How’s your summer going? Have the kids been reading? It’s mid-summer; now’s the time to encourage them to pick up a book. You know the research – kids who don’t read during the summer experience a big slip when they get back to school in September. Let’s make sure that […]
Tag: boys
Getting boys reading
I know what boys like.* I’ve been following the website and tweets of a librarian whose speciality is helping boys become great readers. He’s definitely an expert in what appeals to boys. Here, I’ve distilled (*cough* ripped off) some of his best ideas about how to make reading fun for […]
Potter Puppet Pals
Here’s something cool you can share with your child. It’s unique, cool and fun – and it’s related to reading. And maybe your kid already knows about it, or maybe you’re about to be the coolest parent ever. It’s Potter Puppet Pals. It’s a series of videos on YouTube, and […]
The Encyclopedia of Immaturity
This is a no-fail book for boys. I recommend The Encyclopedia of Immaturity extremely highly, even though I’ve never read it. In fact, it’s because I’ve never read it that I recommend it. Here’s why – the book tells you not to let your parents read it. And my son […]
One-Page Wonders
A fun, one-page book your child will want to read. Here is an awesome, one-page book you make. There are three simple steps: 1) Download the .pdf of instructions. 2) Download and print the .pdf of the book (colour). 3) Fold the book according to the instructions. OK, a fourth […]
Writing in the park
Reading and writing aren’t necessarily indoor activities.Facing a blank page is daunting, even for professional writers. The next time your child has to write a story for school, start by taking them outside. Before you start, remind your child that a story has a beginning, a middle and an end. […]
Literacy activities that appeal to kids
Go with what your child enjoys. I strongly believe that the best way to get kids reading is to give ’em what they like. But maybe you think that their interests – their real interests, what they would spend most of their time doing if they were allowed free reign […]
Cartooning for Kids
When kids write… they read. Adventures in Cartooning is a great book that teaches kids how to do their own cartoons.And they don’t have to be great at drawing, either. The book uses an engaging story line to take the reader through the process of building their own cartoon. Before […]
How to get your boy reading
Get him this book. I’m not kidding. This is the “perfect storm” of a book for boys. It’s got what boys love – facts.Short facts – fact bites, actually.And those facts are about video games.And there are cool pictures of people doing crazy things.And the cover has metallic words. You […]
Likes video games, running
There are lots of fun literacy activities for active kids. I was talking to a mom yesterday who said she has two sons – one of whom isn’t a good reader. He likes video games and is quite physically active. Here are some fun suggestions: * Write a simple sentence […]
