Wee Readers

Here are 7 ways to bring some variety into everyday reading:

• Read a series or collection.  If your child is particularly interested in one book and you are tired of re-reading it, find out if it is part of a series. This is also a great way to get a child interested in reading and to acknowledge something he likes. For the youngest children, try simple storybook series like Biscuit, DK Touch and Feel, Pat the Bunny, and just about anything written by Sandra Boynton. For preschoolers, try collections such as Babar, Beatrix Potter, Clifford, and Little Bear. For early elementary school students, try easy reader chapter book series like Amelia Bedelia, the Magic School Bus, the Magic Tree House, Mr. Putter and Tabby, and Secrets of Droon.  All ages will enjoy books written by Jan Brett, Mo Williems and, of course, Dr. Seuss.
• Designate a special reader. If Mom is the usual bedtime reader, designate one or two nights each week that become Dad's night to read. Or, ask a grandparent to record a few stories on a cassette or CD/DVD, then play it back for your kids at bedtime. Your kids will look forward to these special dates. It's good for them to hear someone else reading, and it gives the primary reader a break!
• Subscribe to a magazine. For preschoolers, this is a wonderful way for both the parent and the child to take a break from the usual book reading routine. Some subscriptions for young children's magazines can be on the expensive side, but they include stories, beautiful artwork, activities, and games that are new each month and can be enjoyed again and again. For preschoolers, have a look at Baby Bug, Chirp, Click, Your Big Backyard, Ladybug, and Thomas & Friends.  Early elementary school kids may like choices like Appleseed, National Geographic Kids, or a favorite comic book series.    
• Cook using a recipe. Little kids love to help in the kitchen. Pull out a kid-friendly cookbook and let your child help choose a recipe. Read the entire recipe aloud, lay out the required ingredients and equipment, then read the recipe again as you cook together. Of course, always closely supervise your children whenever you are in the kitchen and near hot surfaces or sharp utensils! Try Disney's Family Cookbook. What do you think of it? Know of another kid-friendly cookbook? Tell us!
• Write a book. For very young children, have your child draw a picture on the top half of a regular notebook size paper. Ask him to tell you the story that goes with that picture and write it on the bottom half of the same page. It doesn't have to make sense to you! Put it in a three ring-binder. Read his story back to him that night at bedtime. He can add to it and soon he'll have his own chapter book or collection of short stories.  For children who can write (regardless of spelling or grammar!), encourage your child to be both author and illustrator of their own book - and to read it aloud to you when it's ready to be shared.  Be sure to provide positive feedback using age-appropriate language, such as, "I like the detail you used in your drawing" or "That was a great word to use to describe how the boy felt when his friend said that to him." 
• Put on a performance. This is something you can do together with your child or invite a playmate over to perform with her. Provide appropriate dress up clothes and accessories, then take her lead in acting out the story. It is okay if she skips parts or goes out of order. It's her interpretation!
• Read books based on a song. The fun thing about reading a story based on a song is that not only can you and your child sing the familiar tune together while turning the pages, but you will probably also learn some new verses. It ties something familiar with something new. Here are a couple of good examples: Itsy Bitsy Spider by Iza Trapani and Hush Little Baby by Sylvia Long.