At our first back to school meeting in mid-September, teachers began preparing parents for Halloween. Their reason was to warn us of a new dimension to the popular school parade and party.

“We would like to correlate our traditional Halloween parade with a program objective for our school in reading and literature,” the principal suggested. “This idea is to use this event to help us raise pupil awareness of literature, and to encourage our students to read more books.”

For this year’s parade the pupil will select a character from a book of their choice as a costume in the parade. Teachers will help by providing tags with the name of the character, title, and author of the book, to be worn by parade participants.

How do 5 through 12-year old children react to having a special theme on a holiday ordinarily free of adult advice? After talking to over two dozen students, this writer found an enthusiastic response. Of course there is always the one who objects “I already planned to be a rock singer.” [Read more…] about Storybook characters for the Halloween parade

When children master that first R, reading, many parents have bittersweet feelings. They are naturally happy that their child is well on the road to literacy, but sad that the days of reading aloud together are over. Even though the mutually satisfying hours of reading Mother Goose, Richard Scarry, H. A. Rey, etc. are gone, a parent and child can enjoy a new phase of literature together by discussing books in depth.

Asking a child, “What’s it about?” does little to draw out a solid discussion and often causes resentment. But if we ask meaningful questions and exchange ideas centered on the literary structure of a story, we are more apt to have a rewarding dialogue.

For example, 13-year-old Steve was reviewing a short novel in preparation for a quiz the next day. Since his mother had read the book, too, they could discuss the literary structure of this story by questions such as, Who was the protagonist? Who was the antagonist? Exactly where and when did the story take place? What conflict arose between the characters? What was the main action in the story? What were the climax and concluding actions that took place? [Read more…] about Reading on their own: a new bond

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