A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak about reading with children and the impact it has on young children. The hosts of Bookmark Radio, Michael Scott and Wendy Duncan, are avid readers and lovers of books.

We talked about how important it is to read with young children on a daily basis.  I hope you will click on this link to hear the radio interview:

November 21, 2011 http://castlerockradio.com/media_player.asp?messageID=107557

Here are some of the highlights of our conversation: 

• Reading with young children develops their literacy skills.
• Children aren’t born knowing how to hold a book or turn the pages.
• Parents need to be good role models and be seen reading by their children.
• Reading with children is fun for everyone.
• Children who are read to are more successful in school.
• Adding cooking and crafting activities related to the story is a plus.
• The messages in picture books can help children deal with many problems.
• Cooking and crafting encourage children to master tasks and skills.
• Self-esteem grows when parents engage positively with their children.
• Parents are the first and most influential teachers for their children.

For more information about using picture books to help your child develop a positive self-image and better literacy skills, please visit my website.  With your own copy of Show Me How, you will have 100 summaries of some of the best picture books ever written with an easy craft activity AND a simple recipe for each recommended title…right at your fingertips to use with your child.  Each activity takes only about 15 minutes.

Why not start the New Year with a great resolution for 2012?

Get back to basics!

Read 15 minutes every day with your child!

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• Reading and Crafting Fun with Kids (viviankirkfield.wordpress.com)