents pool their teaching skills in educational co-ops for children

“Operation Sail was the most spectacular event of the century,” I read aloud to my small son as we poured over a book with photographs of the gigantic sailing ships which paraded up the Hudson River. Gazing into the distance, I regretfully admitted, “And we missed it!”

The little seven-year old broke into my disappointment with “Don’t you remember the sunrise we saw last summer?” That, he claimed, was the most spectacular event of the year! [Read more…] about Big thrills for small children

Qualities: A genuine love for children is essential. Also, you need to have, or to cultivate, unselfishness, organization, compassion, resourcefulness, and a sense of humor. It’s a job for those capable of watchful caring and cherishing their responsibilities.

Training: No training is required although work as a baby sitter, camp counselor, teacher, or other experience with young children is helpful. You will learn by your mistakes and by reading what others say about child rearing. You should think about the methods your parents used and apply only what you value to this job. [Read more…] about Wanted: Full-Time Homemaker, part 2