Bring on the Books
Being hooked on books is magical and one of the best things that can happen to children. And parents know if they read the same books over and over to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, kids get hooked at a very young age! Raising kids who love books is a giant step on the road to becoming a lifelong reader. The benefits are ENORMOUS. Kids, who love books gain creativity, build vocabulary, memorize and repeat story lines, appreciate rhythms of rhyming words, and learn to comprehend concepts beyond their immediate surroundings and frames of reference.
Books are irresistible to children and inexpensive to collect. Buy them at yard sales, bookstores or thrift stores, or swap them with friends. Highlight the importance of children's books by arranging them on low shelves that are easily accessible. Shelves of books warm up rooms.
Reading books together offers a time to cuddle and be close. These moments of sharing offer opportunities for communication and discussion on all sorts of topics. When books are read and discussed openly, you may find out that your little one really, really, wants a dog, or that your school-ager is being bullied.
Books are a treasure. If parents treat books with respect, chances are their children will, too. Of course, babies put everything in their mouths, including books, so it's best to provide sturdy cardboard books for them to "read." Help preschool children learn to turn the pages of books carefully so they don't get torn. Fine muscle skills needed for this task develop with maturity, so patience is required. Before beginning a book, point to the title and the author's name. This helps children understand that someone wrote it and wants them to enjoy it. In picture books, the illustrator is also very important because pictures are important for carrying the story line.
Going on an outing to the library reinforces a love of books. Visiting the library is like paradise for a book lover, and children can't get there without you! Why shouldn't visiting the library become a regular routine like watching a favorite TV program or playing a favorite game? When a library is close by, there's no reason children can't have plenty of books around to enhance their creativity and advance their reading ability. Take advantage of story hour and book signings. Involve your child in the entire process of selecting a book and checking it out. Choose a special location at home for the borrowed books to be kept after they're read, so the can easily be rounded up when they're done.
Loving books is a precursor to reading books, and reading, even if it's only a few minutes a day, builds brains in children and bonds in families.
Below is a downloadable list of great books for children
Saying goodbye to 2011 isn’t difficult for many of us. Our area has seen its share of tragedy with the Carson IHOP shootings, The Reno Air Races accident, and the Caughlin Ranch Fire, just to reflect on a few. I know the continued economic down turn has taken its toll on home child care providers, too. We have seen many providers move on to different occupations. On the positive side of things, our membership has increased and your NNCCA board is excited about the coming year and providing classes of interest to you.
