Read to Me!

You've heard it over and over. Read to children and with children often. Two times a day would be great. Two times a week is also good. Keep your reading time fun. If everyone in the family is too tired or too grouchy, don't waste your time reading. Lay down on the floor and giggle together instead.

Always keep your ultimate goal clear in your own mind. Your aim should be to develop a happy and thinking child. You know, children are learning machines. They are happiest when their minds and bodies are engaged.

Here's a rhyming game to play while you are cooking, driving, or giving a bath.

Adult: Fat cat has a _________
Child: BAT! (or rat or hat or a made up "at" word.....klat)
Adult: Dog in the fog likes to _______
Child: SIT ON A LOG!
Adult: The main train is driven by ________
Child: JANE!
Adult: Mad Dad hates to be _________
Child: SAD!

If your child gets close but does not make a rhyme, "Ed and Fred ......... ARE MEN!" you say, "Almost. How about Ed and Fred eat bread?" Rhyming together is fun. Just as important, it is a crucial pre-reading skill.

I've posted a brief paragraph about myself. Click on ABOUT ME if you wish to view it.

Good rhyming!

Jodi Heaton Hurst