PTO Speech

The benefits and values of introducing children to books at an early age Childrens Literature Allison Hood

I. Introduction A. A family that reads together learns together. I have often heard this, but never really thought about it until I had children of my own. When I was expecting my first child, I would spend hours reading aloud to her in her nursery. Now, I know that many of you may think that was a waste of time. She is now six years old and has developed a love for books that I cant even describe! B. By a show of hands, how many of you are active readers? How many of you have children who love to read? How many of you dislike reading, but really wish that your child/children did not? a) I want to talk to you tonight about the benefits and values of introducing

children to books at an early age. I also want to talk about how your children dont have to dislike reading like you doif that applies to you. C. We will discover the importance behind childrens literature and reading to your children. a) b) c) d) Reading is different than just talking Reading helps understand the meanings of language Reading allows children to expand their imagination Set an example

II.Reading is different than just talking

A. When reading, be sure to point out pictures, even to an infant. a) Your child will learn that there is a connection between words and pictures.

That will engage them and enable them to enjoy books. (1) Talk about the pictures, even if it does not relate directly to the story. (2) Ask them to find items on the page. b) It doesnt matter what you read, as long as you are reading (1) I can remember reading Where the Wild Things Are to my daughter when she was only a couple of months old. To this day, she loves that book and now has the movie. It is truly amazing how not only does she read the words, but she can describe to me the different characters and the roles that they play. IT DOESNT MATTER WHAT YOU READ AS LONG AS YOU ARE READING! (2) Children learn from our voice tones How many of you know that your children can tell what kind of mood you are in by the tone of your voice? That also is true in reading. They can tell if a character is happy or sad, scared or lonely or any other mood. Live through character reading and have fun with it!

B. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) "strongly recommends reading to children every day, starting after they are first born," because "reading stimulates the development of the brain, language and a closer emotional relationship with a child." III.Reading helps understand the meanings of language A. Reading aloud increases your child's vocabulary and listening skills a) As your child gets older and can understand the stories you read, take time

to ask questions, such as: What do you think will happen next? Do you know what that word means? Which character is your favorite? You can have her retell the story or make up a new one with the same characters. (1) This was always a favorite thing for my family to do. My daughter would really pay close attention if she knew that she was going to be able to read the book next in her own words! b) Children can live vicariously through characters (1) Through stories and novels children can vicariously try out new experiences and test new ideas, with no negative consequences in their real lives. (2) They can meet characters who they'll enjoy returning to for comforting and satisfying visits when they reread a cherished book or discover a sequel.

B. Children can enhance critical thinking skills a) Books also give kids the opportunity to flex their critical thinking skills in such areas as problem solving, the concepts of cause and effect, conflict resolution, and acceptance of responsibility for one's actions. b) Mysteries allow children to follow clues to their logical conclusions and to try to outguess the author. Even for very young children, a simple story with a repetitive refrain or a simple mystery to solve gives a confidence boost. Children can predict the patterns and successfully solve the riddles. IV. Reading allows children to expand their imagination A. Children learn through imagination and repetition a) Very young children dont learn from explanations their intellects are not yet developed but rather by making intuitive connections between the sounds they hear and the world around them. B. Reading aloud sparks your child's imagination, creativity and curiosity C. Reading helps realize we are a part of a global village a) Through books, children can also learn about people and places from other parts of the world, improving their understanding of and concern for all of humanity. This, in turn, contributes towards our sense that we truly live in a "global village" and may help us bring about a more peaceful future for everyone.

b) This can happen through nonfiction but, perhaps even more importantly, reading novels that are set in other places and time periods can give children a deeper understanding of others through identification with individual characters and their plights. V.Set an example A. Be a good reading model by letting your child see you read. B. Introduce your child to books that discuss his hobby, interests, or new experiences. C. Buy books as presents for your children and they will learn to value books. D. Make sure your child has a library card and uses it! VI. Conclusion When you go home tonight, whether your child is young or old, get out book and read to them. Let them hear your voice. Let them know that you think reading is important. Talk about the book. Discuss what they liked or disliked. Each night, take turns choosing different books to read. You will see a difference in them. For our family, reading aloud is a successful example of child-led learning, a key part of our home education. It is a powerful form of education, done in our most comfortable love seat, snuggling all together, and bonding as a family. Personally, I love finding stories that spark (and follow) our children's interest, books that are of good quality, stories that impress the values and ideals that our family holds dear. a) Reading is different than just talking

b) Reading helps understand the meanings of language c) Reading allows children to expand their imagination

Childhood is the time to build the foundation of character and the books that we read play a big part in that. Discuss the books you read to your child.

There are so many ways in which reading continues to be both a vital skill for children to master, and an important source of knowledge and pleasure that can last a lifetime. Nurture it in your children. Make the most of all the resources that are available and waiting for you: printed books, online books, magazines and so forth. Encourage follow-up activities involving creative writing skills and the arts, as well, so that your children can reflect upon or expand on what they've absorbed and, at the same time, develop their own creativity. As you help your kids appreciate the magic of reading, you'll find that there's a whole wonderful world full of children's literature out there that YOU can enjoy too!!!!!

SO, WHAT ARE YOU READING TONIGHT?