Monday, November 16, 2009

Finding "Just Right" Books for your child

It is no secret that the way a child grows as a reader is......to READ MORE!!!
Kids should be reading EVERY SINGLE night. Now that everyone has received their child's first quarter report card and knows where their child is (and/or should be) reading, we often get requests about how to find books at the child's reading level.
The attached link is a great resource for finding books at your child's independent level. Most of the books on the list are ones that you can find in the local library, bookstore, or maybe even your own house! Look up your child's reading level and gather some titles at that level and then encourage your child to read, read, read! Sometimes the best way to do that is to have a "family reading time," when the TV is shut off and everyone sits around with a book. It may be met with resistance at first, but if you persevere, it can become a nice family tradition.
We also want to share with you a plot diagram which will help you discuss the way plot works with your child. Talking with your child about the rising action, the climax, the falling action and the resolution in a story will help them understand the characteristics of plot better. Here's to a holiday season full of reading fun!