Okay, so I should not have limited myself to only ten ways to raise a reader! I just have to add a few more items to the 11 suggestions I mentioned in these two posts:
Here we go:
12. Read a great book and link it with a real world activity, like a museum trip or vacation.
For example, one year, I read the classic children's book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Also, if you're planning a trip, you can seek out books about the place you're visiting. I wish I had the books I recently found relating to Washington, D.C. when we took a family trip there a couple of years ago! It's a great way to squeeze some nonfiction books in there, too...
13. Ask your child to write about and/or draw a picture of a favorite book character or scene from a book, but do not force it upon him or her. Some children enjoy writing and drawing, but others will view it as work. Do not force the issue!
Writing ideas:
- Wordless books can really spark the imagination, and they might enjoy writing the story themselves, whether it's on paper or on the computer. There will be more posts about wordless books and writing in the near future.
- Some children like to write in journals or on the computer. Maybe your child would like to write about his or her favorite books or characters. It's a great way for them to keep track of the books they're reading as well, and they'll really get a kick out of reading what they wrote in 20 years!
- Have them plan out who to cast in a movie about a book, or how to change an ending they may not like. They could even write a letter to the author.
Drawing ideas:
I was astounded by the quality of the artwork that was created when I read this picture book to a 3rd grade class. Art goes along so well with reading, as well as pretty much any subject!
For budding artists and readers, you can find some great books here.
14. Visit Jen Robinson's Book Page, for book recommendations for all ages (I've found some really great YA books there), as well as the latest news and links to some really great articles and blogs about children's literature.
Jen Robinson is quite possibly the most trusted reviewer of children's literature. Well, she is for me, anyway. I have been finding great YA book suggestions for my own children at her blog (I have not added many YA novels on my own blog recently, but will be getting back to that within a couple of weeks...), but I just discovered that she also has a lot of great suggestions for raising readers at these posts:
So, if you have children of different ages and you're really serious about finding many different resources and links, please go ahead and visit her site!
15. Be on the lookout for the new Literacy Lava digital magazine. I am honored to be able to contribute to it, along with 5 other amazing bloggers. You can always find great reading tips, strategies, and book recommendations at their individual sites as well.
So, that's all for now. Please feel free to add to this list, or to ask questions, or make comments.
Have a great week!
