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59 Boulevard, Pequannock, NJ 07440
Phone: (973) 305-5615
Home | Contact | District Main | School Hours
59 Boulevard, Pequannock, NJ 07440
Phone: (973) 305-5615
By: Reading Rockets (2010)
It's easy to find yourself lugging home a stack of library books that your kids will love to listen to. It's harder to make sure you're bringing home a wide variety of books. But that may be just as important. Sharing lots of different kinds, or genre, of books with your young reader exposes them to different words, different pictures, and whole new worlds. Below are some genres to try with your reader that complement 'traditional' fiction. Some are suggestions that can be used as read alouds, other may be ones your child can read.
From talking dogs to imaginary underground worlds, fantasy books contain elements that are not possible in real life. Cornelia Funke, J. K. Rowling, and Lemony Snicket are all authors to consider within the fantasy genre.
Well written historical fiction helps past events come alive for children. With topics as wide ranging as pioneer life and ancient civilizations, books within this genre awaken the historian in any child.
Biographies have a way of inspiring kids. The best ones introduce famous presidents, inventors, educators and scientists in a way that helps kids identify with the person. David Adler has a series of biographies that are well loved by early elementary students.
What makes a volcano erupt? How tall is the tallest man? Where does the word pumpkin come from? Kids ask many questions, and reference books help them find the answers. When choosing reference books for your child, make sure they were recently written and seem to contain accurate information.
Poetry just isn't as widely read as it should be. Several children's poets have collections that will make your child howl with laughter. Poetry is often shorter too, which makes the task of reading less overwhelming for new or reluctant readers. Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein are great authors to start with in this genre.
Whatever you choose to read with your child, make it an enjoyable experience. Have fun visiting that magical place, getting to know that famous person, finding the answers to questions, and reading with the rhythm of poetry.
By: Reading Rockets (2009)
All parents want their child to do well in school. One way to help your child is to help them build their vocabulary. Beginning readers use knowledge about words to help them make sense of what they're reading. The more words a reader knows, the more they are able to comprehend what they're reading or listening to.
Talking to and reading with your child are two terrific ways to help them hear and read new words. Conversations and questions about interesting words ("The book says, 'The boy tumbled down the hill,' and look at the picture! How do you think he went down the hill?") are easy, non-threatening ways to get new words into everyday talk.
Sharing a new word with your child doesn't have to take a long time: just a few minutes to talk about the word and then focus back on the book or conversation. Choose which words to talk about carefully — choosing every new word might make reading seem like a chore. The best words to explore with your child are ones that are common among adult speakers but are less common to see in the books your child might read.
When introducing new words to your young learner, keep the following four helpful hints in mind:
Over the next few days and weeks, take advantage of opportunities to use each new vocabulary word in conversation.
Take the time to share new words and build your child's vocabulary. You'll be enormously glad you did!