The Soul of a Non-Fiction Reader

Young Children are not often encouraged to read non-fiction for pleasure. As a rule you will find more fiction stories and picture books stacked high in the class room than non-fiction. However, fiction is not a bad thing. I just think we should give Non-Fiction children readers a boost too. Enjoy the following article from Jessica Pegis.


Over the past few months, it's dawned on me that I'm raising a non-fiction reader. First she came home with a book about child rulers. Then it was a round-up of Greek mythology. Now it's something about how to scare yourself silly.

Lots of maps, time lines, and most critical of all: facts.

Since non-fiction is the only kind of reading I've ever been able to sustain, I have to admit I'm tickled. But I'm even happier about the smart teacher and cagey librarian who recognized the non-fiction gene in my daughter and encouraged her forward. Are you raising a non-fiction type? Here are some ways to tell:

Words, words, words Readers of fiction love the words on the page--what a word looks and sounds like; how one word looks sitting next to another; how an author used an image throughout a book. Non-fiction readers don't care. I repeat: they just don't care. Watch them glaze over when you say the word "motif."

Story schmory Non-fiction readers can't see the point of reading stories because once you've read one, let's face it: you've read them all. They don't get lost in what they're reading--they get lost in what they're thinking or doing.

Which brings us to. . .

Something to think about Non-fiction readers often gravitate to the theoretical and the logical. They like their books to give them the scoop on how stuff works and they need time to ruminate on it all. Or try it out. Or do something with it. Often the fun begins once the book is closed. (Kinesthetic learners, anyone?)

Periodical happiness Non-fiction readers will usually be kept amused with a steady supply of magazines and websites in their areas of interest. This reading material is often challenging but more to the point: the non-fiction reader will see it as relevant.

Mystery Inc. This is one fiction genre that is worth trying out on the non-fiction types. They will enjoy the process of assembling clues and trying to figure out the ending before the author does.

Lately, it seems that everyone (except, perhaps, the Texas State Board of Education) is encouraging kids to choose their own reading material. So if your child is bringing home lots of non-fiction, don't worry. It's all reading and it's all worthwhile.

And if those preferences last a lifetime, that's not only OK--it could turn out to be pretty interesting.

Jessica Pegis is an author and consultant specializing in learning resources kids. She is the mother of 10-year-old Simone, her sternest critic and loudest cheerleader. Sign up today for KidSmart, her FREE e-zine, by going to http://www.talkplaythink.com Tips, games, and other fun (and brainy) stuff to do with kids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_Pegis

Write it down,
Carma

You're Never Too Young To Read A Good Book

The other day I was babysitting my year old grandson Gabriel. He is the smartest baby in the world just as all grandchildren are. His parents are smart too because they began introducing him to books when he was six months old. They let him touch and feel the books and of course read to him. Now when he sees one of his books he gets very excited. When I gave him his favorite picture book of the alphabet he grabbed it with both hands and began to “read” it. This kid will always be entertained by books, thanks to an early start.

This brings me to point out there is a huge market for writers and illustrators who wish to write for children of pre-preschool ages. It is so important to shape a child’s mind in a positive and caring way. You may think it would be simple to write “See Spot run” or words to that affect but children’s attention spans are short and the type of words used in toddler’s books need to be effective and descriptive. In today’s world it is not just learning to read the words it is about learning to describe them.

Writing for children is a multi faceted specialty because of the wide range of age groups and subject matter. Would you like to become a Children’s writer and play an important role in a child’s life? Join the Children’s Writer’s Coaching Club as I did and begin to learn from writing coach and founder, Suzanne Lieurance, and authors like Margot Finke and Lila Guzman.

Write it down,

Carma

The World Between Cardboard Covers is a Whole New World

Our children become what they read. However, they are not reading as much as they should unless it is on line and at best they are just skimming words. Haven’t we all done that? Reading text is becoming old-fashioned because a world of instant gratification surrounds us with internet, television, video games, movies and should I say more?

Hope Clark of Funds for Writers sparked the subject of teaching children to love reading stories in her Newsletter FFW Small Markets. Hope says “Not only does reading create memories, but it exercises the mind. It empowers a child to write.”

As adults, we are negligent and a major part of the problem. When was the last time you read any of the books your child is reading or do you even know What your child is reading? Consider reading your child’s books and having discussions about the story. When children see how excited their parents become about reading they will want to imitate. When the adult loves the written word so will the child.

I am afraid that we (society) are creating a world where the only quality reading a young person prefers is Cliff Notes where the emphasis is on shortcuts and not the story. Create a love for the story and you will create a love for reading in children.

Michale Morpurgo of The Telegraph in the UK says “Our mindset has to change. We have to stop proclaiming reading as a ladder to academic success. Treated simply as an educational commodity, some kind of pill to be taken to aid intellectual development, it is all too often counter-productive and ultimately alienating.”

Click here to read the rest of the piece and find out which 100 books a child should read.

Write it down,

Carma