Family Bond Paper™

An illustrator is the person who provides their artwork skills to enhance the value of reading a good story. Who doesn't like to see pictures of what an author is trying to express to the reader? Allow your child to verbally explain to you what he/she thinks is happening. Give them a few seconds to view all of the delightful colors and expressions. Read the illustrator's name aloud just like you would the author's. You don't have to go to art galleries to appreciate beautiful artwork.  Watercolor, oil painting, pen and ink, collage, and other forms of artwork can be found in quality children's literature. Take time to tell the story of the artwork, too. Why do you think that color was used? Is it day or night? Inside or outside? What is the season? Many illustrators have distinct artistic styles that even young children can learn to recognize with very little adult assistance. --Oh, that's illustration from Eric Carle, Tomie de Paola, Don Tate, Cheryl Willis

When your unique household cooks, allow children to combine ingredients, mix, stir, and taste: Never eat raw or uncooked dough or batter. They also use the descriptive words of literature--nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs--to describe the what, how, where, and why, as well as the movements, textures, tastes, and feelings, associated with food and cooking. This combination of cooking and books can be continued at home or during homeschooling. As morning pancakes are cooked, consider referring to Eric Carle's Pancakes, Pancakes  (Simon & Schuster, 1990) or Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss (Random House, 1976), or Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendack (Scholastic, 1976).  Buy or bake different kinds of bread after you read Bread, Bread  by Ann Morris (Mulberry, 1989). Literature and cooking experiences are limited only by your imagination and creativity. Use your child's food preferences as a starting place and expand the experiences from there. Discuss colors of f

Many children first learn of the initial letter of their own name, which has a great deal of meaning and importance to them. Some children learn to read without knowing the names of letters or the sounds associated with them. But research shows that for "most" children, associating names and sounds with the alphabet comes before actual or conventional reading. You may still drill letter names, but include other fun ways of learning them. For instance, children enjoy labeling items that they choose. Sound out the name of the object together to determine which initial letter to use, then cut out big letters from magazines or newspapers and invite the child to tape them on items that he/she wants labeled. Why not try labeling important pieces of household items such as a living room clock--"clock." Play I Spy letter ... Try simple activities such as reading logos of favorite foods and stores, identifying street signs, writing grocery lists together, and playing w

Books can be expensive, especially if they are new and hardback.  Paperback and used books are much less expensive yet just as cherished.  Quality children's books, at very reasonable prices, often can be found at half-price bookstores, yard sales, thrift shops, or public library book sales. Your local library often has book lists based on age or themes that you could review before purchasing retail. Take your time browsing for that perfect book gift and be choosy; again, consider books based on child's age and interests. Choose books with quality illustrations and vivid colors. And remember that when you buy a book for your child, a child-relative, or even the neighbor's child, you are laying a strong foundation for the child's lifelong learning and educational memories. Book Clubs for Children Scholastic Book Clubs, Inc. 2931 East McCary Street P.O. Box 7503 Jefferson City, MO 65102-7503 The Trumpet Club P.O. Box 604 Holmes, PA 19043