I'm sure, if I didn't home school my kids in the early years, I would have still been the one to teach them how to read. Teaching them to read was that important to me. I suppose it had something to do with my mother teaching me how to read before I started school. My mother's love for books, and reading, laid the groundwork, for my curiosity about, well just about everything. I learned early on that the answer to anything can, usually, be found in a book. Today, though my children are grown (and almost grown) I still enjoy reading children's books. Recently, I've realized that I missed reading them aloud so much, I became a volunteer in the Born to Read literacy program for pre-schoolers. This experience increased my respect for pre-school teachers. They are, essentially, the gatekeepers to our children's future. They have the power to influence kids in great ways on how they'll understand, and apply, the importance of reading, and learning to their lives. If you're ever in need of something to lift your spirits, let me suggest reading a children's book out loud, even if no one is listening. It will put a smile on your face, especially, if it's a book, you remember from childhood. Books encase our best memories from childhood, whether the reading takes place in the classroom or in the home. It's just always been my personal belief that the reading seed should be planted at home in an atmosphere of love and support, so our children know that the joy, and the usefulness, of reading stretches far beyond school.
I have had a lifelong love affair with both the library and the book store. Once I got to a point, in my educational career, where I could make up my own questions, and then conduct research to prove the answers, I knew that I had, finally, found my calling. I know, not everyone is thrilled with the idea of doing research. I do remember how much of a chore it was for me, when I wasn't able to choose the topic. I get that, but when a child learns to question things, and has an understanding of the best places to find the answers, they create a bridge to critical thinking. Teaching a child to be inquisitive, and in that way to love reading, is unlike any toy, or trinket, you can give because it has so much more value. There's something special about a child's first book. It’s really one of the few gifts that will keep on giving throughout their lifetime. Teaching reading to a child, as early as possible, has been proven to work because the ability to wrap your mind around a concept is strongest early in life. When we teach our children how to flex their thinking muscle often, then like any muscle, it will become stronger as they grow up. Exposing your kids to a lot of books early can also be a first step to college preparation. The more books they read, the better their chance to increase their vocabulary, and gain the perspective needed to ace those writing assignments in the future. There are all kinds of data out there describing a bleak future for economically disadvantaged young people. The truth is that no one can define themselves as disadvantaged once they know the value of reading, and of questioning, the world around them. Because they can build a better world for themselves, and others, just by thinking, critically, about the ideas, they get from reading.
The world is in need of critical thinkers. All the great inventors, entrepreneurs, social critics, and every form of a game-changer, started their journey by questioning how they can improve on an existing idea. We might begin to teach our children how to be innovative by helping them find creative ways to build their own personal library. Teaching children to love a good book is, for the most part, free. I have bought books for as little as a nickel at yard sales, and if you get there late, you may even get them for free. Used books can also be bought at libraries, book discounters, found in just about every other strip mall, and Goodwill Warehouse Outlets where everything is priced a few cents per pound. There are also organizations that give away brand new books to children such as firstbook.org.
The next time you're feeling down about not being able to buy your child those really insignificant gifts, we've been taught to believe are essential, just give the kid a book, sometimes even a used one will do. It really helps if it's on a subject of interest to them. If the book is electronic, or old-school format, really doesn't matter. Either way the book still presents an idea for your child to build on, and it may also contain the power to shape his, or her, destiny.
© 2018 Diane Coleman No part of the above work may be reproduced, reposted for any website, or print publication, without prior permission.I have had a lifelong love affair with both the library and the book store. Once I got to a point, in my educational career, where I could make up my own questions, and then conduct research to prove the answers, I knew that I had, finally, found my calling. I know, not everyone is thrilled with the idea of doing research. I do remember how much of a chore it was for me, when I wasn't able to choose the topic. I get that, but when a child learns to question things, and has an understanding of the best places to find the answers, they create a bridge to critical thinking. Teaching a child to be inquisitive, and in that way to love reading, is unlike any toy, or trinket, you can give because it has so much more value. There's something special about a child's first book. It’s really one of the few gifts that will keep on giving throughout their lifetime. Teaching reading to a child, as early as possible, has been proven to work because the ability to wrap your mind around a concept is strongest early in life. When we teach our children how to flex their thinking muscle often, then like any muscle, it will become stronger as they grow up. Exposing your kids to a lot of books early can also be a first step to college preparation. The more books they read, the better their chance to increase their vocabulary, and gain the perspective needed to ace those writing assignments in the future. There are all kinds of data out there describing a bleak future for economically disadvantaged young people. The truth is that no one can define themselves as disadvantaged once they know the value of reading, and of questioning, the world around them. Because they can build a better world for themselves, and others, just by thinking, critically, about the ideas, they get from reading.
The world is in need of critical thinkers. All the great inventors, entrepreneurs, social critics, and every form of a game-changer, started their journey by questioning how they can improve on an existing idea. We might begin to teach our children how to be innovative by helping them find creative ways to build their own personal library. Teaching children to love a good book is, for the most part, free. I have bought books for as little as a nickel at yard sales, and if you get there late, you may even get them for free. Used books can also be bought at libraries, book discounters, found in just about every other strip mall, and Goodwill Warehouse Outlets where everything is priced a few cents per pound. There are also organizations that give away brand new books to children such as firstbook.org.
The next time you're feeling down about not being able to buy your child those really insignificant gifts, we've been taught to believe are essential, just give the kid a book, sometimes even a used one will do. It really helps if it's on a subject of interest to them. If the book is electronic, or old-school format, really doesn't matter. Either way the book still presents an idea for your child to build on, and it may also contain the power to shape his, or her, destiny.
Looking for Love: How to Avoid Relationships that Might
Mess up Your Life and Decisions Are Destiny: Short Lessons on Decision Making
and Life Wisdom for Teens and Young Adults are both available now on
Amazon Kindle.
available now on Amazon Kindle.
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