Earlier this year I wrote a post on my professional blog reflecting on my fear that my 18 month old twins — who currently LOVE to read books — may someday lose that love if they encounter teachers who make reading “not fun” in school.

This is a legitimate fear and as a parent I want so desperately to do everything I can at home to create strong and avid readers who will always love reading regardless of what happens — or doesn’t happen — in their school settings.  So in keeping with the spirit of my favorite quote by Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world…”, I did what I always tend to do when presented with similar issues — I did some research.  I searched online through a variety of professional organizations for teachers and websites for parents.  I came across countless “helpful hints” and other resources.  I also discovered a GREAT way to make a little extra income (and earn free books for my own kids) by promoting some excellent children’s books.  I’ll explain that a little later in this post.

In the end I made the decision to start a new blog focused entirely on promoting reading and literacy skills in the home.  I will be doing some cross-posting between the new blog and This Mommy Gig whenever I write posts that are of the “tips & tricks” nature.  If you are interested in bi-monthly book reviews and more indepth posts that address some of the research behind the development of literacy in the home and it’s impact on student academic success, feel free to subscribe to the new blog by clicking the RSS link in the top right hand corner of the home page.

As a “teaser,” here is one of my first posts on the new blog:

How Parents Can Encourage Reading

1.  Set an example. Let your kids see you reading for pleasure.

2.  Furnish your home with a variety of reading materials. Leave books, magazines, and newspapers around.  Check to see what disappears for a clue to what interests your child.

3.  Give children an opportunity to choose their own books. When you and your children are out together, browse in a bookstore or library. Go your separate ways and make your own selections.  A bookstore gift certificate is a nice way of saying, “You choose”.

4.  Build on your child’s interests. Look for books and articles that feature their favorite sports teams, rock stars, hobbies, or TV shows.  Give a gift subscription to a special interest magazine.

5.  View pleasure reading as a value in itself. Almost anything your youngsters read–including the Sunday comics–helps build reading skills.

6.  Read some books written for children and teens. Young adult novels can give you valuable insights into the concerns and pressures felt by children and teens of all ages.  You may find that these books provide a neutral ground on which to talk about sensitive subjects.

7.  Make reading aloud a natural part of family life. Share an article you clipped from the paper, a poem, a letter, or a random page from an encyclopedia–without turning it into a lesson.

8.  Acknowledge your teen’s mature interests. Look for ways to acknowledge the emerging adult in your teens by suggesting some adult reading you think they can handle.

9.  Keep the big picture in mind. For all sorts of reasons, some children go through periods without showing much interest in reading.  Don’t panic!  Time, and a the few tips listed here, may help rekindle their interest.

If you are interested in learning more about how I am earning free books for my kids, visit this page.  It’s a great opportunity and I am only doing it passively less-than-part-time.

Reading at home with our children has a direct impact on their academic success in school.  The research is very clear on the impact of the quantity and quality of the literacy culture within one’s home.  We read daily with our children — hoping to build their literacy skills while also fostering a love for books.

What are your strategies for fostering reading and literacy with your children?

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe so you don't miss any of the action! Have you met all of the contributors? Head over and find out about the fabulous parents writing here! Thanks for visiting!