Children Are Tough Customers
Young children like what they like and while being curious about new things, unless they sense some immediate value, they will pretty much ignore our suggestions with hardly a casual wave of the hand. They have no qualms about sharing their disapproval with us. Tough sale!
Are You a Wild Reader?
Wild Readers always have a book going—or maybe several. “Wildies” will read anything when a chance is presented. Our education system should encourage every child to be a wild reader by allowing them to choose reading material that interests them.
Over and Over and OVER Again
Abundant research studies exist about the fabulous benefits of repeatedly and expressively reading any well-chosen book to children.
Kids Can’t Fly with Training Wheels
Phonetically regular books with titles like “Nat the Fat Cat” and “Al and Sally are Pals” are the equivalent of training wheels for reading. And literacy training wheels, like bicycle training wheels, are a hindrance, not a help, when kids are learning to read or ride.
Can Struggling Readers Be Avid Readers?
If we—teachers and parents—ease off on our eagerness to have children keep up with their peers on the road to reading and allow them to progress at their own speeds, they will be well on their way to becoming avid, lifelong readers.
Three’s Good Company When Reading
Two perspectives are fertile ground for the shared exploration of books and the powers of literacy. More perspectives expand the possibilities for inquiry and exploration in thrilling new ways.
Robots or Readers?
Have you ever had a computer or phone read something to you from the screen? This is a trick question. Think about your answer.
Stop Worrying About Grade-Level Reading Growth
The concerns about making sure that all children progress at the same pace in their reading test score growth have always been misplaced, misguided, and deeply rooted in U.S. schooling practices. We must join hands to eliminate standard book assignment practices and help kids find books they want to read and enjoy.
Go With the Flow of Meaningful Conversation
The goal of conversation about a book is not to arrive at a predetermined conclusion about a fully known idea or issue. It’s about partnering together to sharpen a shared or possibly new understanding about something, addressing a concern or confusion.
Kids Who Read Will Write
Young children who are read to regularly, who receive sweet birthday cards and other notes in the mail, or who observe their parents as they receive important written communications, easily come to understand that print, along with art and other modes of self-expression, provide the potential for reaching out to “touch” others.
Add More Lap Time to Your Days
Literacy starts with little ones sitting in the laps of trusted loved ones, reading and discussing books that children love.
Expression Over Accuracy: Supporting the Development of Joyful Readers
For those who care about lifelong reading and learning, reading speed and accuracy are low priorities. When teaching children to become eager daily readers, kids benefit from learning to express emotion when reading to themselves or others.
Jot It? Got It!
Jotting is a perfect, always-there, literacy experience, and it is never too early to help a child old enough to hold a pencil or crayon to appreciate and adopt easy ways to develop the habit of recording something for later.
The Skilled Non-Reader
An understanding about books and reading transforms reluctant and skilled non-readers into lifelong readers and learners.
Books That Celebrate Diverse Readers
New or reluctant readers must encounter one or more things that make them increasingly comfortable with the expanding range of books that they take into their hands.
Words That Matter
Magic happens when kids are encouraged to use words to express kindness to others.
The Primacy of “Mother Language”
An individual’s mother language is the most comprehensive path to the full understanding of other people and their values.
Digital Libraries are Like Love
Like love, which is utterly fulfilling and limitless, there is no downside to digital libraries and to the books they freely provide for us all.
Let’s Talk About YOU
Successful parents and teachers invite each child’s contribution when discussing books either using their name or the word “you.”
Successful Futures are Assured Through Literacy
Lifelong literacy should be the ultimate academic goal of education rather than currently popular career or college readiness.