So, what is the best kept secret of parenting? It's reading aloud to your child. The impact of this well spent time has far reaching effects toward a better more productive life.
Former first lady, Barbara Bush, kept stacks of books at Camp David, Kennebunkport, and the White House for her grandchildren. Included were Bible stories, picture books, and nearly worn out copies of books she treasured as a child.
KEEP BOOKS HANDY. Research show that children who grow up in a house filled with books with often become early readers. A home library can be an inexpensive investment. You can even pick up lower-priced children's books while shopping in the grocery store. Garage sales often hold wonderful written treasures, as well as the option of trading books with other families, and requesting books from relatives as gifts. The best bargain in town, however, is still the local public library ... where books are free!
CHOOSE GOOD BOOKS. Educators agree that children need books appropriate for their interests, ages, and ability. Variety is also important, so they suggest that "different things" be read to children - things like newspapers, magazines, street signs, even the back of cereal boxes. By doing so we show the importance for words in every aspect of life and have you ever noticed how children love to hear the same stories over and over? That's a good thing because repetition improves vocabulary and memory, and helps children understand how stories work. So, don't worry that some books are literally falling apart from use-that's a great sign that reading is a treasured activity in your house!
Next week we'll continue with helpful guidelines for choosing books.
Judy Warmington, Woman Time Management (owner) -- Busy wife, mother of three adult/married children, grandmother of 10 (5 boys and 5 girls!), former high school teacher (M.A. from W.M.U.), Speaker, Author, Radio Personality, and Trainer of Professional Organizers.
If you notice any problems with this site, please contact our webmaster.
And if you don't see what you need you are welcome to "ask the organizer" any question!
To see what people are saying about www.OnlineOrganizing.com, check out our visitor comments.
THE BEST KEPT SECRET OF PARENTING
Discuss This Post
www.OnlineOrganizing.com is a service mark of Bradford, LLC.
