News You Can Use
Turn off the 'tube,' turn to the books
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Kenneth Billings
July 24, 2008
STARKVILLE, Miss.-Even as they purchase the latest video and computer games as holiday gifts, many parents simultaneously may be concerned with the many hours their young children spend in alternate worlds the devices provide.
Nancy Verhoek-Miller of Mississippi State says she encourages parents to help their sons and daughters discover the adventures of traditional reading.
"Books are a wonderful way to share in the interests and enthusiasm of children," says the professor of curriculum, instruction and special education. "Taking an active part in their interests is a great way to stimulate their interest in reading."
The veteran university faculty member offers some ideas for parents to stimulate their children's focus on books and reading. These include:
- Choosing book topics about which there is, or seems to be, a demonstrated interest, such as sports, music and science, to name a few.
- After they've begun the process, suggest that the youngsters write about or illustrate what they just read.
- Then, encourage an expansion of the mind by having them make up their own stories and illustrate these with drawings.
Verhoek-Miller said a career spent training future elementary educators has given her countless examples of how the development of good reading habits in children can open the lines of family communication and help everyone in the home learn more, while sharing a love of learning.