Why you should use books with children

When children are read to every day, they develop many skills. Scientists are finding that children who are exposed to many words at an early age have a greater chance of success in school and scoring higher on intelligence tests. Books allow children to imagine and be creative while gaining knowledge of science, math, history, and health. By reading stories to children, they can relate to story characters who face "real life" situations similar to ones they are facing. Books also introduce print as a form of communication, but most importantly, reading to children helps them develop a love for books, which is the best reason to learn.

Characteristics of good children's books:

· Simple plots about familiar experiences
· Colorful and bold pictures
· Pictures drawn from the child's point of view
· Phrases repeated over and over.

Examples of good children's books:

1. Board Books ( infants)
2. Touch and Feel Books (toddlers)
3. Pop-up Books (toddlers)
4. Lift-the flap Books (toddlers)
5. Alphabet and Number Books (preschoolers)

Infants and Toddlers
1. Hold the child while reading the book.
2. Let the child look at the pictures and feel the texture of the book.
3. Sing to the child or use rhyming words.

Preschool Children
1. Read and discuss book with children.

· Ask questions and wait for answers.
· Allow the children to ask questions.

2. Talk about how the book relates to other areas, such as math or science.

3. Do a follow-up activity.

· Songs
· Puppets
· Puzzles
· Felt board stories

4. Make a connection from the book to something the children are experiencing.

5. Display the book on a shelf that the children can easily reach to view the book again.

Creating a Book Nook:

Creating a place where the children can go explore books and related materials is a great way to promote reading. Related materials are magazines, newspapers, and pictures. Listed below are some guidelines to follow when setting up a book nook.

1. Choose a place for the library.

· The book nook should be in a quiet area.
· Place the book nook in an area that is traveled very little.

2. Create an inviting area.

· Provide comfortable furniture, such as pillows, chairs, tables, or bean bags.
· Place a shelf in the book nook that the children can reach easily.

3. Make sure the area has enough light.

4. Provide materials for the book nook.

· Good books
· Tape player, books on tape, and headphones
· Writing materials (pencils, markers, crayons, paper, construction paper, stencils, stamps, scissors, magazines)

5. Encourage children to visit the book nook often.

(For more information about reading to children read Start Early with Books.)