Literacy and Our Children

As a student and book-lover, I admit that I savor the smell of a well-worn book. Even though the Internet is making everything digital, I still like the tactile experience of holding a book. And just to share: As a kid, I loved the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary and the Fudge books by Judy Bloom. For older kids, Bridge to Terabithia is also a very good read.

There is no greater feeling than walking by my little 6 year old's bedroom and seeing her curled up on the bean bag with a blanket and her favorite book. I've been taking her to the library since she was really small. We pick a few books from the children's section and she picks out the ones she wants to bring home. With the rise of the internet, I think it's doubly important that we cultivate literacy in our children. It's up to us, as parents and educators, to open those doors to them and keep the spirit of reading alive.

As a former reading teacher, I can't stress enough the importance of reading with our children and nurturing them with a love for reading. One of my favorite books that's great to read aloud to little ones, and wonderful for young readers to try on their own is Mouse Soup by Arnold Lobel.