How to Read Books to Grandchildren

Instill the love of reading in your grandchildren by establishing traditions around books. Snuggling on the sofa with a good book benefits Grandma, as well as the kids. Each reading session helps them become better listeners, readers and writers – a formula for academic success

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A variety of children's books

1. 
   GRANDMA'S READING CORNER

   Establish a favorite reading zone in your house with plush pillows and blankets on a chair, bed or sofa. Make sure the area has good lighting with a shelf or basket for book storage. Set aside a special story time when they come to visit. Above all, associate reading with fun, not homework related or a chore. This positive connotation makes reading desirable.

2. 
   KINDLE: A LIBRARY AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

   Invest in award winning and classic books for your grandparent library. Buy cute bookplates to inscribe the grandchildren’ s name or order personalized ones online. Your local bookstore can help you find Newbery or Caldecott Award winning books in the children’s section. Publisher’s Weekly maintains a Best Seller’s Children’s category online at: http://www.publishersweekly.com/bestsellerslist/11.html?channel=bestsellers

3. 
   TEACH IMPORTANT LIBRARY SKILLS

   Take your grandchildren to the local branch library and teach them how to find books by subject or author. They’ll be thrilled when you sign them up for their very own library card. While there, find out when the librarian hosts story telling events. Public library activities are usually free.

4. 
   VOLUNTEER AT READING EVENTS

   Encourage their reading success in school by pledging during read-a-thons, volunteering at book fairs and donating to their school library. Volunteer to read in their classroom during special events like “Grandparents Day” or “Dr. Seuss Birthday” celebrations.

5. 
   A BOOK FROM A GRANDPARENT BECOMES A TREASURED HEIRLOOM

   Add a book to their birthday or holiday gift and soon their own book collection will multiply. Include a handwritten note on the inside cover with the date and occasion.

Tips & Warnings

• Sign your grandchildren up for a kid's book club at the library or bookstore.
• Teach grandchildren the love of reading by example. Let them see you read your OWN books or magazines.
• Write stories with your grandchildren to retell at bedtime.

Resources

• KINDLE DX for Grandparents & Kids alike!
• Capture memories:Canon PowerShot 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
• USED & NEW Texbooks
• Chapter Two: Blog for optimal living ages 50 & up

[ucandoit2]

on 7/15/2009 This is a wonderful article. I love reading and I am going to set up a reading corner for my grandchildren. I want them to know how to use their imaginations without the help of a computer or TV!