Storytime Standouts Weblog - Raising Children Who Love to Read!

Yesterday I had occasion to listen to an experienced social worker/family counsellor. She talked about ways to reward good behavior and to help shape a child’s choices. I was quite impressed with her ideas until she mentioned using bedtime stories as rewards. She suggested that a child should lose one or both bedtime stories if he or she messes up during the day.

Now, I know that I am extremely biased, but it seems to me that punishing a child by taking away a bedtime story is counter-productive. As much as both my children enjoyed hearing stories at bedtime, my husband and I knew that the stories were not only enjoyable, they were also one of the best ways to end a day - even a frustrating ‘naughty’ sort of day. Let’s be careful about the way we approach reading. It is not a ‘job to do’ nor is it ‘expendable.’ As far as I am concerned, reading is an essential part of every day. Let’s keep it that way - no matter what might have gone wrong earlier in the day.

Last evening I made a presentation at Queen’s Park Parent Participation Preschool in New Westminster, B.C. I introduced quite a number of books including Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. (Take a look at my January 27th blog entry for info about the book.) I mentioned a website that provides a great tie-in to this amazing book. Thompson Rivers University currently has a webcam on a nest of Great Horned Owls - this morning I can see the two babies. Such a treat!

Also last night we looked at Gymboree’s Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities for Your Baby and Child. Every parent has times when a little inspiration has a huge impact. This book is jammed with ideas to help your child learn through play (and to help you as well!)
Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities for Your Baby and Child at Amazon.ca

Another book that garnered special attention last night was Dorling Kindersley’s My First Wipe Clean Letters. Unlike many alphabet books that start with ‘A’ and end with ‘Z,’ this book groups like letter shapes together and provides many opportunities for children to use a marker and work towards printing. Bravo!

My First Wipe Clean Letters at Amazon.ca

When making presentations to parent groups and professional organizations, my goal is always the same: to inspire adults to read good books to children on a frequent basis.

I have two children and I began reading aloud to them when my oldest boy was 6 months. I continued reading two stories a day until the youngest was about 7 years old. (We still enjoy chapter books together.)

Believe it or not, I actually did the calculation:
8.5 years X 2 stories per day X 365 days = 6,205 bedtime stories! Unbelievable!

We know as parents that we are going to read some books over and over again because our children will insist we do. The rest of the time, let’s do our best to find books that are worth reading.

Whether through this weblog or a Parent Ed session at your preschool, I want to help you discover some new books that will help your child…
• grow his vocabulary
• learn about places and situations
• explore the language and conventions of print
• discover new information and ideas
• become a good listener

When selecting books for children we should look for
• respected authors and illustrators and their well-reviewed books
• good matches for our child’s interests (in my case it was, ‘Books about trucks!’)
• ways to connect books with life experiences (i.e. an upcoming trip or planting a garden)

Keep reading, I will do my very best to help you discover some new Storytime Standouts.

Last week I made a Parent Education presentation at a Vancouver preschool. I call the workshop, “Winning the Reading Game.” During the workshop, I talk about various strategies that I’ve had success with. Participants make four reading games that they are able to use with their children. During last week’s workshop, one of the moms spoke to me about what she had done at the suggestion of her son’s teacher. The inventive teacher had suggested that she give the boy access to paper and a stapler. The strategy worked like a charm. In no time at all, her son was a “book publisher.” He was enthusiastically making books to write in and was drawn into the world of the printed word.

As adults, we tend to think of reading and learning to read as a book-based exercise. Keep in mind that children learn in a variety of ways and providing tactile* experiences is one way to help your child to learn letters.

Try the following…

Put 5 wooden letters or fridge magnets into a bag. Ask your child to feel the letters and pull out the one you are helping him to learn. As he feels the letters in the bag, talk about the letter he is hoping to find. Does it feel curvy, straight or bumpy?

Encourage your child to build letters. She could use Lego, K’Nex,Tinkertoys, popsicle sticks or pipe cleaners. Building letters will help your child to notice how letters are alike and different.

Have your child make letters in sand or shaving cream. Alternatively, use masking tape or sidewalk chalk to make giant letters. Walk, hop or skip the letters.

Have your child sort magnetic (or other 3-D) letters. Make three groups: letters that are made up of only straight lines (M,X,I), letters that are made up of only curvy lines (S,O,C) and letters that are made up of a mix of straight and curvy lines (B,D,J).

Remember, children learn in a variety of ways. Providing tactile* experiences makes for fun play and an opportunity to boost letter recognition.

* relating to the sense of touch

Owl Moon
Written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by John Schoenherr

In 1988 the Caldecott Medal was awarded to Owl Moon. A special 20th anniversary edition is now available and provides an opportunity to discover the picture book’s wonderful, timeless magic.

It is very late at night when a father and his young daughter venture into the cold. They are seeking a glimpse of a great horned owl. The companions walk together silently and eagerly under an Owl Moon.

Beautifully illustrated, this is a remarkable book that will be enjoyed by the entire family. The depiction of the young girl’s excitement will no doubt inspire parents to bend their bedtime rules and enjoy a moonlit, late night walk.

Owl Moon Twentieth Anniversary Edition at Amazon.ca

The Blue Hippopotamus
Written by Phoebe Gilman, illustrated by Joanne Fitgerald

A finalist for the 2007 Governor General’s Literary Awards, The Blue Hippopotamus is the story of a little hippo who falls in love with the Pharoah’s daughter. When he comes to the sad realization that the young girl will not love a hippo, he seeks the help of a magician and is changed into a clay toy. His love for the girl endures for many years and, when he observes her loneliness as a young woman, he unselfishly wishes for her happiness. His generosity is magically rewarded and he is once again transformed.

Blue Hippopotamus at Amazon.ca

The Magic Rabbit

Written and illustrated by Annette LeBlanc Cate

Ray and Bunny have a very special relationship: they live together, work together and are best friends. One day, while performing their magic show, Ray and Bunny are accidentally separated. The magician doesn’t see a yappy dog chase Bunny down the street and away from him. Both Ray and his friend are devastated. Tired and hungry, the lonely bunny wanders in the dark until the distinctive aroma of popcorn catches his attention.

Truly enchanting, I hope Ms. Cate will continue to conjure charming treats for youngsters.

The Magic Rabbit at Amazon.ca

Three familiar tales are given ingenious ‘make overs’ . Readers are sure to enjoy comparing these gems with the originals that inspired them.

The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark written by Ken Geist and illustrated by Julia Gorton

When Mama Fish sends Jim, Tim and Kim off to make their homes in the deep blue sea, a Big, Bad Shark is watching. It is not long before he knocks at a door and roars, “Little Fish, Little Fish, let me come in.” A really delightful addition to a picture book collection, youngsters will enjoy chiming in when the Little Fish replies, “Not by the skin of my finny, fin, fin!” Bold, bright illustrations compliment this clever adaptation and ensure a very happy ending.

The Three Little Fish and the Big Bad Shark at Amazon.ca

Clancy With the Puck written and illustrated by Chris Mizzoni

Just as Casey could hit a baseball, Clancy is a star when it comes to hockey. When Clancy Cooke joins the Hogtown Maple Buds, hopes are raised for a Stanley Cup win. Alas, in the final moments of a playoff game, when Clancy takes a penalty shot, “The puck deflected off the post, like a comet to the sky. The Buds had lost the Stanley Cup – and the fans went home to cry.” A sure winner, especially for hockey fans and those familiar with the classic story of Casey at the Bat.

Clancy with the Puck with DVD at Amazon.ca

The Three Snow Bears written and illustrated by Jan Brett

When Baby Bear’s soup is too hot and burns his mouth, he and his snow bear family leave their igloo and go for a stroll. Meanwhile, Aloo-ki is searching for her sled dogs. She happens upon the bear family’s igloo and is soon inside, tasting soup, trying on boots and sleeping in Baby Bear’s “just right” bed. Beautifully illustrated, this is a truly inspired adaption of Goldilocks’ story.

Three Snow Bears at Amazon.ca

Ivy and Randolph’s friendship is put to the test when Ivy is invited to an all-girl sleepover and Randolph feels left out. Ivy’s excitement about the upcoming party is too much for Randolph. Suddenly he feels sad and jealous and he decides to make Ivy feel just as horrible as he does.

Amusing illustrations and a charming storyline will help young children understand that not-so-nice feelings are a part of life and good friendships will endure.

When Randolph Turned Rotten at Amazon.ca

Great for sharing one-on-one or with a small group, the format (which includes thought clouds and conversations) may be somewhat awkward in a large group setting.

This is a very thorough exploration of ways parents can promote early literacy with young children. Addresses dozens of important questions like “What if a book contains words or ideas that I find offensive?” and “Should I teach my child to read before kindergarten?” Also suggests ways to fill your home with books even if you are on a budget, how to improve comprehension and ways to promote literacy inside and outside your home. A very worthwhile resource for young families, daycare and preschool settings.

Beyond Bedtime Stories at Amazon.ca