The beloved Bob Books are often a starting place for many families with new readers. Join us this Saturday, November 3, at 2 p.m. at the Central Library to meet Lynn Kertell, the current author of the Bob Books! These books help children practice the fundamental skills of learning how to read. They are written to gradually build children’s practice and skill with phonics.
Phonics is about understanding the relationship between letters and the sounds they make, and the sounds they make when combined. This is also referred to as decoding, or sounding out words. New readers are also learning “sight words” which are simple words they can begin to recognize without having to first sound them out.
Practicing reading while learning these skills can be quite a challenge for kids. It’s a very complex skill that requires multiple brain functions working simultaneously. Most children’s brains are not ready for reading until at least age 5, some not until age 7 or even later. And I really do mean most. This isn’t an issue about children being smart—it’s physiological. If children are reading independently much before age 5, it’s a good idea to check and make sure they are also developing mathematical thinking, movement and coordination skills, and social skills.
The good news is that while learning to read is challenging and complex, reading practice does not have to be either of those things. In fact, since motivation is so critical during this time, it’s much better if learning is fun.
Saturday’s program will be a fun way for children to practice skills that support learning how to read. Lynn will read a Bob Book and then we will create a Bob Book as a group. Children will have an opportunity to be involved and make their own Bob Book too. Lynn will also be available to give parents some tips on working with their new readers.
Here are some other ideas that other parents have come up with to make reading practice fun:
And here’s a great new book, Show Me a Story by Emily K. Neuburger, full of fun literacy activities, perfect for home, or the classroom.
Finally, when you’re ready for some more reading practice, check out these three lists we have created for new readers:
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