Book Talks

Have you ever watched a preview of a movie to get a sense what it was about...or if you would be interested in spending your time watching it? A booktalk is like a preview, when if it is done well, will engage your child in wanting to read more about the book. Booktalking is an awesome way to get kids reading.  Excite young readers to open a book, get them interested, and invite them into a story they won't want to put down. Choose a booktalk, and become familiar with the story yourself. You can be creative -- because who knows your child's interests better than you, and make these booktalks your own!  
For a great site that has a large variety of book talks, go to:


http://www.scholastic.com/librarians/ab/booktalks.htm%20.

Fire up your readers!

      What creates a great reader? Practice, practice, practice! Like any muscle, the reading mind wants to be exercised. You would never expect to find a professional or olympic athlete who didn't invest the time and practice at their sport. While it is important for children to read "classics", The key to helping your child become a great reader is having them become excited about books they can't wait to read.

Reading Together

Research shows that between the ages of 9 and 11 children begin to lose interest

in reading for fun. Research also shows that parents' own reading and involvement in their children's reading has a strong impact on their future reading habits. Discussing books and stories with your child shows him/her that you are interested in what they are reading. After both you and your child read the same book, you can have an open exchange of ideas that encourages family participation in learning while emphasizing the importance and pleasure of reading. Begin with some of these choices!