A philosopher and professor at University of Warwick in England has made a suggestion that should make every children's librarian sick to their stomach. The professor, Adam Swift, suggests that reading to children before bedtimes gives an unfair advantage to children from supportive homes to achieve in their academic endeavors. Children are not read to at night, don't fare as well. This should be a celebration of family bonding. Not only that but it should be encouraged world wide. This is exactly what librarians have been advocating for decades. Read to your child. It is sincerely hoped that this professor is being misquoted and that there is not need to be alarmed. However, there is a way of turning this thought around to be advantageous for all children.
Since Professor Swift correctly states that reading to children at bedtime is a good thing, the best response would be to promote this activity to every family. PSA announcements, reminders to parents at schools, and perhaps even establishing a volunteer effort to read to children who don't have the luxury of someone at home to read to them. These are just a few ideas but surely some of them could work to give every child an opportunity to be read to.
Additionally, librarians should continue advocating for reading to children (at any time of the day) so as to prove and persuade that this is a better alternative than not reading to children. Which is what Professor Swift seems to be suggesting in his theory of "fairness". It is true that it is almost impossible to be sure that every child is read to but librarians can continue to remind parents, and even neighbors, that reading to one child is better than not reaching out to any child.
Last but not least, here is a personal challenge to Professor Swift, should he really believe that reading to children is unfair. Do your part in making things equal for all children. Read to a child in your family, or your neighborhood or go to a local library in England and discover if there are programs just for the purpose of filling in the void for children who have no one to read to them. If England's libraries do not have these programs then perhaps it is time that they begin.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Monday, May 25, 2015
Monday, August 25, 2014
The Complete List ot Why, When, Where, Who and How to READ. From A To Z
It's time to get back to basics. Maybe this feeling comes on stronger now because school is starting soon. It's that time when the mind goes back to the days of reading, writing and arithmetic. It is this time of year that libraries will be filled with students and backpacks clamoring for the books on the reading lists assigned to them. It is also the time when reading skills are tested. It has been suggested that due to the digital age reading is becoming a lost art and form of entertainment. Perhaps it is for some but not for all. This list is for those who have forgotten why reading is so important. It is also for those who love to read and need help in defending their addicting habit. Even perhaps get their families hooked on reading. The challenge is always to come up with ten ways that an certain activity will improve life. Well, overachievement is never an understatement here. Getting carried away with the alphabet to list when, why where , how and who should be reading from A to Z was far to easy and fun. It is hoped that it is inspiring as well.
A Anytime is a good time to read. Anywhere is a good place to read. It's really quite simple, reading is an activity that can be done virtually anywhere. Well, not in a dark cave unless you have a flashlight handy.
B Babies and books naturally go together. Reading to babies stimulates vocabulary, imagination and love of books.
C Classic Literature is always in style. Whether it's a classic children's book that has stood the test of time or classic literary novel that was read in high school. Classic literature bridges the gap between generations of readers.
D Donating books to the library or school is an act of paying it forward. Clear out the bookshelves and spread the joy of reading to others.
E Everybody in the family should read. Even if it's only fifteen minutes a day, the routine of reading everyday is a tremendous investment that results in value.
F Fictional characters become life long friends. Don't misunderstand, reading will not have you walking around speaking to imaginary friends. However, some fictional characters have a way of staying with readers long after the last page has been read.
G Goodreads is the Facebook for bookworms. It is one of the best sources to get honest reviews of books from friends, which helps in picking out he next must read book. Sign up with a Facebook account or at www.goodreads.com.
H Holiday are always better with a story that brings out the best of the season. Ever tried reading a Christmas book in July? It's a real treat when someone asks "What book are you reading?" The look on their face is hilarious. What ? Why read that now? Because I can!
I Independence is the goal for all readers. It has been clearly demonstrated that once a person learns to read their confidence is increased. This naturally leads to a reader becoming independent thinks.
J Join a book discussion. Local public libraries have wonderful programs for i for readers who just can't get enough of the book they are reading. Sharing with peers views about the author's style, characters and plot makes for interesting conversation. Not only that, it encourages the reader to find more books to read and discuss. It's a wonderful never ending cycle. By the way, if your library does not have a program be daring, start one of your own.
K Kindle may have changed the way readers pick up a book but it hasn't transformed readers into non readers. (Thank goodness) In some cases, Kindle may have converted a few non readers to lifelong readers due to mobility of the gadget. Will Kindles ever replace hardcopies of books? The verdict is still out on that idea. There are futurist who predict electronic versions of books will completely replace hard copies in five years. While others say there is a growing consensus that there is a place for both digital and paper copies.
L Libraries are here to stay. As long as there are readers in the world who demand to be nourished by the written word (and yes, admittedly this is a bit dramatic) there will be a need for libraries. The statistics have proven that in a rapidly changing technological era, libraries still remain relevant in our society.
M Movies need books, writers and readers. Since movies began taking the books to the silver screens, readers have faced the age old questions. Should the book be read first? Yes. Always yes at least from the avid reader's view. Will the movie ruin the book's plot and intent? Sometimes and when it does, have pity on the director for he (or she) will have to face the wrath of many angry readers and fans.
N Night time reading is always the best time to get ready for sleep. It works wonders with children and for adults as well. Turn off the tube and pick up a good book.
O Once upon a time never gets boring. There will always be that special place that every reader wants to revisit as a child, as an adult or as someone looking for a place to escape. How many times can Camelot be visited? Many, many times over.
P Picture books are the perfect entry into the world of reading. Why? The illustrations do so much more than just help tell the story. Some are just wonderful works of art that engage and engulf the readers into the story. To see a child get lost in the words and pictures of a book is nothing short of magical.
Q Questions arise and curiosities are stirred when reading becomes a habit. The quest to know, read and learn more becomes part of the readers life. It is an addicting habit but what better addiction could one have?
R Rebel against authority. Read a banned book. September marks the celebration of Banned Book Week when the American Library Association puts out the list of books that have over the years been banned from schools and libraries. If ever there is a time to get a teens attention, this would be it. Tell them the adults don't want them to read book X. That book will fly off the shelf faster than any magician can make his rabbit disappear from a hat.
S Silence is something that children today need to be taught. In a world that is filled with noises, gadgets and screens, children need to be taught to have moments of silence and appreciate them.
T Thinkers are not born, they are made. Abraham Lincoln did not become one of the greatest Presidents by being elected president. He read continuously which helped him become one of the greatest political minds in history.
U Universally in every school, every country, and every city it is accepted that one of the surest way to success is to read. It may sound corny to say but it still is true that reading is fundamental.
V Vocabulary improves with daily reading. It's easy to spot the child or adult who is an avid reader and one who does not. Oral and writing skills for readers are superior than those who don't.
W Weapons against poverty? Books, reading and libraries. Once a child or adult learns to read, the opportunities are endless.
X Xenophobes is an ugly word. It denotes that someone can not accept another person because of their ethnic or religious background. In other words they can not accept anyone who is different. Books open a path to the world for readers of all ages. It is the best way to communicate what everyone has in common and what makes cultures unique. Quite frankly, it what makes this world wonderful.
Y Yet another reason to read because a person can. No one should ever take that pleasure away from another.
Last but not least...
Z Zero excuse not to read a book a month or every other month. Yes, we are a busy society. However, as stated previously just as a child needs to learn the value of silence, adults need to relearn that as well. There should never be a moment when one says no to reading.
There it is, from A to Z, why reading is an activity for all ages. Maybe this may turn some heads. Better yet, maybe it may cause more people to turn pages. Lots of pages in the quest to read, learn and grow. Happy reading!
A Anytime is a good time to read. Anywhere is a good place to read. It's really quite simple, reading is an activity that can be done virtually anywhere. Well, not in a dark cave unless you have a flashlight handy.
B Babies and books naturally go together. Reading to babies stimulates vocabulary, imagination and love of books.
C Classic Literature is always in style. Whether it's a classic children's book that has stood the test of time or classic literary novel that was read in high school. Classic literature bridges the gap between generations of readers.
D Donating books to the library or school is an act of paying it forward. Clear out the bookshelves and spread the joy of reading to others.
E Everybody in the family should read. Even if it's only fifteen minutes a day, the routine of reading everyday is a tremendous investment that results in value.
F Fictional characters become life long friends. Don't misunderstand, reading will not have you walking around speaking to imaginary friends. However, some fictional characters have a way of staying with readers long after the last page has been read.
G Goodreads is the Facebook for bookworms. It is one of the best sources to get honest reviews of books from friends, which helps in picking out he next must read book. Sign up with a Facebook account or at www.goodreads.com.
H Holiday are always better with a story that brings out the best of the season. Ever tried reading a Christmas book in July? It's a real treat when someone asks "What book are you reading?" The look on their face is hilarious. What ? Why read that now? Because I can!
I Independence is the goal for all readers. It has been clearly demonstrated that once a person learns to read their confidence is increased. This naturally leads to a reader becoming independent thinks.
J Join a book discussion. Local public libraries have wonderful programs for i for readers who just can't get enough of the book they are reading. Sharing with peers views about the author's style, characters and plot makes for interesting conversation. Not only that, it encourages the reader to find more books to read and discuss. It's a wonderful never ending cycle. By the way, if your library does not have a program be daring, start one of your own.
K Kindle may have changed the way readers pick up a book but it hasn't transformed readers into non readers. (Thank goodness) In some cases, Kindle may have converted a few non readers to lifelong readers due to mobility of the gadget. Will Kindles ever replace hardcopies of books? The verdict is still out on that idea. There are futurist who predict electronic versions of books will completely replace hard copies in five years. While others say there is a growing consensus that there is a place for both digital and paper copies.
L Libraries are here to stay. As long as there are readers in the world who demand to be nourished by the written word (and yes, admittedly this is a bit dramatic) there will be a need for libraries. The statistics have proven that in a rapidly changing technological era, libraries still remain relevant in our society.
M Movies need books, writers and readers. Since movies began taking the books to the silver screens, readers have faced the age old questions. Should the book be read first? Yes. Always yes at least from the avid reader's view. Will the movie ruin the book's plot and intent? Sometimes and when it does, have pity on the director for he (or she) will have to face the wrath of many angry readers and fans.
N Night time reading is always the best time to get ready for sleep. It works wonders with children and for adults as well. Turn off the tube and pick up a good book.
O Once upon a time never gets boring. There will always be that special place that every reader wants to revisit as a child, as an adult or as someone looking for a place to escape. How many times can Camelot be visited? Many, many times over.
P Picture books are the perfect entry into the world of reading. Why? The illustrations do so much more than just help tell the story. Some are just wonderful works of art that engage and engulf the readers into the story. To see a child get lost in the words and pictures of a book is nothing short of magical.
Q Questions arise and curiosities are stirred when reading becomes a habit. The quest to know, read and learn more becomes part of the readers life. It is an addicting habit but what better addiction could one have?
R Rebel against authority. Read a banned book. September marks the celebration of Banned Book Week when the American Library Association puts out the list of books that have over the years been banned from schools and libraries. If ever there is a time to get a teens attention, this would be it. Tell them the adults don't want them to read book X. That book will fly off the shelf faster than any magician can make his rabbit disappear from a hat.
S Silence is something that children today need to be taught. In a world that is filled with noises, gadgets and screens, children need to be taught to have moments of silence and appreciate them.
T Thinkers are not born, they are made. Abraham Lincoln did not become one of the greatest Presidents by being elected president. He read continuously which helped him become one of the greatest political minds in history.
U Universally in every school, every country, and every city it is accepted that one of the surest way to success is to read. It may sound corny to say but it still is true that reading is fundamental.
V Vocabulary improves with daily reading. It's easy to spot the child or adult who is an avid reader and one who does not. Oral and writing skills for readers are superior than those who don't.
W Weapons against poverty? Books, reading and libraries. Once a child or adult learns to read, the opportunities are endless.
X Xenophobes is an ugly word. It denotes that someone can not accept another person because of their ethnic or religious background. In other words they can not accept anyone who is different. Books open a path to the world for readers of all ages. It is the best way to communicate what everyone has in common and what makes cultures unique. Quite frankly, it what makes this world wonderful.
Y Yet another reason to read because a person can. No one should ever take that pleasure away from another.
Last but not least...
Z Zero excuse not to read a book a month or every other month. Yes, we are a busy society. However, as stated previously just as a child needs to learn the value of silence, adults need to relearn that as well. There should never be a moment when one says no to reading.
There it is, from A to Z, why reading is an activity for all ages. Maybe this may turn some heads. Better yet, maybe it may cause more people to turn pages. Lots of pages in the quest to read, learn and grow. Happy reading!
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
National Library Week 2014: Top Ten Reasons to Read to A Child
The first questions that parents ask a librarian when they are expecting a baby is when is the best time to begin reading to them? Easy question: When they are born. It's never too early or too late to read to a child. Children love to be read to, and it doesn't necessarily have to be at bedtime. To celebrate National Library Week here is a top ten list of reasons to read to your child (oh what the heck, you can read to the neighbor's child too)
10. Adults get to reconnect with their favorite childhood book. What's better than picking up Where the Wild Things Are after twenty years. The memories will come flooding back and will bring a smile to your face. As a an added bonus, you share a book and smile with a child.
9. Picture books have great artwork. This is a wonderful opportunity to share an appreciation of art with youngsters.
8. Children books are quick to read. However, they can be addicting if they are wonderful stories, a child will want to have it read to them over and over again. Which does wonder to stretching memory skills ability.
7. Children's author's have a knack of putting things in a their "right" light. After all perception is everything. Sometimes after a good children's book like Snowy Day, it gives the reader a new view on how a snowy day can be wonderful.
6. Audience participation is sometimes required and makes reading all the more fun. Try reading Don't Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus and keep children from responding with glee, "No don't let the Pigeon ride the bus!" It can't be done.
5. Dr. Seuss was the master of rhyme. Silly ones to boot at times. Children authors reminds readers to be silly sometimes. After all, we all should have a little Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast. At least once a month.
4. Children's Books answer the all important questions of the day: How Do Dinosaurs say Good Night? Obviously inquiring minds need to know. Which gives adults the perfect resource to answer the questions for the little ones in their lives.
3. Even the worse children's books have something special to offer. Children are very open about how they feel about books, art and even toys. If a book doesn't hold their fascination they will show and they will let you know it.
2. Special characters like Curious George or Madeline are the best "pretend" friends any child can have. They can be invited to come into the child's life at anytime or in any place.
And the number one reason to read to children:
1. It is a wonderful way to develop that special bond with a child that make for wonderful memories and lead to a lifetime of sharing books together.
10. Adults get to reconnect with their favorite childhood book. What's better than picking up Where the Wild Things Are after twenty years. The memories will come flooding back and will bring a smile to your face. As a an added bonus, you share a book and smile with a child.
9. Picture books have great artwork. This is a wonderful opportunity to share an appreciation of art with youngsters.
8. Children books are quick to read. However, they can be addicting if they are wonderful stories, a child will want to have it read to them over and over again. Which does wonder to stretching memory skills ability.
7. Children's author's have a knack of putting things in a their "right" light. After all perception is everything. Sometimes after a good children's book like Snowy Day, it gives the reader a new view on how a snowy day can be wonderful.
6. Audience participation is sometimes required and makes reading all the more fun. Try reading Don't Let the Pigeon Ride the Bus and keep children from responding with glee, "No don't let the Pigeon ride the bus!" It can't be done.
5. Dr. Seuss was the master of rhyme. Silly ones to boot at times. Children authors reminds readers to be silly sometimes. After all, we all should have a little Green Eggs and Ham for breakfast. At least once a month.
4. Children's Books answer the all important questions of the day: How Do Dinosaurs say Good Night? Obviously inquiring minds need to know. Which gives adults the perfect resource to answer the questions for the little ones in their lives.
3. Even the worse children's books have something special to offer. Children are very open about how they feel about books, art and even toys. If a book doesn't hold their fascination they will show and they will let you know it.
2. Special characters like Curious George or Madeline are the best "pretend" friends any child can have. They can be invited to come into the child's life at anytime or in any place.
And the number one reason to read to children:
1. It is a wonderful way to develop that special bond with a child that make for wonderful memories and lead to a lifetime of sharing books together.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Why Dream Big Read Is a Great Theme!
This year's theme for the Collaborative Summer Library Program Dream Big Read is a fantastic theme for children. Every sumer program has one goal which is to encourage youngsters to read. This year's theme fulfills that goal in several different ways. It can be viewed as universal, personal, magical, musical, inspirational, attainable, and remarkable. For each of these descriptive adjective there are ways to help children discover a passion for reading and their dreams.
Dream Big is a universal message. It appeals to every child, young, old, rich or poor. Children are natural dreamers. They see the possibilities of fantastic tales and accepts them without question. Not only that, they see the value in dreaming. Every child around the world has dreams and it is something that makes us unique and yet similar as humans. To introduce this year's theme, provide bookmarks that remind patrons that dreaming is a pastime in every country.
At the same time that dreams are universal, they are also very personal. For each child dreaming is easy but each dream is different. One way that libraries can tap into this natural gift of dreaming is to encourage children to share their dreams at the library. Bulletin boards are a natural place to display these dreams. In bold letters in the middle of the blue board place the words, "I dream of ...." On 3x5 cards, invite children with help from parents to write down what dreams they have. Remind children that no dream is too big or too small. Dreams come in all sizes.
Dreams can be magical. They invite every child to look upon a star and make a wish for a dream to come true. That is exactly what Disney taps into every time they produce a movie. Cars that talk. Toys that come to life. Fairies that flutter around Never Never Land. These are all examples of magical worlds that take the child to places where dreams become reality. For a family story time hour librarians can choose books and crafts that embrace this magic. Begin and end the story time with the catchy little verse, "Starlight, Star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may I wish I might have this dream I dream tonight."
There are many songs, perhaps too many to count, that speak about dreams. One activity that is quick, easy and cost effective is a quiz that families can take to challenge their memories. This can be one on the website or as handouts at the reference desk. Find ten to fifteen popular songs about dreams. For each of these songs write down one line which contains the word "dream". Challenge your patrons to write down the name of the song in which this line is song. For example, a librarian could use this line, "Merrily, merrily, life is but a dream." Everyone should know that this line is from the classic children's rhyme, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat." For every quiz that is filled out a child could win a sticker, bookmark, or candy.
Lives of famous people often inspire readers to dream big. For older children, challenge them to read one biography of someone who had big dreams and made them come through hard work, never giving up and believing in their dreams. It is without a doubt that every librarians knows of at least one child that comes into the library wanting to know more about their favorite sports figure. They dream of one day becoming like their heroes and playing professional sports. In other words, inspire young patrons to find out how to make their dreams a reality. Reading how others have achieved their goals is not only inspirational but makes the dream attainable.
Speaking of attainable, one craft that is easy to do with children as young as six to teens is making a dream catcher. Native Americans have long had the traditions of ensnaring bad dreams in the net so that they disappear at the light of day. While good dreams pass through the net allowing for a peaceful night for the dreamer.
Dreams can be memorable and might even fall into the category of remarkable. Where else but in fiction can elephants fly, robots take over the world or flights beyond the galaxy are made possible. In works of fiction there is the ability of making the impossible become a reality. For example, readers have loved Jules Verne's and H.G. Wells' tales of science fiction that in their day seemed impossible. Time machines, submarines and other mechanical devices conjured up in the mind take readers to a place and time where everything is possible. It is remarkable what the mind can dream and achieve. Granted the time machine has not become a reality yet, but as long as there are dreamers the possibility of creating one that works still exists.
This year's theme is full of possibilities. It's tempting to sit back and dream of all the wonderful activities that are possible. However, time is of the essence. Mow it's time for librarians to stop dreaming about their programs and get to work on showcasing the library as a place where dreams come to life!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)