Learning To Love Reading

Learning to read is a continuous process for children that begins early and is greatly influenced by parents and caregivers. The importance of reading to children can’t be overemphasized: it improves brain growth, language development, and academic achievement. Studies show that early experiences with books and reading are a critical link to a child’s future academic success.

To help children learn to love to read, choose developmentally appropriate books:

• Infants and toddlers should have bright, bold picture books; rhyming poetry and songs; and strong, durable books that they can play with and hold.
• Older toddlers and preschoolers should have a variety of picture books—true stories, funny stories, mysteries, and tales about everyday objects and activities. Also include easy-reader books that children learn to “read” with you as you turn each page.
• Young school-aged children begin reading simple chapter books for themselves and enjoy more sophisticated stories that parents and caregivers read to them. But, picture books are still appealing and favorites can be shared over and over again.

Building Blocks has two excellent books for you and your child. They are bright and colorful, are developmentally appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers, and will help your children become Building Blocks friends. Please note—to view documents in PDF format, you must have Adobe’s free Acrobat Reader software. If you do not already have this software installed on your computer, please download it from Adobe's Web site.
	Play Day in the Park (Easy Reader for 3- to 4-year-olds) This Easy Reader features the familiar Building Blocks characters in a rhyming book that encourages children to play outside and exercise and discover the world around them. Use this oversized, colorful book in the classroom or at home to engage young children in reading and counting, problem-solving, and making healthy decisions.
	Look What I Can Do! (Easy Reader for 5- to 6-year-olds) This Easy Reader features the familiar Building Blocks characters and encourages children to play outside and exercise, eat healthy meals and snacks, and discover the world around them. Activities throughout the book let children show all of the things that they can do, too! Use this oversized, colorful book in the classroom or at home to engage young children in reading, problem-solving, and making healthy decisions.

Resources:

• Teach Your Child to Read from News for Parents.org provides tips for everyday activities that will have your children reading.
• Reading Tips for Parents from the American Library Association.
• Book Reviews from the Parent’s Choice Foundation.
• Reading to Babies, Toddlers and Young Children provides reading tips from the Child Literacy Center.