The benefits of reading to and with your child cannot be understated. I literally started reading to Tyler while he was still in the womb. His first words weren’t the usual mama and daddy, it was library and Books a Million. Okay maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but the point is, reading has been an integral part of Tyler’s life from the beginning and it has paid off in big ways. I’m continuously amazed at how well he reads at the tender age of five. If he misbehaves and I tell him he can’t watch TV, no big deal. But tell him no storytime and you will see tears flowing like Niagara Falls.
Our nightly storytime ritual is something we both look forward to. But finding interesting books week after week can be difficult. I’ve tried browsing the shelves and selecting books that sound interesting. Sometimes I select books based on the cover art alone. At other times I select books that I liked as a kid or from authors I like. I’ve even tried grabbing books from a particular section without even reading the titles (I like the element of surprise when I get home and see what I have actually checked out). Most recently, I’ve started selecting books that look old, you know the scruffy, usually beige ones, without the fancy book jacket. I find that some of the older ones are much better. I recently rediscovered Ogden Nash’s Tale of Custard the Dragon this way.
But when I feel particularly organized, I pull out a copy of Family Storytime by Rob Reid. This book has been an invaluable resource for me and I was lucky to get it for a mere 25 cents at the library book sale. Reid is a children’s librarian and the book is really for other librarians who are responsible for storytime, but parents and other caregivers will certainly find it useful. What I love about the book is that each chapter deals with a specific theme. In one chapter, all the books relate to “bears” for instance. Reid not only offers a list of appropriate books but provides a short description of each one. He also lists appropriate music, poems, videos, songs and in some cases finger plays and movement activities. I like to get about three or four of the books and not only read the books but discuss them as they relate to each another. This is a great way to teach a child about comparing and contrasting.
And since it’s sometimes quite hectic in the children’s section of our library, once I decide which books I plan to read in the upcoming week, I go online and place a hold on them if they are available. I then go to the library and find them waiting quietly for me at the circulation desk.
You can also create your own storytime themes by selecting books that cover a certain topic. You can search your local library’s catalogue to find related books, videos, music, etc. Whatever method you chose to use does not matter, just like brushing their teeth, reading should be a daily part of your child’s life.
You may also want to try these books:
Nifty Books for Children’s Librarians
The Library Leaders’ Reading List
For more fun activities to do with your child check out these articles:
The Art of Crafts- Family Time Well Spent