The Gift of Reading

  Once again the Christmas season is upon us, it seems to come sooner every year.  Christmas shopping can be such a struggle, what to give, what to buy, this toy, that toy? I find myself with that same struggle, but as my oldest daughter has started to progress away from toys, I feel stuck, really stuck with what to buy? Then I realized this year more then ever before I have enjoyed reading and found myself submersed in books more then ever, So why not give the Gift of Reading, reading is so important when they are little it helps entertain and educate your child at the same time. And as they grow it helps develop their much needed imagination. Set a good example for your child by not only reading to them every night before going to bed but make sure they see you involved in reading to. Your children seeing your love for a good book will help develop their love for reading too. Take time to shut of the TV and just read. If your children are older set aside an hour a day where they do nothing but read, during that time you do the same and if you have little children include them by reading to them also. 

When reading to younger children here are some strategies for early literacy:

·         When reading a book with large print, point at each word as you read it. Your child will understand that the words being spoken are the words you are pointing to.

·         Read a favorite book to your children over and over again.

·         Read stories with rhyming words and have your child join in.

·         Read from a variety of books, including fairy tales, poems, and non-fiction.

  My oldest daughter has a great love of reading and has been involved in reading a few series books for her age, and our four year old loves having the Berenstain Bears read to her.  I think the gift of a book is a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. Here are few series and books I recommend for different ages.

For 0-6 old

·        Early readers by, The Berenstain Bears any thing is the category is great.

·        The Berenstain Bears Save Christmas

·        Dr. Seuss just for the rhyming fun of the books it captures their imaginations.

·        Junie B. Jones Series

    For 7-10 years old

·        Diary of a Wimpy kid the series

·        Geronimo stilton Series

·        Scream Street Fang of the Vampire Series

For The Young Adult (Teenager)

·        The Twilight Series

·        Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (if you loved the Twilight series this brand new set will have you none stop reading)

·        The Hunger Games by  Suzanne Collins

·        Catching Fire (The second book in the Hunger Games Trilogy) The Hunger Games is soon to be a movie too, and is an amazing read.

Give a Gift that keeps on giving, spark a love that will help with school and help your child to become a strong reader. 

Don't forget about my Holiday Giveaway, drawing on Friday... Lisa Marie