Eight Tips for Helping Young Readers Bloom

Spring is here, so many people are planning and prepping to work in their gardens. In many places, spring flowers are already blooming or daffodils and other spring bulbs are poking up out of the warming soil. Given the right conditions and care, gardens can be thriving, vibrant places full of life. And the same is true for young readers! So, to celebrate spring and gardens and reading, here are ten tips to help your young readers bloom and thrive, along with some garden photos for some garden inspiration. 1. Just like flowers, budding readers blossom in their own time. Encourage them, but let them grow at their own pace. 2. Gardens need the right nutrients to grow, and this can vary depending on the plant. The same is true for young readers. Fertilize young readers minds with consistent, nutrient-rich mind food. In other words, offer a variety of books! But remember, not all growing readers will respond to the same books the same way.  Cone flowers and black-eyed Susans in Rebecca'

Summer Challenge Week Four: Books, Books, Books!

 
Week four of the Read, Discuss, Do! Summer Challenge is all about books! Books about books, that is! There are some fantastic stories about libraries, how books are made, how stories affect people in positive ways, and so much more. We encourage you to read some books about books this week, then talk about the ways books influence our lives. When you're done, have some bookish fun!

Ideas for books to read:

  • Wild About Books by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Marc Brown - Fun and clever rhyming story about a librarian who mistakenly drives into the zoo and ends up teaching the animals to read.
  • Bear's House of Books by Poppy Bishop, illustrated by Alison Edgson - Sweet and engaging story about books and friendship.
  • How this Book Was Made by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex - A funny and educational book about the writing and publishing process.
  • That Book Woman by Heather Henson, illustrated by David Small - Heartwarming story about a young boy who reluctantly learns to enjoy books.
Ideas for things to discuss:
  • Do you enjoy reading? Why or why not?
  • What is your favorite kind of book to read? Do you have a favorite book?
  • Do you prefer to read to yourself or have someone read to you?
  • Have you ever written a story of your own?
  • What kinds of things besides books can you find at a library?
Ideas for things to do:
  • Visit a library and bring home a big stack of books.
  • Organize (or reorganize) your book shelves.
  • Choose a book or two to donate to a Little Free Library or book drive.
  • Write and "publish" your own story as a handmade book.
  • Learn and name the parts of a book.
  • Keep a list of the books you read. Put a star next to the ones you like best.
  • Make a book wish list to share with parents or grandparents.
We hope you enjoy having some bookish fun this week. Comment with your ideas for bookish fun (or your favorite books) in the comments or on social media with the hashtag #RDDSummerChallenge.

Comments

Trine Grillo said…
I love these "DO" suggestions!