January 19: Out of the World: Lap Reading with Preschoolers

We had another great morning together at MOPS! For those of you that couldn't join us, there are a couple of important announcements to share. First of all, we talked a little about the devastating earthquake in Haiti and what we could do to help. If you are interested in learning more about the situation in Haiti or would like to make a monetary donation, please visit the following websites: www.worldrelief.org or www.samaritanspurse.org
Also, we are trying to set up meals for a fellow mom who is pregnant and on bed rest. If you are interested in preparing a meal, please contact April or Erin. Let's show this mom how much we care and what MOPS is really all about during her time of need!
Today's speaker, Rhonda, shared some great advice on reading to our children. She spoke about the reasons for reading to our children, the "when, where, what, and how" of reading to our children, and gave helpful tips on choosing books/reading aloud to different age groups.
Research shows that there is a positive correlation between reading to children and their reading achievement. Reading aloud to children fosters early reading and language development, is the single most important activity for building knowledge, and is a practice that should continue throughout the grades (even once the child can read on his/her own). Also, reading aloud to young children sends pleasure messages to the brain signaling that reading is a good/positive thing.
When should we read to our children? NOW! Start right from the cradle. Also, it is never too late to begin reading to your children.
Where? Use your imagination: you could read outside under a shady tree, in the sandbox, at the park, even at bath time or meal time! You can toss a sheet over the table to create a reading hideaway, take books in the car for a long road trip, or spread a blanket on the floor for an indoor "reading picnic". Be Creative!
What? Whatever is at hand: books, magazines, road signs, cereal boxes, menus, billboards, etc.
Read Mother Goose rhymes, poetry, books with pictures that are colorful and simple. And sometimes, read books that are a bit beyond your child's reach or a little more advanced!
How? Read slowly and with expression....now is the time to really be silly and ham it up for your kids. You should allow your child to help handle the book (hold it, turn the pages, etc). Also, talk about the story, model how you think about the story ("I wonder what's going to happen here?" or "I think this part is silly because...."), ask your child questions and take the time to answer his/her questions about the story, follow your child's lead in talking about the book, and have a conversation about the story.
If you are interested in tips on choosing books/reading aloud to your children or would like a suggested book list for young readers, please let us know at the next meeting and we will get you a copy of today's handouts.