Free advice 5.8
Thu, May 8, 2008
By KRISTA HARRISThe Brunswick NewsIt can be quite a task getting young children to embrace the joys of reading. Parents have to be role models and demonstrate how much fun reading can be, said Debbie McKeon, children services librarian at the Brunswick-Glynn County Library. Read to your child. "The most important thing a parent can do is take the time to read to (children) starting at birth," said McKeon.Reading to young infants serves a dual purpose: It introduces them to books, and helps in early language development as well.A newborn may not understand what's being read to them, but they enjoy the sounds, McKeon said. Participatory books with textures and sounds are also good to build interest.
As children grow older, engage them in questions to initiate discussion about the book. You can make it into a game, McKeon suggests.Don't get frustrated. McKeon said it's easy for parents to get irritated if a child would rather dig in a toy box than listen to a book."Even if they are engaged in something else, they are listening to you," she said.
Otherwise, find a regular reading time that works best, such as at feeding times or right before bedtime.McKeon recommends reading 15 minutes a day. It doesn't have to be in one sitting; you could take five minutes in the morning and the rest at bedtime."You can read to them going down the grocery aisle pointing at cereal," said McKeon.Library programs will get your child more interested. McKeon said the library offers many programs to introduce a variety of books to children, as well as to allow children to see others reading and having fun.Some programs offer singing, dancing and a lot audience participation that keeps children entertained while introducing them to books.The Brunswick-Glynn County Library summer reading program kicks off at 11 a.m. May 27 with special guest author Patsy Smith Roberts discussing her latest book, "Nigel: The Adventures of a Baby Elephant." For more information, call 267-1212.
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