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Reading together: the key to choosing the right book for your child
Everybody knows that it is important to read to, and with your child. Reading together is one thing but choosing the perfect book for your child to read can be daunting. It is however not an impossible task and with some clever tips and tricks it can even be easy. Before you can start looking for the right book for your child you need a good understanding of their reading milestones and levels. The key to choosing the right book for your child is to understand them!
Reading: From baby books to chapter books
Baby and toddler
The first book that you place into your baby’s hands is their introduction to the world of books. It is important that those first books make a good impression! Children this age love bright colors, simple pictures and rhyming text. Buy your child a board book to hold and buy a plastic book to play in the bath with. Then, buy them a book that you can read to them, a book with bright pictures and a rhyming story.
At this age it is essential that you read to them. This will not only help develop their language skills but will also teach them that books are fun. Each child develops at their own pace and this is also true with regards to reading. You need to know what reading milestones are as well as how to help your child to reach these milestones. A great article from kidshealth.org breaks down the reading milestones for parents.
Early school years (age 5-8)
Kids between 5 and 8 either can’t read or are learning to read. Parent led reading is really important during this time. At this age, children are full of questions and the right book can help you answer all these complex questions. If you are still reading with your child, choose a story book with bright and interesting illustrations, a strong story line and compelling characters. The Giflands series are the perfect books to read to your child within this age group. The illustrations are fun and informative so it will be easy for your child to guess what is going to happen next, making reading interactive.
Independent readers in this age group need a book with a straightforward story line and text that is easy to read. It is important that you choose a book that is easy enough to read so that you don’t frustrate the reader and discourage independent reading. This does not mean that you should stop reading aloud to them! A series of books like the Giftlands series are an excellent way to keep the tradition going from parent led reading to reading aloud together.
Older kids (age 9-13)
At this age, children are starting to explore larger books, like chapter books. This is when they can read with a certain amount of ease and follow a longer story with multiple characters. It’s the perfect age for them to choose books about all of their interests. They can read anything from story books to science books to find out more about the world around them and their place in it. It is important for any parent to allow their child to choose the books that they like, within reason of course! Allow your child to read about their latest passion and then about the one after that as well, it will not only grow their love of reading but also grow their general knowledge!
The Giftlands series is perfect for 9 – 12-year old’s who are starting to explore chapter books. This series introduces your child to complex and interesting characters and takes them on a new adventure every time. The language is easy to read and understand but still introduces the child to more complex words throughout the story. If your child loves farm life and adventure, then this series will definitely be a good fit! And a BIG parental bonus? Each book contains a life lesson with a toolbox filled with tools to help your child face life head on.
Four things to think about before you choose a book
So, now that we have broken down the different age groups and what they are supposed to be reading, let’s look at some important aspects that you need to consider before choosing the right book for your child. While you are standing in the bookstore looking at the copious amounts of books in front of you, consider the following:
- The child’s interest: It is important that you choose a book that your child will like. If your son likes dinosaurs, he is definitely not going to enjoy a book about a fairy princess. If you choose a book about something that your child likes, they will more likely become eager readers, because they learn early on that books are full of the stuff that they love.
2. The illustrations: Choose a book with clear and colorful images that correspond to the storyline. Younger readers will follow the story by looking at the illustrations as the parent reads. Older readers will use the illustrations to help them visualize and conceptualize the story. But more importantly, the illustrations will draw the child’s attention and keep it focused on the story.
3. The story: Choosing a story with imaginative and age appropriate language is key. The child should be able to read the text easily enough so that they can understand and follow the story. It is important though that the text includes new and challenging words in order for the child to learn new vocabulary while reading.
4. The theme of the book: Is the theme of the book something that your child can identify with? The theme of the book and your child’s interests go hand-in-hand. For anyone, adults and children alike, to love a book they need to be able to identify with a character, a circumstance or the setting of the book.
Now is the time when parents usually get enthusiastic about choosing their child’s next favorite book, but then it dawns on them, how do I know what reading level my child is on? Firstly, ask a professional. Your child’s teacher will be ale to tell you on what reading level your child is. Then, you can use a handy trick, called the 5-finger rule, to find the perfect book for your child.
The 5-finger rule
The 5-finger rule is an excellent way to figure out if a book is the perfect book for your child. Start off by taking your child to a bookstore and letting them choose a book that they like. It is important for them to choose a book that falls within their interest! Find a spot in the store to sit down and open the book somewhere in the middle. Choose a page with lots of text on, then ask your child to read that page to you. Every time they reach a word that they can’t read or don’t know, hold up one finger.
- Thumb (1): Perfect! Your child will be able to read the book with ease as well as face some challenges along the way.
- Thumb and index finger (2): Your fingers form an L so it still Looks good.
- Thumb, index finger and middle finger (3): Your fingers form a W so this is a Warning. An adult will have to help when reading this book.
- Four fingers: This book is too difficult to read on their own. It is best that an adult reads this book to the child.
- Five fingers: Whoa! This book was way too difficult, let’s try to find one that is easier to read.
One last tip!
The most important part of choosing the perfect book for your child is to choose a book that they are interested in! Let them choose a book and use the 5-finger rule to help them find the perfect book for their reading level. The easiest way to encourage any child, even a reluctant reader, to read is to give them a book that will truly interest and amaze them.
Blogger bio
Nadja Botha is a qualified teacher, writer and mom. She has an Honors degree in English Language Education and Children’s literature. With a passion for education and seven years of teaching experience, she has a multi-layered understanding of the structure of children’s literature and the use thereof in the acquisition of language. After teaching she ventured into the publishing industry where she specializes in educational content, children’s fiction, editing and writing. Her experience as managing editor within the publishing industry has allowed her to work on an international publishing project which focused specifically on creating educational content for a European-based publishing house.