The reading teacher and I have prepared a parent information night on reading for our school. It will be held the evening of the March 2nd, Dr. Seuss' birthday (as well as my daughters!) and a day many of the schools in our country celebrate Read Across America Day.
On of the topics I plan on discussing is how to engage your Middle School student in reading. One way I hope to encourage parents to encourage their children to read is through electronic media. Many of our children own the "newest, coolest" mp3 players, and smart phones. Is listening to a book "reading"? Heck yeah! Does the teacher in me want the student to be reading along with the text, so they not only hear a fluent reader, but begin to associate what the words sound like with what the words look like? Yes. But being an avid audio book listener myself, I know the benefits of listening to beautifully written ( and read) words and using my mind to transform them into the picture in my head all readers create, no matter what the medium.
Whether you are buying an audiobook subscription, or checking out audio books free from the local library: Reading is reading. Listening is reading. E-readers are reading. Step out into the 21st century and encourage your child to read...
Well, at least that's my perspective!
By the way, did you know: Any person who lives, works, attends school or pays property taxes in New York State is eligible to receive a New York Public Library card free of charge. Having a card will give you access to their electronic media which will allow you to download ebooks, audiobooks, music, video, talking picture books, and more.
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