Reading with children is one of the most rewarding and valuable things you can do. Windows of opportunity exist to share important life lessons through literature. Children of all ages can respond and grow with very little prompting when a caring adult is willing to share a story. On my top reading book lists for the pre-schooler through second grade child is titled Frederick. This timeless book written by Leo Lionni stimulates a conversation about each person’s unique strengths.
Summary: Frederick is part of a mouse family. The family is preparing for winter and is complaining that Frederick is not helping. However, when winter comes, the mice discover how Frederick prepared for winter in a different way and Frederick shares his gift.
Reading Discussion prompts can be given at three different times during a story time.
The first prompt is designed to set the expectation of what the story is about. In this case, while the book is classified as fantasy because the animals talk, the events of the mice are relatively realistic. Before reading ask:
“What may life be like for real mice?”
The second prompt is during reading. This prompt is designed to help the listener focus on the story events. In Frederick, the mice have different jobs so the question focuses on this point. During reading ask:
“What are the different jobs the mice have?”
The third prompt is designed to connect the story to the child on a more individual and personalized level. After reading ask and discuss:
“What special talents and ways do you (the child) contribute to the family?”
Here is my challenge for parents and grandparents: Encourage ownership and development of the child’s unique gifts and value in the family.
And consider this family reading tip: Identify a time of day for family reading time. The time chosen needs to fit the family routine. The time may occur in the morning, right after lunch, or just before bed. The key is a frequent, consistent time to develop the routine.
Book Tips For Parents - Frederick
No comments:
Post a Comment