But for many people, they just don't feel the same way. Strange to say, but there are lots of families out there who really don't own many books at all, and just don't find reading an enjoyable past time. Now there's nothing wrong with this at all, we are all different and people find joy and interest in various activities and past-times...if we were all the same the world would be a pretty boring place.
However, reading is a really important part of life, especially for our kids. The skill of reading benefits us in all walks of life, being able to read instructions, read contracts, read letters, read forms and understand how our world operates. Reading comes naturally to some people, but others struggle to grasp the concepts and take more time to learn, which can hinder their development in other areas.
So encourage kids to read books from an early age can be a really easy way for parents to instill a love of reading in their children, even before they head off to school. Great books can be found all around us, in libraries, at friend and family places, in discount stores, book shops, on the internet and now with the increase in eBooks you can even read and view them on your computer or eReader for the kids who are so technologically minded.
The one thing I like to remind people, is that books can be SO MUCH MORE than "just books". There are books you can hear, books you can feel, books you can smell, books you can write in, books you can relate to, books you can act out, books that come with toys and so much more.
Here are 5 of my favourites from the bookshelf at home. Books that are more than just books and make reading time fun!
FAIRYOPOLIS - is a beautiful big book for late primary age through to adulthood. This is MY book and it's just magnificent. With all the gorgeous illustrations, little scrapbook type items you can touch and take out to inspect it gives you a sense of discovering the world of fairies. With such a fabulous cover this a treasured item on my shelf.
DANCING QUEEN - part of the Australian "Go Girl" series; I love these books! Aimed at the "tween" age group they are an introduction to chapter books that are easy to read, and easy to relate to. The characters in this series experience the same things as the reader, this particular one relates to self esteem, fitting in, making new friends and being self conscious. I picked these up at a second hand store and have loved each one of them. I believe there is a new set out more recently.
THE JOLLY POSTMAN - an aboslute classic! This was the anniversary edition of the Christmas Postman, but it is just the most fabulous interactive book! Through the journey of mail delivery you get to experience the goings on of each residence along the way. Opening the letters, reading the christmas cards, even a small puzzle to complete. I loved this book as a kid; it was one of the most popular books in our school library and you would have to wait months to borrow it! Still a must have for primary aged kids.
THIS DINOSAUR IS SO BIG - for pre-school aged boys, this book is brilliant! It has big bold colourful pictures, is about dinosaurs and has magnetic pages and magnets to stick on! Every time you read this it is different depending on where you place the magnets! "This dinosaur is so big it can eat a CAR/HOUSE/PLANE/TREE for breakfast!" It's got great repetition to remember the words, goregous illustrations and is just a whole lot of fun!
WRITE & WIPE - again for the younger kiddies, I love these books. The pictures are bold and colourful, the words are simple and repetitive but with the added bonus of a board marker they can learn to write the letters as well as recognise them. They can trace pictures and refine their writing skills....just be sure to keep these ones away from fabric furniture!
So next time you are looking for a gift, or wondering what you can do to encourage your young ones to read think about a book...but think about a "book with benefits".
Find more ideas like here to make learning fun for your kids!
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