BOOKS

I cannot emphasize just how important books are!

I can throw statistics and numbers facts and opinons at you...

LIKE

• Read 1000 books before kindergarten, grows their vocabulary (that's less then 1 book a day!)

• Reading books grows kids minds, attention spans and vocabulary.

• If you read 1 book a day until they are 5 that is 1825 books! (don't forget its okay and actually preferred to REPEAT books)

• If read to kids 5x daily (picture books and board books) they will hear nearly 1.5 million words before they are 5!

• Take a look at some of these statistics from Scholastics! https://www.scholastic.com/readingreport/rise-of-read-aloud.html

But what is more important, is the progress and relationship I see kids having with books when parents make an effort to read with them daily.

I GET IT

Life happens, it is not always possible to read every day. Like all things in life some days are better than others. However, IF you try it, I promise you will see such a huge difference! "Reading for fun" is so important to accomplish and enjoy before "learning to read" and "reading to learn"!

Some comments and questions i frequently hear are "they don't let me finish" "some books are too long"

"what books do I choose for age" "books are expensive"

"how do I know what books are good?"

You have come to the right place!!! Let me answer those for you! and if you have more, PLEASE reach out!

• "they don't let me finish"- Its a learning process, start with flipping through the book together, looking at pictures, labeling items, reading one "key word" or phrase. Build up to reading the book!

• "some books are too long" - See above! ha, but honestly, edit the book for your kids needs! if they want to read a chapter book but cannot sit through it, read 1 page at a time! If they want to read the pout pout fish, but cant finish, say 1 sentence. Also, look for age appropriate books! (see below list)

• "what books do I choose for age" - Here is a list from scholastics, and I will be creating a specialized one I prefer in another blog!

• "books are expensive" - YES they are! Use the library! if you have a library card you can also use libby and hoopla. Vooks is a great paid for app, as well as kindle unlimited. Imagination Library is an amazing subscription free from the fabulous Dolly Parton. Ask for books for your child's birthday/Christmas! Have people bring you their child's favorite and GROW YOUR LIBRARY!

• "how do I know what books are good?" - Trial and error, recommendations from friends/therapists/teachers, book lists from reputable sites. Also, remember, pick books your child will be interested in! If they are struggling, but love space...GET SPACE BOOKS! start there, and expand. For example, start with space books, get Pete the Cat: out of this world, then expand to other Pete the Cat books!