A Change of Heart

[RJ]

Pondering the question about which children's book inspired you - brought the following to the forefront of my mind....
We need to have a serious change of heart when it comes to how we interact with our children. Especially on the subject of reading for pleasure. Because it is not just the kids that need a change - (stay with me now.....)

I have seen it said many times on multiple forums that "children aren't reading anymore - how do we get kids to read......" etc - In my humble opinion I think it is a direct result of the parents not reading. I remember seeing my Mom reading books, my Dad reading the newspaper or a magazine... naturally this made me want to read too. Because I wanted to be like my parents. We imitate those we are around (good or bad)- Which is why it should come as no surprise if you are a cusser when your child blurts out an obsenity in the WalMart parking lot!
So it goes with reading. If we want our children to be interested in something - the absolute best way to light that fire is to let them see us enjoying it. We all know that trying to force a child to do something is a sure fire way of turning them against it. None of us like being "made to do something." Especially if it is something that we are supposed to "enjoy" - that is supposed to be "fun" and is done in our "free time."
It's more about the environment and the habits of those in your home, than the content of the book. At one time, board games and playing outside were the greatest of all forms of entertainment. However, tv and video games have replaced these activities. In doing so, our children have become less active, far less healthy and scores show a steady decline in achievement levels, as compared to that of other countries.
Far too many kids associate reading with "school work." Which in kid speaks translates to a big "ugggg." This will not change over night - but we must start somewhere. So, why not tonight!

[Dianne de Las Casas, Author, Award-Winning Storyteller]

RJ, I totally agree with you. My daughters always see my husband and I reading. In this way, we are modeling the behavior. It also reinforces that reading is pleasurable and not a chore or a task that they must begrudgingly undertake. In my family, we are also big board game players. In addition to the reading involved, board games also teach team skills and strategic thinking. No matter where I travel, you will always "catch" me reading. So now my children do it too - for pleasure!

Warmly,
Dianne de Las Casas
Author & Award-Winning Storyteller
www.storyconnection.net

[RJ]

That's wonderful! I just think that too many people search for the simplest way to do everything. In doing so, they continually take the focus off the family unit and that makes it easier to place blame on everything else. No one will ever convince me that kids aren't watching Mom & Dad..... of course, as they get older, friends, peers, actors & their favorite bands become their heroes......... but somewhere in the haze of all that "extra cool stuff" will be their favorite board game and favorite authors...... Even if they pretend it's boring to read to be cool with friends - as those closest to them you'll still see that familiar spark in their eyes when they see the ad on TV that James Patterson's latest Cross book will be released next month. (I had to use that one, b/c it's my favorite....) ;)

[Amanda Halpin]

I completely agree with you both. My parents raised me and my siblings in a "pro-literacy" environment by reading to us and around us. I am fearful that there are more and more families that have gotten away from spending time together in general; and I feel that sharing the written word with your child is another way to play with them. Whenever I see a book or think of a story that I shared with a family member, it brings back happy memories of my childhood. I know that when I have kids, I will continue the tradition of reading to them and I feel that they will be the better for it.

[RJ]

Kudo's to you! Absolutely... you will build the same kinds of memories with your children, that your parents established with you... how wonderful - life comes full circle!

:)

[lili09]

There are multiple ways to inspire children to read. When I was a baby, my parents inspired me by showing me little stones with letters on them. I played with them and learned how to read...It inspired me. Reading was associated with a game, not with a tedious work.

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[kris fullbrook]

I agree with what you are saying but I see an even stronger connection when parents (or any adult) reads with a child. Adults can show children by direct example how we each interact with what we are reading. When a reader asks questions about what is happening, what may happen, or what the pictures suggest, they are building the skills for young readers. They are also showing by example what we all do without really even thinking about it. What's equally empowering for young readers is that they are spending time with someone one on one (or even in a small group) that makes them feel important and valued. Leading by example can be done in lots of different ways.