Read Anything and Everything with your Child

Researchers say it is important to expose children to multiple types of text. These include not only storybooks, but also nonfiction, letters, newspapers, magazines, recipes, wordless books, instructions,   How-to-guides, grocery lists, poems, songbooks, nursery rhymes, graphic novels, interactive books such as I Spy, alphabet books, counting books, and content on the web.  By viewing, reading, and understanding all different kinds of material, children learn that different texts serve different purposes and are read differently.  Some texts are read cover to cover while others serve as sources for specific information.  It is important for children to learn how and why reading and writing are important and useful.

(http://www.sentiolifesolutions.com/reading-re-reading-books-babies-important/)

Here are a few ideas from "Teaching Young Children" magazine:

             Read magazines and newspapers.
                 Talk about the photos and illustrations. Find an article by using the table of contents page.  Discuss the different sections, such as sports, local news, and advertising.

             Write a letter together.
                  Use it to say "Thank you," "I hope you feel better soon," or just "Hello." Explain why you write the date and include the name of the person whom you are writing to. Sign it and have your child sign her name too.

              Follow a recipe in a book or instructions on a food container.
                  Work as a team to gather the ingredients. Then follow the directions step-by-step.  Ask your child to help figure out what comes next.

              Read a variety of books.
                   At the library, help your child pick storybooks, nonfiction books, and books to read together.  Your child might choose a book of poems or a book with lots of detailed pictures to look at together.

Magazines

There are a variety of magazines for young children.  Some focus on a single topic, such as nature, while others are general interest magazines that cover a wide range of topics.  Here are just a few suggestions from "Teaching Young Children" magazine that you might subscribe to:

Chirp.  Short, playful articles explore a theme through games and hands-on activities. For ages 3-6. www.owlkids.com/chirp

Highlights High Five.  Offers stories, poems, recipes, puzzles, and games for young children.  Also has articles and activities that encourage age-appropriate interest in math and science.  For ages 2-6. www.Highlightshighfive.com

Ladybug.  Offers an assortment of illustrated stories, poems, songs, and activities.  For ages 3-6.
http://shop.cricketmedia.com/magazines/LADYBUG-Magazine-for-Kids.html

National Geographic Little Kids.  Has stories about the natural environment illustrated with photographs.  Issues includes picture games and puzzles.  For ages 3-6.  http://kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/littlekids

Your Big Backyard.  Includes photos, illustrations, stories, games, and information about a range of critters and their environments.  For ages 4-7.  www.nwf.org/Kids/Your-Big-Backyard.aspx

Zooties.  Explores a different animal species with colorful photos.  Offers games, activities, and illustrated animal stories.  For ages 2-6.  www.zoobooks.com