Reading with Your Child at Home
Having Lots of Fun
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Danny and the dinosaur went all over town and had lots of fun.
“It’s good to take an hour or two off after a hundred million years,” said the dinosaur.
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You may remember reading Danny and the Dinosaur, originally published as an I Can Read! book more than 40 years ago. Children have lots of fun listening to classics and hearing their parents talk about favorite I Can Read! books. Timeless themes about family, school, friendship, and issues close to the hearts of young children continue with a growing collection of more than 200 titles. New authors add their own voices to the I Can Read! tradition.
Parents appreciate the award-winning illustrations, clarity, simplicity, and rhythm. Children love the humor and charming conversation. Everyone loves hearing a beginning reader say, “I can read this!”
I Can Read! books are now color-coded by level to make it easier for parents and children to gauge which level is best for them.
Books that children can read at their own pace make reading lots of fun!
Family Reading Time
Some families read before bedtime or naptime. Others read right after dinner. Try creating a “family reading time” where family members choose their own book, magazine, newspaper, or whatever they enjoy. I Can Read! books are written so young readers can be independent and feel important as they read a book with everyone else in the family.
Making Time Together Fun
When you and your child enjoy a favorite book together, it can be interactive and fun.
Try these tips:
- Encourage your child to point to the pictures, ask questions, and turn the pages.
- As the story moves along, ask your child what will happen next.
- If your child doesn’t seem able to sit still during shared reading time, don’t give up! The art of listening is an acquired skill.
- If reading aloud is new for you and your child, start with a book like Biscuit in our My First: Shared Reading collection, and gradually move to books with more text like Frog and Toad Are Friends in the Level 2: Reading with Help collection.
The American Library Association emphasizes the importance of reading with children at home. Association members encourage parents to read books with children at home because it:
- helps create a special bond between parent and child
- introduces children to art through the illustrations
- enhances children’s listening skills
- introduces children to a wide variety of experiences
- helps prepare children for learning to read
- improves and enriches the quality of children’s lives
- provides fun and enjoyment for children and adults
Beyond Lap Reading
I Can Read! books are so engaging that families can enjoy them off the couch, too. Try acting out your favorite story. Older children can make a home movie. Crafty kids can create paper-bag puppets, costumes, or masks to retell the stories they like the best.
Don’t Be “Too Busy” to Read!
Have you ever said, “We’re just too busy to read together!”?
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to prepare your child for school is reading aloud to them. Reading books together is a treasured memory for children and parents alike. Plus, it is a great way for children to learn how to read and develop an enjoyment of reading! A few minutes a day spent reading aloud to your child can make a significant difference in his or her life.
Danny and the Dinosaur art © Syd Hoff
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