NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013
Create Treasured Moments and Promote Learning When You Read with Your Child

Reading is essential for school success.  It's also a wonderful source of enjoyment.  Reading to children every day is one of the best ways to interest children in books, and it can be among the most treasured times you have together.

  
  
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It's never too early. Long before they learn to read, children need to know -  what language sounds like, how a stories flows, and how books "work."  Children who learn to love books from an early age are more likely to become successful learners and lifelong readers.
  
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Share your favorite rhymes, songs and stories.  Let your child see you read. Get their attention by talking about the book's cover or just start reading. Your interest and enthusiasm will become contagious.
  
Encourage your child to look at the pictures while you read. Use illustrations to ask questions, "Where's the dog's bone?" Also take cues from your child, "Yes, that baby has a Grandma just like you!"
 
Take Five_4Be prepared to stop at any point. Don't force your child to listen to the whole story. Stop when it seems like they are no longer interested. Alternatively, be prepared to read the same story over and over.
 
Take Five_5Enjoy your time together.  Storytime is a great chance to snuggle and create treasured moments in your busy lives. Taking the time to read or tell stories aloud shows your child that you value this activity.

Check out these resources to learn more

  

CCR&R is now Child Care Aware� of North Dakota

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Q. Should I use things like videos and flashcards and to help my child learn to read?

 

A. 

Babies and toddlers have an in-born desire to learn and develop new skills.  They do not need structured classes, flashcards, special videos or programmed "teaching time" in order to learn.  In addition, there has been no research that has found you can make a child "smarter" by using special toys or activities.

 

Some techniques can seem to promote reading but typically prove to be ineffective and sometimes have harmful effects on learning. The best way to prepare your child for reading is to read to them, talk with them and tell them stories. The most important development experiences are the ones requiring no technology or flashcards. 

 

Review this academic study written by

Dr. Novella, an academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine, to learn more.