6 facts about reading + why we love giving books. Learn better. Play smarter. | [View this email in your browser]( Parenting made simpler.
Written by experts. Designed for intentional parents. Be a Plinkit Pro Thank you for reading! This newsletter is made possible through Plinkit Pro membership support. Please consider being a [PLINKIT PRO]( if you aren't already, to enjoy access to all our expert guidance and events. No ads. No sponsored content. Just original, time-saving, practical insights written in partnership with the best child development experts. Or, [email us](mailto:hello@myplinkit.com) to find out how your entire school or workplace can benefit from [PLINKIT PRO.]( [BE A PLINKIT PRO]( Why We Love Giving Books Each year, our process for coming up with the Books We Love to Give in our [Pocket Gift List]( is pure joy - even if it means we have to analyze hundreds of books to come up with our precious handful. And that's because we adore everything about reading and books. We love their wonderful payoff - books can help you talk more easily with your child about a universe of topics and help your child gain perspective, think critically, explore feelings, try new things and discover facts. We love the magic that unfolds when a child learns to read; suddenly letters are no longer symbols and a child sees the world with new eyes, new meaning and new purpose. We love the physical togetherness that reading with a child brings. That closeness is a gift - and why Santa's sleigh is typically filled with sacks of books in our homes! Below are six books weâre personally giving (more curated titles and learning toys in our [Pocket Gift List]( and here's six important facts about childhood reading that we think are worth knowing (from the authors of How to Raise a Reader, Pamela Paul and Maria Russo):
- Fill your home with plenty of books. Make book temptation a thing around your home, and visit the library early and often. Studies show that what correlates most with literacy is being surrounded by plenty of books. - Every child learns to read at their own pace. The age at which your child learns to read does not affect how well or how much they eventually read as an adult. - Re-reading a favorite book is fabulous. Repetition is a good thing and has proven to have cognitive and emotional benefits. - Visual books are real books and visual literacy is important. They can offer rich stories and well-developed characters, and are enjoyable at all developmental ages. - Intentionally choose diverse books. This includes diversity in perspectives, in narratives, in ethnicities, in family structures, in protagonists, in authors, in illustrators, in cultural contexts, etc. Exposing your child to diversity in books is a great launching pad for deeper conversations and for discovering what your child knows and doesn't know. - Teach your child to love reading.
- Model, model, model - "If you want to raise a reader, be a reader." Your own interest and excitement about books sends the strongest positive message. Make time and space to read: i) for yourself; and ii) with your child (even if you think they are not listening, they are absorbing the experience).
- Make asking your child, "What are you reading?" a lovely habit. Encourage them to ask you the same question. P.S. If you're enjoying our [Pocket Gift List,]( please share it with your friends, family, work colleagues - everyone! Weâre a small and mighty mission-driven company, and shopping from our independently chosen links helps to support what we do. A heartfelt Thank You! [THE PLINKIT POCKET GIFT LIST]( READ + SHARE [Skinnamarink]( A timeless anthem of love + inclusion. Filled with imaginative illustrations that bring a community together in song. Best sung aloud with a giant smile! [BUY NOW]( READ + SHARE [Harold and Hog Pretend for Real!]( A clever collaboration between two brilliant (and funny) authors, Mo Willems and Dan Santat. Wonderful to read aloud, lovely to listen to. An intriguing character switcheroo makes young readers wonder, "What's 'real'?" [BUY NOW]( READ + SHARE [Knight Owl]( For all our youngsters who work hard at being brave. One of those books that your child will read again and again, revealing something new each time. Gorgeous illustrations. [BUY NOW]( READ + SHARE [Lizzy and the Cloud]( Whimsical and stunningly illustrated. A sweet story that serves as a lovely springboard for talking about empathy and taking care of the things we love. [BUY NOW]( READ + SHARE [Mysteries of the Universe]( Visually stunning. This book is as gorgeous as it looks. All-encompassing in its astronomy, but written in engaging and simple language. A treat for all ages and a gift the entire family will treasure. [BUY NOW]( READ + SHARE [Odder]( A lovely showcase of the power and playfulness of free verse. Lyrical and descriptive, it's hard not to fall in love with this rescue otter. As charming as a read-aloud as it is an independent read. [BUY NOW]( LEARN + DO [(Academically) Teach Reading in 6 Steps]( A sequence to help structure your approach on a complex topic. Includes printables, learning tools and games. [READ MORE]( [Forward](mailto:?subject=Something%20Interesting%20from%20Plinkit&body=I%20found%20this%20Plinkit%20article%20interesting%20and%20thought%20you%20would%20too.%20Check%20it%20out%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fmyplinkit.com%2F2017%2F09%2F6-steps-academically-teaching-reading%2F) [Share]( LEARN + DO [What to Do if Your Child Doesn't Want to Learn to Read]( Every day strategies to inspire a less enthusiastic reader. [READ MORE]( [Forward](mailto:?subject=Something%20Interesting%20from%20Plinkit&body=I%20found%20this%20Plinkit%20article%20interesting%20and%20thought%20you%20would%20too.%20Check%20it%20out%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fmyplinkit.com%2F2017%2F09%2Fchild-doesnt-want-read%2F) [Share]( LEARN + DO [How to Encourage Your Child to Write (and Become a Better Speller)]( Pro tip: Give your child purpose to their writing. Holiday season is perfect for this! A curated guide of creative and fun everyday activities your child can do to practice their spelling and writing. [READ MORE]( [Forward](mailto:?subject=Something%20Interesting%20from%20Plinkit&body=I%20found%20this%20Plinkit%20article%20interesting%20and%20thought%20you%20would%20too.%20Check%20it%20out%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fmyplinkit.com%2F2020%2F05%2Fspelling-encourage-your-child-to-write-and-become-a-better-speller%2F) [Share]( Learn better. Play smarter. [THE PLINKIT POCKET GIFT LIST]( FOLLOW US: If you liked what you read, FORWARD to a friend! Our content is written in partnership with the best child development experts.
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