Inspiring children to pick up a book and get reading!

By Terry Orr

As a grandparent, there are few things that warm my heart like watching kids playing outdoors or reading books.  That is why today special – International Children’s Book Day and Hans Christian Andersen birthday!

Mothers and others who read aloud while the baby is still in the womb and daily there after are providing a good foundation habit for the child.  Reading with your child helps establish quality and bonding time that will positively impact them throughout their lives.  When the child sees the parent, relative or others who are reading frequently – setting good examples.

Bookjoy! Around the World

We can read, you and I.

See letters become words,

and words become books

we hold in our hands.

We hear whispers

and roaring rivers in the pages,

bears singing

funny tunes to the moon.

We enter spooky gray castles,

And in our hands flowering trees climb

to the clouds. Bold girls fly;

boys fish for sparkling stars.

You and I read, round and round,

Bookjoy around the world.

By Pat Mora

I recommend reading these three web sites providing their Top 100 Children Books:

1. http://www.teachersfirst.com/100books.cfm
2. http://childrensbooksguide.com/top-100
3. http://www.nea.org/grants/13154.htm

The first two provide a brief overview of each book.

In addition to public libraries, there are hundreds of thousand websites that provide free children’s book to read on your computer, table, phone, etc. Here are five links for free online books for children:

1. http://freekidsbooks.org
2. http://www.wegivebooks.org
3. http://en.childrenslibrary.org
4. http://www.readingrockets.org/blog/42561/
5. http://literacylaunchpad.blogspot.com/2009/08/20-places-to-find-free-childrens-books.html

Lets all find a good book and share it with our young people and celebrate today.

Celebrating Read Across America

By Terry Orr

Prof. A.C. Grayling, in a review of A History of Reading by Alberto Manguel had said, "To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries." So true! Reading is really like taking a flight to great heights in pursuit of knowledge. It's a journey towards enlightenment.

The NEA Read Across America is celebrated on Dr. Seuss birthday.  We at Keeping it Simple believe that reading is so important that are dedicating two articles today on this subject. Reading is the most important life skill - along with writing and speaking.

“A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading.” ― William Styron, Conversations with William Styron

 

Why Reading is the Most Important Thing You Will Ever Do  

·         Words are our everyday tools. You use words in everything.

·         Vocabulary. Many of today's teenagers think vocabulary isn't important

·         Information. Reading gives you information.

·         Imagination. Reading feeds your imagination.

·         Inspiration

The art of reading is in great part that of acquiring a better understanding of life from one’s encounter with it in a book.  | André Maurois

Importance of reading aloud:

·         Reading aloud helps children acquire early language skills.

·         Reading aloud helps children develop positive associations with books and reading.

·         Reading aloud helps children build a stronger foundation for school success.

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another's skin, another's voice, another's soul.” ― Joyce Carol Oates

Blending in nonfiction reading and discussion with your family each day will help broaden their knowledge.

6 ways to spark your child's nonfiction reading and writing:

·         Pursue the passion: Get books that encourage your child’s interests.

·         More is more: Offer lots of nonfiction reading material – from books and magazines to newspapers and atlases.

·         Be the bookworm: Read a broad range of fiction and nonfiction, and talk about what you read.

·         Reality check: Talk about connections between what your child is reading and events in the news.

·         Reasons to write: Suggest new writing projects — from letters to grandma, to keeping a diary, to penning a play for the neighborhood kids.

·         Get the lowdown: Ask your child's teacher if your child’s reading list includes any nonfiction texts. If not, why not?

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot

“Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world.” ― Voltaire

 

Read Across America Poem

You're never too old, too wacky, too wild,

To pick up a book and read with a child.

You're never too busy, too cool, or too hot,

To pick up a book and share what you've got.

In schools and communities,

Let's gather around,

Let's pick up a book,

Let's pass it around.

There are kids all around you,

Kids who will need

Someone to hug,

Someone to read.

Come join us on March 2nd

In your own special way

And make this America's Read to Kids Day.

“It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.” ― C.S. Lewis

References and Links:

http://voices.yahoo.com/why-reading-most-important-thing-will-ever-1045275.html

http://inspirationboost.com/8-reasons-why-reading-is-so-important

http://lifedev.net/2009/06/reading-makes-you-better/

http://www.homework-help-secrets.com/importance-of-reading.html 

http://childrens-books.lovetoknow.com/Why_Is_Reading_Important

http://www.greatschools.org/reading/7071-non-fiction-why-its-important.gs?page=all#sthash.SlucdfQ2.dpuf
http://www.reachoutandread.org/why-we-work/importance-of-reading-aloud/

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/why-is-reading-important.html

http://wanttoknowit.com/why-is-reading-important/

[All images from Google]

Celebrating Dr. Seuss

By Diane Forrest

When my son turned 16, I threw a Sweet 16 party for him at our church, with a Dr. Seuss theme. I had found hats for everyone, decorations, and a large selections of books on eBay to decorate the tables with.  My son loved Dr. Seuss from a very early age, and I thought it would be a nice passage to the way to adulthood.  My mother ridiculed me for my choice, however unbeknownst to me, Dr. Seuss was also the years homecoming theme, and the party was a huge success!

Dr. Suess has made an impact on every child's life which is why it is fitting to have him kick off the Read across America Day.  This is also Theodore Giselle's (Dr. Seuss) birthday. Kids and even grown up's love the rhyming and funny adventures from his books, many college students are given a copy of "Oh the Places You'll Go" when they graduate high school or college.

From the Cat in the Hat, to the Grinch, to the Horton who hears a "Who", not only do his books inspire children to read, but they also teach about the rules of life, and how to live right.

Today is Dr. Seuss Day, and here are some of my favorite quotes leave us a comment and let us know about your favorite Dr. Seuss story:

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.”

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...”

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go.”

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.”

“Remember me and smile, for it's better to forget than to remember me and cry.”

[All images from Google]