The ability to read and to think in creative ways to solve problems are two very basic factors successful people have in common.

As parents, friends, teacher's leaders in community activities it is in our best interest to help a child to read. We need to help stimulate their imagination so they can think creatively by introducing things to their lives. This is key to know: when we educate our children, we educate and empower our community with intelligent leaders.

Children Love to Learn
Very young babies are enthralled with stories, songs and nursery rhymes. There is a lot that children need to learn before they actually begin to read. A parent can point to pictures and then name them aloud. They will start to learn things about reading even with this small step in the right direction.

When your child sits on your lap as you read, he feels safe, loved and bonded. He also learns that you enjoy reading and spending time together.

Tips to Help Basic Reading Skills

1. First they must understand that letters are symbols and each symbol makes a sound.  Being able to recognize letters of the alphabet does not mean they can read but it is a necessary start and will help.

2.  After this is well grasped, then introduce the idea that sounds can be combined to make words that words combine to make sentences, and those sentences have meanings.

3. Build a bigger vocabulary by using complete sentences.  They will learn the meaning of words by hearing them in context of conversations. Speak to a child with respect always.

4. Build a love for reading by making it fun and entertaining.  As you read a story, stop and ask your child questions that help them to problem solve and think a bit about the story, ideas about it, the colors on the pages etc. Make the questions fun and exciting. All their answers are “OK”. I highly suggest you do not overly correct or even correct the replies you will receive.

Spending Quality Time Reading to Children
The more time you find to spend with your child reading, singing and talking the bigger his vocabulary will be and the more you will see a love for learning.  I suggest spending time allowing for imaginative play, puzzles and encouraging creative thinking and acknowledge all the progress and attempts. Overly correcting a child will not be enjoyable for you or the child.

I feel limiting TV, video games and other electronics that don't require much thought, will increase attention span and imaginative and creative thought.

I always encourage providing a table that is set up for the child to sit at and draw to create endlessly to his hearts desire. Stock the table or nearby shelf with age appropriate supplies such as boxes of clay, crayons, papers, scissors etc. Place all the masterpieces proudly up if this is acceptable with your child.
Working out letters and sounds via his artwork will provide another means for learning to read and write in a totally different atmosphere and method, within the home.


A Happy Home and Successful Child
The more you spend time with your child introducing singing while cooking, books at quality time or at bed-time, drawing at his table and even drawing with him, you will KNOW you are helping to make a more successful future for your child, a more successful and happy adult.

During these precious years, you will have in your hands and opportunity to make a difference in this special human being's life, for his coming school years, for his social and home life and many, many years beyond.

I hope this has been helpful information. Please do not hesitate to e mail me if you have any questions on children, education, and motherhood in all its stages and even after “life after mom-hood”. I research and write extensively on many issues women are presented with. I care about others and I enjoy helping.

Product

Amazon links to "Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy":
Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Danny-Dragon-Meets-Jimmy-Turbin/dp/0980072107/ref=ed_oe_p
Hardcover: http://www.amazon.com/Danny-Dragon-Meets-Jimmy-Turbin/dp/0980072115/ref=ed_oe_h

Description of "Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy":
  
Danny's mannerisms are absolutely charming, exciting and fun as he strolls through the pages, meeting Jimmy's family and friends in the MOST unusual way, imparting his delightful acts of wisdom and kindness while his traveling companion Skipper continues taking notes in their journal for the coming adventures. Where are they from? Why are they here? Where are they going? What will happen next? Danny and Skipper are quite the adventuresome team

Bio

Tina Turbin is a published children's author, writer, researcher, humanitarian and mother of three talented and successful children. She wrote her first story at age 16, and has since gone on to enjoy many years of working with and helping children and their families. Tina is a tireless advocate for children and families with intense research and involvement in children's education, literature and health, as a way to improve the quality of lives and health for others. Tina's Danny the Dragon children series fulfills a passion to delight children and their families through her enchanting characters. Tina's writing style conveys to the young and young at heart and imparts acts of kindness. Tina is an indispensable resource for the many difficulties that may arise in school or at home with regards to children, education and the home environment.

Contact Information

Websites: www.tinaturbin.com, www.dannythedragon.com

E-mail: tinaart@earthlink.net

Phone: 1.888.701.6481