The idea of reading a newspaper brings up images of some man
reading his paper at the breakfast table as the family is eating. This screams,
“Boring!” The truth is that the newspaper can be fun. It is a great place to
increase your child’s reading.
Take your local newspaper and spread it out on the floor.
With your child, start exploring. Learn the various sections and what the paper
has to offer. Note that they talk about local events and world events. Point
out the various advertisements. Through the paper they can find jobs,
furniture, or can sell things. Comics and games are in the paper. Discover what
is showing at the movies or if there is a play in town. This can even be down
with national papers or ones from other cities so that you can compare.
Once a child realizes that this bland black and white paper
is not just a jumble of words that only adults can decipher, begin reading a
piece from the paper. You do not have to go right to the section where they are
talking about the latest polls and who might be the next governor. The child
will never pick up a paper again if you do that. Instead, find something
interesting. Read about a children’s play in town. Read the featured recipe if
they like to cook. Read the comic strips. Try one of the word scramble puzzles.
Skip “the boring” section of the paper and go right for the fun stuff.
As things are happening in the world, then periodically add
that piece into your newspaper time. If a new president has been elected, read
a piece that talks about his childhood or his own children. They will be
surprised that the newspaper can bring in interesting facts. Choose the pieces
about the new fishing regulations and begin discussing what the piece says.
There are so many things that you can do with a newspaper to
make it fun. Make up games where the child has to look through one article and
find particular words or words that begin with a particular letter. Before long
they will be reading the piece as they go.
Yes, newspapers can be read at the breakfast table. But they
can also be read on the floor with your child. Make the newspaper fun.
No comments:
Post a Comment