One of my first memories of childhood is that of my mother reading Dr.
Seuss books to me in a big brown recliner in our living room. That
memory brings with it sounds and smells and a general feeling of safety
and comfort that never fades, even after all these years. Naturally, one
of the first memories I have of my own first born child is sitting in a
big chair and reading Little Golden Books to him.
Sharing books and reading with my children is as natural as giving them
baths and making their breakfast. It’s just something I do everyday, and
it’s one of the most pleasurable moments of my day. I love to hold my
two year old in my lap while we snuggle up and look through his ever
growing library of books. His favorite books change weekly as his
interests broaden. Books open up the world to him and his imagination is
bubbling over with new ideas every day.
More than just telling a story, books help children better understand
their own ideas and feelings and often calm an upset toddler when
nothing else will work. They see and hear about other kids like them and
others from around the world who are different. We’ve all seen little
kids acting out the stories they hear. As a child I spent many
afternoons pretending to be the characters from my favorite books. Just
recently my son was playing ‘Dr.Dan. The Bandage Man’, a current
favorite Little Golden Book.
Although reading with children is so very rewarding for both adult and
child, little kids need time to look at books alone. This allows them
the opportunity to look at the pictures and develop the habit of
‘reading’ even though they can’t yet read. In my Family Child Care, I
have different ‘libraries’ available in different rooms in my home. The
kids have labeled these areas ‘libraries’ themselves, and will often
rotate the books from room to room and act out ‘going to the library’
daily. Imagine my surprise when I first witnessed a three year old
taking the younger kids ‘to the library.’
Because books are a very user-friendly activity and require no prep or
cleanup other than returning them to the ‘library’, parents can and
should use any opportunity to share books with their young children.
Long car or plane trips, waiting rooms, in shopping carts, you name it,
you can hand a child a book and make just about any transition or
otherwise boring activity exciting. Books and reading can be both a
group or individual activity, and many children who are normally shy in
a group setting will sit in the reading circle and share story-time
while making new friends.
By sharing books with your young child, you are planting a precious
memory that will last a lifetime for both parent and child. They in turn
will continue the tradition with their own children and remember those
special times. A world of experiences and ideas are waiting for you to
introduce to them.
About the Author: Sherry Frewerd is a Proud Work At Home Mother of 3
musical children. A Family Child Care Provider for 10 years, she also
publishes several websites, specifically
http://familyplayandlearn.com
Family Play and Learn: Play and Learning Resources for Parents and
Family Child Care Providers.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com
Trick or Treating - Keep
Your Kids Safe Halloween is a holiday loved by kids everywhere. It’s a fun time
to dress up like silly or scary characters and go trick-or-treating in the
neighborhood. Be sure your kids are safe while trick-or-treating with these
quick tips..
