Family Reading
Family Reading
WHAT:
This simply involves setting aside 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days per week when everyone in the family reads something for fun. It is important that, as far as possible, the time and setting involve a regular routine, i.e., after dinner Monday through Friday.
WHY:
The purpose of Family Reading is to develop the habit of reading for pleasure and relaxation, to the exclusion of more passive. Less creative activities such as TV. Children who are well read usually do well in school. Silent reading enhances a child's fluency in thinking, listening, speaking and writing, and of course, reading itself. There are important positive emotional and social effects of doing this together as a family. The togetherness, the common enjoyment, the example of the parents are all part of the experience. Each child's self-esteem is bolstered as you give him/her the responsibility to choose its own material. This is one of the best examples of quality time.
HOW:
Family Reading excludes children reading homework assignments and parents reading work from the office. No required reading is allowed. It includes the reading of stories, novels, comic books, magazines, hobby materials-whatever each family member chooses. Very young children enjoy participating by reading picture books. Since Family Reading usually takes place at home, the family needs to prepare a stockpile of books and magazines. You may want to search out your local used bookstores and make regular visits to your public library. Weekly visits to the library are best; every two weeks is a minimum.