Why 11 you may ask? A nod to a favourite movie — Spinal Tap — if 10 is good, then 11 is even better; that’s the theory. I think the easiest way for a child to enjoy education and develop a thirst for learning is creating a love of reading. Children who read a lot, expand their vocabulary, pick up a range of knowledge, and generally do better at school. But best of all, it’s fun — the thrill of having a good book to escape into is magical. But how do you encourage a love of reading? Like most things to do with children — sleeping, eating etc., — there is no magic one-size-fits-all solution to encourage reading. This is my perspective as a parent with what has worked for our family — I have two sons aged 7 and 9 — and I would love to hear ideas of what has worked for your family or students.
1. What first got you excited about reading?
Comics:
When I asked my parents (mid 60s), my children, and my husband what first got them excited about reading, they — and I — all had the same answer: comics. We all are huge readers and we all started on comics — and sometimes still read them. My boys would ‘read’ comics before they could read — the picture would tell them what was going on. I have heard concerns from some other parents about children only reading comics, at the exclusion of all else. For me, reading is reading — it doesn’t matter what type of reading your child is doing, as long as they are reading, and generally they move on to chapter books eventually.
My oldest son loved reading comics, and didn’t start reading chapter books for pleasure until he was 8. Now at 9, he’s just finished reading The Hobbit. New comics are expensive, but I bought 20–30 comics for $10 off TradeMe: Garfield, Beano, Buster, Whizzer, Roy of the Rovers — the same ones I read as a child.
2. How do you get access to great reading material?
The library:
We’re a bit obsessive about the library in my family — apparently my mother signed me up for a library card before I was born. Going to the library once a week was always an exciting part of my life growing up. Now it’s the same with my sons; reading and getting new books out is a pleasure that everyone can enjoy. Make going to a library for new books once a week part of your family’s life. The librarians are also an excellent resource for suggestions of new authors, or pointing out books on topics for certain ages: Star Wars, Dr Who etc. Especially if your own suggestions sometimes come with the response, ‘No thanks Mum’.
Libraries also often have special school holiday activities listed on their website. Auckland libraries have a range of fun, free activities from dressing up as a comic book character to poetry writing and creating your own cartoon.
3. Just five minutes more?
Reading before bed:
We started the routine of reading a story to our boys when they were really young — around 18 months old. This not only signalled to them that after dinner was a bath, after a bath was a story, and after a story was bed; it was also a part of the day we all look forward to. I love introducing them to authors that I loved as a child, and to help create interest in stories. Even when my children weren’t keen to listen to stories at any other time of the day, they always liked to snuggle down in bed and be read to before turning out the light.
Even the most reluctant reader will generally be keen to have ten or twenty minutes of reading before turning out the light — especially if they get to stay up later. This could be a combination of you reading to your child, your child reading to you, sharing the reading (one page/chapter each), or your child reading by himself or herself.
4. I spy with my little eye something beginning with G?
Games involving words – I Spy, magnetic letters on the fridge, Junior Scrabble:
When the boys were younger, we had a magnetic alphabet on the fridge that encouraged them to make words and recognise letters. Also at this time, we spent several years without a working car radio (and we were quickly able to define between luxury and necessity), and, as a result, we played a lot of car games. One of our favourites was I Spy, which helped my younger son with his spelling and working out what letter words started with — we still play this regularly now, and my boys are 7 and 9.
We also have several word magnet sets on the fridge from which the boys love to make hilarious (their description) sentences. During winter we often play board games on a Sunday afternoon, and some games can really help with word recognition, such as Junior Scrabble, or word Yahtzee.
5. How do you encourage reading over the long summer holiday break?
Summer library reading programmes:
The holiday break is a long time for primary children to go without the regular reading they would have during term time, so, participating in a library summer reading programme could be a great way to continue building their reading 'mileage'.
The way it works at our library is that children write down the books they have read, ‘checking in’ with the librarian around 4 or 5 times during the holiday period. This involves talking about — reviewing and discussing a book of their choice with the librarian. In return, they receive a small gift for doing so. At the end of the summer, as long as they have checked in regularly, they are invited to attend to a party with certificates, entertainment and food and drink. This is a great way to encourage reluctant readers and enable them to see how reading can be part of their life, even when they’re not at school. And it’s free! However, spaces are limited so your children often need to sign up in early December.
6. What if your child isn’t keen on chapter books?
Transitional books:
Sometimes chapter books can seem a bit ‘boring’ or intimidating, especially when you’re just starting out reading. Books such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, which has pictures throughout, seem to grab younger readers. Most libraries also have comic books and graphic novels, which have appeal to a wide variety of ages, especially teenage boys. My husband and I still read graphic novels such as those by Harvey Pekar and the Hernandez Brothers.
7. What would your children like for Christmas or birthdays?
Ask the experts — birthday presents, Christmas presents:
LEGO® is the most popular present in our house, but a good book is also always appreciated (a slow burning appreciation sometimes). My in-laws are fantastic for heading to The Children’s Book Shop and asking staff about what is popular for the age group they are looking for. My nine-year-old discovered David Walliams books this way.
8. How to get closer as a family?
Create family traditions such as family story time or reading plays:
I still love being read to – even as an adult. My husband reads us all a chapter a night — sometimes two if we beg enough. So far we’ve read — the first three Harry Potter books, all of Roald Dahl’s, The Hobbit, and are now looking for new suggestions. Another family tradition could be to put on short plays — or perhaps even just reading the plays aloud. My youngest son loves it when he assigns us characters and we read a play from the school journal together as a family. Some other options for listening to stories can be podcasts, listening to Storytime on National Radio, or listening to an audiobook in the car.
9. What are your children/students interested in?
My boys adore Star Wars and like to read a book on all the characters several times a week. Never belittle what your child is reading, nor dismiss a book unless it is not age appropriate; the main thing is that they’re reading. Some online options my children enjoy are Studyladder and Sumdog. While Studyladder offer reading literacy options, Sumdog is more maths focused, however, reading is involved in the instructions.
10. Is reading and writing a priority?
Read to them and have them read to you; find an option to include writing:
Most children under 7, and older ones as well, enjoy being read to. I try not to say no if my child asks me to read to them. Find a snuggly place such as a bean bag or couch and read. My youngest son (7) usually chooses three types of books at the library: some to read by himself (Asterix, Garfield), some for me to read to him (a wide selection), and others for him to read to me (The Rascal series by Paul Jennings is a current favourite). We also take turns reading to each other, the boys hop into bed, on weekend mornings — once winter sport has finished.
When it’s time for birthday party invitations, I get my boys to write the invitations themselves, and a list of who they want to come. I also get them to write a list of their clothes to pack when they are going away, and food shopping lists. Not only is this less for me to do, it gives their writing a purpose and a meaningful context. It has also ensured smaller birthday party numbers :)
11. Do you read?
Children mimic us — both the good and the bad; I have never eaten so many vegetables, or tried to exercise as much as I have since I have had children. If you really want your children to read, then read yourself. Let them see you reading and the evidence of that — the bookshelf in your house, the books beside your bed, the newspapers, etc.
Websites parents and teachers might find useful:
Competition: Book prizes for your school
We have 5 copies of The Three Bears….Sort Of, winner of the NZ Post Children’s Award 2014 (Published by Scholastic) to give away to 5 schools.
To enter, just make a comment below on this blog post and let us know the primary school you would like the book sent to. Let us know…
- What works for your children and/or students?
- What gets them excited about reading?
The 5 winners of the blog comments competition will be randomly selected on October 31st and send out shortly afterwards.
Rochelle Savage
Latest posts by Rochelle Savage (see all)
- Two free time tools that I use everyday - November 14, 2018
- Four effective ways to learn virtually in real time - June 19, 2018
- Let’s hear it for the boys — engaging boys at school and home - November 28, 2016
To be a great reader you must love reading. I am going to share this blog post with the families of my students so that they can see that don't have to teach their children to read, they just need make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for them. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Thanks Leanne – Excellent point ‘make reading a fun and enjoyable experience’.
Lots of accessible ides for parents to support spreading the "Reading Bug"
Thanks Yvonne. You reminded me of an excellent book I read years ago by Paul Jennings – another favourite author around here – The Reading Bug…& How You Can Help Your Child to Catch it
I agree, Rochelle. I have referred to The Reading Bug lots over the years and have lent it to parents and used it many times at parent information meetings. I still have my yellowing copy on hand for easy referral.
Greenwood Primary School, WA
Great post, Rochelle. This is of course all great advice – we also started reading to our three when they were very young, – it sets a clear routine for them, and they love choosing what story gets read. Our first child loved One Fish Two Fish, our second's favourite was The Gruffalo, while the third loves Daisy, a Thomas the Tank Engine story. Even at 10 and 8, the two oldest still love being read to, despite reading their own books a lot.
We have found that getting out children excited about a series very motivating, especially for our son – he has read the Percy Jackson series, many of the Hachett books, the Kazaan series, amoung others. After they read one book, they are always deserate to get the next installment.
Thanks again, Rochelle. I look forward to more posts.
Cheers
Ps. Hurupaki Primary School in Whangarei is my school.
Thanks Mark. We love The Gruffalo in our house and in fact my husband – who is the self nominated birthday cake maker – made The Gruffalo for a 3rd birthday (on request) one year. It was amazing – but then it took quite a few hours….:)
Good point about a series – you’re so right. Mr 7 loved the Cudweed book he got for Christmas so he sought out new ones at the library; they didn’t have any so he filled out a form to request more (at the fantastic librarians suggestion); a new book arrived a few days ago and he read us 2 chapters last night.
Thanks also for nominating Hurupaki Primary School.
And, unlike tablets, books don't need a power adapter. They also make affordable gifts for birthday and Christmas. Your excellent post has evoked many happy memories for me, growing up in a pre-digital age. I'm not knocking digital, it's great, but I do hope we don't forget books. Thanks Rochelle, your post itself was a good read.
Thanks Stephen. Although I love not having to pack books when I go away – due to having them on my phone – there is nothing like a book at the beach.
These are great tips & ideas and we definitely do many of them with our children. Lego is also a big favourite in our house so we have ordered quite a few Lego readers through the school book club – my son loves them and they tie in with what he loves, so definitely encourages his love of reading.
On the very rare occasion that we don't read a story before bed (if we've been out late) the kids are horrified, as it such a part of their bedtime routine.
Welbourn School in New Plymouth would love a copy of this book :-).
Hi Donna,
LEGO is a big favourite in ours (apart from when I stand on it). Good tip about the school book club (and it’s thanks to Scholastic we have these to giveaway). I still remember ordering Under the Mountain through the Arrow (? not Lucky?) book club at school. Thanks for nominating a school.
Great post. Years since I've seen This is Spinal Tap. Our boy is only 4mths old but we read to him often. Right now we're reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He mightn't have any idea what we're talking about but he loves being read to. We'd love to foster in him a lifelong love of reading. Going to the library as a child was such a highlight of the week and I look forward so much to bedtime stories with him. I'd love a copy of The Three Bears Sort of to go to Hampden Primary School so when my lad gets there there'll be a beautifully dog-eared copy for him to enjoy.
Hi Anna,
Thanks – I think I saw it when it first came out at the Suter Art Gallery in Nelson, around 25 years ago! Thanks for sharing your stories of reading to your son with us and also for nominating a school – from my home town :)
My boys have always been crazy for reading. We start them off as little as possible with just reading to them. over the years reading is one of their favourite pass time. Introducing a Kindle has kept up their enthusiasm as they can can now access nearly any book available. Plus, it is easy to carry and read from.
Hi Stella,
A kindle is a great idea – especially if you’re off on a trip – I’m going to put it on the Christmas wishlist.
Some great ideas. My two have also had a library card from a very early age. Even though my son finds reading a challenge, he still has a huge love for books and reading (which I am thankful for). We are reading through 'Mudcrats' and 'The Beast quest series' . Our youngest was reciting "We’re going on a bear hunt' by three as it was a household favourite. I still re read and even share with my class picture books as I don't think anyone ever grows out of them.
I know my class love that I give them a choice when they can read so it isn't always me telling them to read. Also our trips to the librabry have been seen as important as any other subject.
Spreydon Primary
Hi Ruth,
Thank you. I love ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ and I agree we often revisit favourite picture books. Good idea about giving children a choice when to read. Thanks also for nominating your school – much appreciated.
I agree with everything you've mentioned. I have 2 boys aged 4 and 6 who both adore books. We are constantly maxing out our library card. I request many books and use Pinterest to get reading recommendations about certain subjects. For example my youngest is about to start swimming lessons, so have been reading picture books about learning to swim – acts as an icebreaker. Also if they have a keen interest in something, it can be fueled so easily by books. When I come across a particularly great book, my son will take it to his school 'Golden Grove' and his teacher is always so excited to read it. Last term 'The Three Bears, Sort Of' was one of the books he took in. So it would be lovely for the class to have a copy.
Hi Nicola,
Great idea about using Pinterest to get reading recommendations – I’m definitely using that suggestion. I also liked your swimming example as acting as an icebreaker.
Thanks for nominating your son’s school.
Hi Rochelle,
We also, like others who have already posted, have read to our two boys since they were little – hubby used to read to them when they were babies, as part of their bed-time routine and a way for him to bond with them. They are both now top in their respective classes in reading! We still have family reading times together in the evenings and some rainy afternoons. Trips to the libray are a highlight for the boys, and we do participate in the Auckland Library holiday programmes (Auckland Library staff rock!). Also, visits to Storylines, and the boys sending emails to authors and making contact with them. Kyle Mewburn recently commented on my son's blog – it made his day!
One enticement we use to encourage new authors and books to be investigated is delayed gratification – if the boys want to watch the movie of the book, they need to read the book first. Worked a treat with the C S Lewis series.
Glenbrae Primary in Glen Innes, Auckland is my school of choice.
Hi Tsana,
Thanks for commenting – you’ve given me some great ideas. Visits to Storylines Festival Family Days are a great idea and how cool that Kyle Mewburn commented on your son’s blog! I think I almost know Duck’s Stuck off by heart.
Great suggestion about the enticement to read the book first. Funnily enough I can’t really watch a movie unless I’ve read the book first and I haven’t watched The World According to Garp as I enjoyed the book so much. Speaking of C.S>lewis – I managed to convince Mr 9 to have a look at The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at our last library visit and it made me realise how the covers of books have chamnged over the years, it was only my assurance it was a good story that convinced his sceptical look (at the cover).
Great story about your husband reading to your children; my sister-in-law read the same book every night when she was pregnant with her daughter and when she was born that story seemed to calm her down when it was read to her. Thnks also for nominating a school.
Hi Rochelle
Our children are now in their late teens and still opt to pick up a book on a regular basis.
Our daughter's New Entrant teacher chuckled when our girl thanked her for teaching her to read and responded that she was so keen to understand the symbols she pretty much taught herself. She now inhales books at a great rate.
My son was slower to take to the written word and it took for the appearance of a really amazing teacher in his schooling to introduce him to Skullduggery Pleasant before he found the worlds hiding in the words. He now loves Percy Jackson which also feeds his nonfiction passion for Greek Mythology and has a thirst for fantasy and science fiction genres.
Both children had bookcases chock full of age appropriate books from birth (their 'baby' ones are in storage for their own children). Our home has 3 bookcases full and, while their Dad is a spasmodic reader usually preferring the Reader's Digest to other material, they have observed me read, digest and read some more since they were little. This included reading for a wide range of purposes which is also important.
As a grown family we have our own 'bookclub' where we share what we are reading with each other and my daughter and I still read the same series, knowing each others tastes well.
I still have lively Facebook chats with past students about what they are reading – a continuation of the discussions we had when they were part of my classes. One is currently writing his own book! I love finding new and up-to-date reading material for my students and was particularly fortunate that my last school's librarian also made a point to keep up to date. She would often have the teachers preread books to check them for appropriate content. This opened my eyes to new authors whose writing was aimed at my students. The kind of homework I love!
Great blog which struck a chord with this avid reader :)
Hi Vicki,
I really enjoyed reading your comments. I like your point about the amazing teacher who introduced your son to certain authors. I often find adults who aren’t me are listened to more by my boys about suggestions for books. My husbandsaid on the last library trip one of the librarians ran out to the back room coming back with a book for Mr 7 saying ‘This came in and I thought you’d like it!’. Love it. I have also taken note of the books your son likes as my oldest son goes through them and we are always looking for new options; especially as he won’t touch books that seem that they are ‘for girls’ as the cover might indicate.
Excellent idea on the bookclub. My mother-in-law and I have often said ‘I think you’ll like this’ on a range of books. I also loved reading about the facebook chats with past students and what a great librarian. I think librarians are often the unsung hereos of encouraging reading.
Thanks so much for commenting.
This is a great article with wonderful advice to other parents. I would like permission to include it in one of our school newsletters so that all our parents can also benefit from reading the advice in this article.
Thank you for sharing it with us all.
Thanks Carmen for your comments. I would be happy for you to use it in your school newsletter and I’m glad you enjoyed it. Could you please email david.bailey@core-ed.ac.nz and he can assist you with this.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading everyone's responses. Reading to and by wasn't really a practise that happened in our family growing up. It wasn't really part of our culture as such. We read the bible to help us improve our English, but loved being read to by our Sunday school teachers. Mum and dad didn't read to us, as English was not their first language – but they did tell us stories. As a parent, I loved reading picture books and graphic novels to my children whenever they would ask me to. All my literacy classes in the secondary school I teach at begin with a short read to by me. It's usually an article using Journals that is either topical or could be about something that I know is interesting or new to them. I always give them opportunity for them to ask questions, draw from prior knowledge or just listen then contribute. We do a quick recap by students sharing one thing with their peers. My students expect my classes to start this way, and in time, they would volunteer to read the article to the class and eventually make links and connections by finding similar articles themselves, and/or suggest other 'reads' that came out of our talks. My reluctant readers love reading digitally and so I use devices ( like their phones) to do this as well. Sometimes, it's not about what you read, but how we present the text.
Hi Tiere,
Thanks for commenting and sharing your experiemces as a child, a prent and a teacher; I’ve really enjoyed reading it. You also remind me of the important point that reading is helping to create a love of stories and oral stories do that really well as well. I still remember my Aunt making up eloborate stories about dragons and princesses and adventures when we hopped into bed with her on school holiday visits. She would sometimes forget parts of the story and my brother and I would remind her in great detail! Sometimes on weekend mornings my youngest son likes to tell us stories which I often love more thn being read to as it’s made up by him most of the time.
I also like the reference to reading an article before starting class – what a great way to engage students and help them to see the interesting information around us. I also agree with using different methods – such as digital devices – to engage stuents. Thanks for sharing, please let us know if you wish to nominate a primary school for the book.
Hi Rochelle,
Very cool article that every parent should read! I love the comments regarding the Comics and Graphic Novels, – Graphic Novels are largely unknown by many parents and we need to get the word out there how great they are for children. Very cool point about not judging too harshly the material that children choose….obviously it must be age appropriate, – but anything that gets them reading at the end of the day has to be good!
Thanks again……going to send this one out to all my children's parents.
Omokoroa Point School
Tauranga
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for your comments about comics and graphic novels and your comment ‘anything that gets them reading at the end of the day has to be good’ (with obviously age appropriate conditions as we both have noted). The point about graphic novels also reminds me that a lot of guys in their 20s (when I was in my 20s) would read graphic novels such as Daniel Clowes, and not really read novels. Only valuing one type of reading material (chapter books) to me is like only valuing one type of music (classical).
Thanks for nominating your school.
As a teacher my heart is tugged when a child in my class is frustrated with reading and their self esteem waxes and wanes. Being able to read confidently holds so much power! Attitudes and perception about reading are built up in a multitude of helpful and not helpful ways. Recently, I had one such child in my class but I knew something more was going on when she hid a chapter book ( as the kids call them) She was determined no one else could have it even though it was rather tricky for her! So her parents and I had a chat to change tack and delightfully your blog was timely, so I shared these tips with them. Their neighbours became involved too, handing over 30 easy chapter books their daughter had grown out of. Low and behold bouncing into class head held high was a happy excited little girl. And as we all know when anyone feels good about themselves they put in effort all round. I now have a very focussed student who gives her best and is finally believing in herself. She even went to the library at lunchtime and chose the perfect book for herself- such confidence! I must admit my eyes watered. When adults work together for children they surprise us in many ways. Many thanks- I'm spreading your words.
Linda
Hi Linda – thanks so much for your comments – my eyes watered too! I love hearing about children feeling good about what they have achieved, especially when it has been difficult and what a great story of team work. I loved your comment ‘When adults work together for children they surprise us in many ways’. It reminds me that education is a stool where the teacher, the parents and the child all work together to create an environment for the student to flourish.
If you have a school to nominate pleae let us know.
I teach( and looking at reciprocity of reading & writing) and I'm a mum; a mum who has one very able child and one frustrated by learning issues. Reading is just part of the bigger picture. Be inclusive- read together, write together, and talk together. Love words and their power to paint pictures. Challenge children not to let unknown words go unrecognised; notice words. Delibrately use words that are interesting and worth noticing. Use writing things down to resolve conflict or express feelings and thoughts to hard to say out loud.
Articulate children, good readers, and good writers may often go hand in hand BUT they can often not. Sometimes you might get 2 or 1 out of the three( just like us parents), sometimes its different combinations at different ages and stages; exploit words in any context- reading is just one (important-yes) avenue. We need to exploit them all. Language is an art form (and can be so much fun).
My children are grow-up now; some things I miss: the shared book at bedtime, the silly word games as we do everyday activities, the play on words, and changing the words in a song to suit ourselves. Do they read now ? Yes, but not every night. Are they articulate and can use language well ? Yes. Our one who struggles is most articulate when writing, more so than talking, and is a slow reader due to processing issues (writing age higher than rdg age)
So, support and grow the reading, but also the writing and the talking too- it's all about the art of effective language. They all help each other and encourage our children to notice words.
Hi Lynley. Great point on reading being just part of the bigger picture. I remember hearing an excellent interview several years ago on National Radio where it said all childen (and adults) have areas they are strong in and other areas they are weaker in. This educationalist recommended focusing more on the strengths of the child so that they felt good about themselves and therefore were more open and positive when they focused on the areas they were weaker in.
I like your suggestion of writing to resolve conflict. I also thought this could also work well for suggesting the pros and cons of a decision? Great point too about effective language and using words that are interesting. I deliberately don’t change the way I talk around my children so most weeks they will have to ask ‘What does …. mean?’ or sometimes they will guess – usually correctly, because isn’t that how we generally learn through immersion?
‘Language can be so much fun’ Thanks Lynley.
To encourage reading is to make it fun. I love to read and that evening ritual of reading together at bedtime, a house full of books and parents as good role models does help. I think finding an author or theme that a child likes also helps and for reluctant readers, something with humour is a must. When you laugh together, it has to be a hook.
Thanks Julie. You’re right – humour is such a must. This is often why Paul Jennings has been so popular with both my sons – he includes lashings of humpur throughout; also finding an author they like is great….until they get to the end of a series! on the hunt again :)
Thanks Rochelle for sharing your thoughts on how do grow great readers. We are so lucky that our two girls love to read. My youngest was a reluctant reader and then I remebered comics and this got her started! We are so lucky that we have some great libaries that run some great holiday activities to encourage reading further. Our school also encourages the children to take out books for the school holidays to keep the reading alive! Currently I am working with under 3 year olds and they just adore books. I could be on the couch reading for long periods of my day. Watching a child look at picture books with great delight is one of those heart warming moments for me!
The school I would like to nominate is Whenuakite School:)
Thank you
Hi Trish,
Thanks for commenting and nice to see the love of comics extends to other families as well! The library school holiday activites are fantastic as well as the summer reading programme. What my boys also liked about the summer reading programme (besides the party and the prizes!) was discussing their book with another adult without Mum or Dad there – it makes the joy their joy to share. I love reading books to the under 5s. One of my sons would sit there for ages even when he was 1. My other son was less keen to sit still as early but by around 3 he would really enjoy it. I think we also have to learn to be patient – well I did – if our child doesn’t want to listen; eventually the right book will grab them.
Thanks for nominating a school.
I would like to nominate Grants Braes School in Dunedin.
I enjoyed reading your post Rochelle. My two children 4yrs and 6yrs both love reading. We read every night before they go to bed and have done so since they were very little. I think this special time every day shows children the value we put on reading. It creates a lovely bonding time for parents and kids too. I love cuddling up with the kids on their bed and sharing a book together. I totally agree with you that it doesn't matter what children are reading as long as they are reading and enjoying it. My 6year old son has a few favourites at the moment – Geronimo Stilton and Zac Power. Which you can get through Scholastic book club at great prices at different times. I like your idea about the comics. We haven't really had any comics for the kids yet. I am definitely going to look for some. I think my son would love them. Trade me is a good idea. Have you got any good suggestions on what comics to start with for my 6year old boy?
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for your comments and for nominating a school. It is a lovely bonding time. Last night Mr 7 asked me to read him a bedtime story and I gave him the option of a book we could read that night or a chapter book. He chose David Walliams Mr Stink which is Mr 9’s. I read a chapter and he wanted another . The comics we bought off Trade Me (and garage sales sometimes work too) were Beano, Buster, Dandy to start with. My boys both ‘read them’ even when they couldn’t really read them. Garfield is also really popular and our library has several Garfield for loan – and you can ask a library to purchase items?
I enjoyed reading your comments. I am a teacher and I have three children of my own who are all avid readers. I read stories to my own children every night. They watched me read and throughout their childhood I watched for their ability to grow and as it did I helped them find the books they needed to "feed" their enthusiasm. I always model enthusiasm for reading and work hard find the right material for my little students and make sure they always feel they can read and they don't struggle too much. As adults we don't usually love things that we always have to struggle with.
I would like to nominate Kapanui School in Waikanae. Thanks
Thanks Barbara for your comments and for nominating a school. I like your point on enthusiasm for reading and that we don’t usually love things that we have to struggle with which obviously links in well with ‘feeding’ enthusiasm with the right books.
Lyall Bay Primary School
Lots of great ideas. I started to read to my son at a early age, got him a library card and took him to storytime at the Library.
Thanks Neela. Storytime at the library is such a lovely time with your child and helps to grow a love of stories. Thanks also for nominating a school.
Thank you to everyone who has commented, shared, and contributed to the discussion. We've really enjoyed reading all your responses! I would like to congratulate the following people, who have won a copy of The Three Bears, Sort of for their nominated school:
Mark Buckland, Hurupaki Primary — Whangarei
Barbara Beaumont, Kapanui School — Waikanae
Tsana Plessius, Glenbrae Primary — Glen Innes
Rebecca McKeever, Grants Braes School — Dunedin
Donna Bell, Welbourn School — New Plymouth
We will be in touch with you and Scholastic (our fantastic prize sponsors) to arrange delivery.
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