Recess

Everyday Fun With Your Grandchildren

One of the things that Grandmas and Nanas know is that reading to children is so important!  It not only develops incredible habits for the future but just read the information below. 

Five good reasons to encourange and read to your grandchildren:

• According to the National Center for Educational Statistics , only 53 percent of children ages three to five were read to daily by a family member (1999). Children in families with incomes below the poverty line are less likely to be read to aloud everyday than are children in families with incomes at or above poverty.            (See full report here)
• Only one-third of all students entering high school are proficient in reading -- only about 15 percent of African American students, and 17 percent of Hispanic students
• Students who don't read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave school without a diploma when compared to proficient readers. The number rises when those kids also come from poverty. ( The Annie E. Casey Foundation )

Here are some fun ways to get them reading this summer!

There are all kinds of summer reading programs available and many of them include contests and prizes.  I suggest doing a Google search for local reading programs in your area.  You may want to start with the public library closest to you.  Many local businesses like to attract the children into their restaurants or places of business with fun reading programs.  Here's an example of one from Barnes & Noble.

You may also want to put together a Summer Bucket with a list of activities, a few good books, bubblegum to chew while they read, a reading lamp or one of these awesome Mark-my-Time Bookmarks!

I am a collector of children's books and here is the latest ones that I have added to my collection for my little grandchildren.  I find shopping here at Amazon.com is a great money saver.  Here are my recent choices! Click here to shop for "Arlo Needs Glasses"

Click here for the Tickle Monster (be sure to get the kit which includes the tickle mitts) 

and  click here for Boogie Monster (again make sure you get the kit with the slippers). Enjoy those reading moments.  Make sure you take video or pictures for memories!