Reading Writing and Personalized Stories
By Mary Teresa Fowler
The positive influence of reading and writing with children - both in school and at home - is an absolute source of amazement. Teachers can easily observe the advantages of children and parents reading at home. Everyone can appreciate the strong foundation for the school years that reading at home creates for the preschooler.
Word recognition, comprehension abilities, and listening skills are all fostered through the parent-child reading experience. Educators who have studied the topic agree that a link is evident between academic success and exposure to reading at a young age. Teachers can witness evidence to support this in our classrooms.
The greatest benefits of reading at home, however, comes from the subsequent parent-child bonding. The greatest reward of reading at home is in the experience itself! It comes from the cuddle, the closeness, and the joy of the moment.
If you are a parent, you understand that sentiment. If you are not a parent, reflect for a moment on your own childhood memories of reading with your parents. No other words are needed to convince you of the importance of reading to children.
During the preschool years, children may ask to read the same book again and again. Maybe even three times a day for a period of time. Many parents can relate to that experience. Children can become captivated by a book for any reason.
A certain phrase may capture their attention. A silly sentence might make them laugh. Very often the same reasons will help the parents' boredom to easily fade from existence.
Sometimes children as young as three years of age can reverse the reading situation and read a book to their parents. At 3, they probably don't really recognize each word. They often memorize the story from so much reading and rereading. They can know exactly when to turn the pages.
At this point reading may not have provided them with word recognition skills. Reading, however, has already given them confidence and self-esteem. They are so proud of their accomplishments. Chances are that they will continue to excel throughout the school years.
Most likely, they will also grow to become confident young adults. Many factors are at play in a child's development. Much credit, however, can be given to shared reading experiences. Reading fosters priceless self-esteem.
Sometimes reading experiences with children do not even have to involve books. One can "read" a child a story from the script in one's mind. Is there not a touch of a writer in everyone? Do we not all have vivid imaginations? How many people keep journals? How many participate in on-line forums?
Some children prefer the stories from the imagination without the printed text. They prefer it when someone invents their own stories. Such stories in the imagination do not provide children with word recognition skills. These stories, however, still provide the valuable reading "experience."
It also dismisses the abstract idea of author and puts it in a more tangible realm. If Mommy can write in her mind, then so can I! Children can develop a love for writing from such imaginative experiences.
Reading and writing are really intertwined. One skill fosters the other. The love of one supports the love of the other.
Most children enjoy books when they are given the opportunity to explore. Children gravitate towards books. At times a flashy cover or interesting feature will attract them to a book. It is the joy of reading, however, which will ultimately keep their interest.
Personalized stories can help expand on a love for reading. Personalized stories are thought to enhance self-esteem. Some personalized stories in the marketplace just contain the child's name (or their friends' names). The children, however, still learn to recognize their names. They gain self-esteem from reading a story about themselves.
Personalized stories can be the impetus to encourage a child to keep a journal. Personalized stories can inspire them to write about themselves or their family or friends. Every story written will be as unique as every child.
Any extra incentive which can encourage children to enjoy reading has to be considered a positive influence. Instilling a love of reading in a child is giving them a gift which will last a lifetime. We always pass down our recipes from generation to generation. Let's not forget to do likewise with our books and their joys.
Stories read or stories written don't have to cost a cent. They can be accessed of course from library sources. But they are free anyway in our imagination. So regardless whether or not you purchase stories or books, remember the reading experience. Please read with your child!
2008 MTF