Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American artist, book publisher, animator, poet, a political cartoonist as well as an author. He is best known for authoring over 60 children’s books.
The NEA started their project "Read Across America" day (March 2) and now week in connection with Dr. Seuss' birthday. There is some distinction between them now but the overall theme is finding ways to encourage children to read.
I've heard so many creative ways parents have found to get their child to love reading.
--Start with picture (no word) books. Have your child tell the story in their own words as they follow the pictures.
--Does your child have a favorite hobby? Sport? Character? Tie their favorite in with a book. Basketball? Find books about that. Unicorns? Exactly. If they're not interested, they won't read it.
--Get silly! A Snowy Day? Read the book in the snow. Falling leaves? Read the book in a big pile of leaves.
--Read their book aloud to them. They're never too old to be read to. Make sure they follow along as you read.
--Books aren't the only thing you can read. Comics, cereal boxes, labels, magazines, calendars.
--Finally, be their role model. Reading the newspaper, finding stories on-line, checking books out of the library. Children learn by following adults' example. If reading is important to you, they'll notice that.
Here are some great websites that offer even more advice on encouraging the love of reading in children:
