Reading time

[bttrflyvld]

We do a lot of reading with our two daughters ages 3 and 5. My 5 year old just loves for me to read to her. She's also got a great start at learning to read. I would like to help her love reading and I encourage her when ever she's interested. Does anyone have any advice on how to help your kids love reading? I know she's young, but I would love to give her a good start. Also when should I start reading chapter books with her? Any suggestions to some good series for her age?

[ZeeMommy]

Read, read, read, and repeat! We read a lot to our oldest, now 6 years old. We didn't do chapter books, but lots of Little Critter/Mercer Mayer, Blueberries for Sal & Make Way for Ducklings (don't remember author), Little Bear/Else Homelund Minarisk (or something like that), a book of poems illustrated by Tomi de Paola, I Spy books, Each Peach Pear Plum/Ahlburgs, lots of Dr Seuss (both longer books and short easier ones) - they are all children's books, but the stories aren't "babyish" and it takes a little longer to read. But we did do simpler books also. Little House in the Big Woods might be a good chapter book to start with. I personally haven't looked into any series - perhaps the ones about Ramona by Beverly Cleary might be good also, and would qualify as chapter books. If I think of any other good books we've enjoyed, I'll post here again! :)

[bakpak]

Hey there! I have a big reader too. I started reading some older chapter books with my DD when she was 2.5, but most of the reading was over meals (it was only the 2 of us for 8 months while I was finishing up a degree). Anyway, the biggest hits were Charlotte's Web and the Mouse and the Motorcycle. We also read Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, and Misty of Chincoteague and she enjoyed them, but less so. Winnie the Pooh has been hit or miss over the past year, although she's generally very fond of the characters. Around the age of 3 she got more into fairy tales, which are usually longer picture books with more text. She's 3.5 now and we read a big mix. She still loves picture books, but we've also transitioned into some early chapter books and read those daily. My Father's Dragon was a huge hit, as is the Magic Tree House series. I'd also try out some books on CD with your daughters. They're a huge hit with lots of little kids.

 

In general, any of the chapter stories that included talking animals are a big hit and more theme appropriate I've found.

[kwg]

Love to hear what others are reading! :)

 

We have great success with audio books in the car. WInnie the Pooh has been a favorite by far.

 

Some of his absolute favorite chapter book read alouds have been : The Enormous Crocodile, Catwings, and My Father's Dragon.

 

We are currently reading The Trumpet of the Swan by EB White. I had to start out slower- like half a chapter each reading before he lost interest but once he got into the story, he is sitting for a full chapter.

[amiesmom]

We started reading chapter books when my oldest was 5, my then 3yo would listen in as well. Some of our favorite read alouds were Boxcar Children, Mrs. Pigglewiggle, Magic Tree House Books, How to Train Your Dragon Series. Other favorite shorter books are Henry and Mudge books, Mr. Putter books, and most of the FIAR books have been great!

[aprilsblessings]

I agree with everyone just keep reading. I didn't start chapter books too early. A little bit last year and more this year. My kids are now in 1st, K, preschool (3 going to be 4 in March), toddler, and new baby. Now that we have started reading more chapter books with the oldest two I have been shocked with the narrations (or telling back what he has pick up in the story) from my 3 year old. I definitely think chapter books with short chapters are great to start now. My kids have LOVED Mr. Popper's Penguins, and we are reading through the Little House books.

 

Heart of Dakota's Beyond Little Hearts storytime read-alouds is a great list for ideas. I also really like the Simply Charlotte Mason website and their literature lists.

 

HOD

http://www.heartofdakota.com/byd-little-hearts-packages.php

 

SCM

http://simplycharlottemason.com/planning/scmguide/literature/

[MommaOfalotta]

I really want my dd to love reading too :) I try and pick exciting books for her. We read 99% chapter books and I was worried they wouldn't hold her attention but she loves them and follows along wonderfully. Some series she likes: Junie B. Jones, The Boxcar Children & Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events. We started Little House on the Prarie and she hated it. So we didn't finish (this drove me insane but I figured theres plenty of time later to come back to it. I mainly want to get her excited about reading, so I try to stick with what she likes for now.) She is really following Charlie and The Chocolate Factory right now.

 

Good luck and happy reading!

 

P.S. Some of these books have words that we dont approve of. Lemony Snicket I think said "d*mn and Junie B Jones might have said something like "stupid." I just change the word as Im reading :) oops!

[Maela]

We started out with Ramona the Pest and have just now (about a year later) finished all the Ramona books. I loved them as a kid, and Dd does too.

 

Also, in regards to encouraging a love of reading: I think that when your Dc see you really enjoying reading and doing it often, that really has a lasting effect on them. In our house, reading is something we all love to do often, and there are weekly library visits. I don't know for sure, but I think our dd's HUGE love of reading stems from that.