Reading readiness in the USA | VIVIAN KIRKFIELD

The dictionary has many definitions of the word “light”…usually we think of a lamp that illuminates a room…or the moon and sun that shine outdoors.

But when we say someone sees the light, we imply a mental understanding or spiritual insight.

As a student, I had many instances where I “saw the light” after a particularly helpful professor explained a difficult concept to me.

As a teacher, I observed many pupils “see the light” when something I had been teaching them finally made sense.

And, as a parent and now as a grandparent, I’ve been privileged to watch hundreds of “see the light” moments.

Jake at Time after Time has a Sunday Post Challenge and every week he provides a theme…this week’s theme is LIGHT.

Last summer we went fly-fishing with our twin grandchildren. Are you looking for a great intergenerational activity? Try fishing! Children love it…our grandchildren listened attentively while we showed them what to do…their faces were alight with joy as they cast their flies into the water.

And, have you ever watched the faces of children as they listen to a picture book story? Intent…attentive…joyful…alight with curiosity!

Or, put some arts and crafts supplies into the hands of young children and watch their faces light up with joy as the spark of creativity ignites!

There are so many things we can do with young children that will help them to “see the light”…reading, crafting, fishing, doing puzzles, taking a nature hike, going for a walk…just engaging them in a conversation. What are some things you enjoy doing with your children?

We only have one more week for the March Positive Parental Participation Reading Challenge! Please leave your comments and share with us the books you are reading with your children. Also, please spread the word about the Reading Challenge…a promise to read every day to a child…someone will be winning a new picture book at the end of every month!

Just a reminder…are you looking for picture book recommendations and other activities that will build self-esteem and reading readiness skills? Please check out my book, Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking…endorsed by parents, teachers and national organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. There is also only one more week for the March special: free shipping on my website Continental US only (an additional $5 off the price of the book for participants in the PPP Reading Challenge) or you can purchase the book on Amazon.

If you’d like more information about Jake’s Sunday Post:

http://jakesprinters.wordpress.com/

1. Christine: http://imagesoftheheart.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/sunday-post-light/

2. Judy: http://northernnarratives.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/sunday-post-light/

3. Isadora: http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/sunday-photo-challenge-by-jake-light/

4. Marcy: http://orples.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/sunday-photo-challenge-light/

5. Rois: http://jullianeford.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/sunday-post-light/

6. Marilou: http://imexcited.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/sunday-post-light/

7. Natalie: http://reflectionsinapuddle.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/sunday-post-light/

8. http://truthaboveallreligions.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/sunday-post-light/

9. http://blueberriejournal.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/light/

10. http://diggingher.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/sunday-post-weekly-challenge/