Sharing Books.

From July 2000 to June 2001, the Vermont Business Roundtable distributed 7000 tote bags to all Vermont families who had babies born in the year 2000. Yes, it’s now 2007, and darn near 2008, but the message is still the same: Reading to and with your child is important for his or her development.

The follow information, and the next few postings, was published by the VBR and the Vermont Department of Libraries in 2000. I did not obtain their permission to distribute this information, but I’m willing to take the chance of breaking a couple of copy write laws to get this message out.

Tips on sharing books with very young children:

1. Read often and regularly. Set aside a special time to read, but don’t limit books to that one time.

2. Choose books that you like, so as to share your enthusiasm with your child.

3. Talk about the book with your child– point out things on the page, and relate the book’s story to the child’s life and experience.

4. Don’t expect total attention from all young children! Some particularly active ones need to be doing something else, like coloring or playing with blocks, while you read.

5. Read with expression, and vary the pace and volume of your reading.

6. Make songs and rhymes an integral part of your family’s life. Use time in the car or waiting for an appointment to sing together and do simple action rhymes.

7. Have lots of books and other reading materials in the home.

8. Reread you child’s favorite books as often as you can stand it!

9. Begin to build your child’s home library so she or he can have the joy of ownership and constant availability.

10. Take your child to the public library often to select books and to participate in programs.

11. And most important– have fun!