The Late in Life Writer: Call Me Old Fashioned
The older I get, the more I realize that many things are passing me by. I am baffled by the speed at which computers work as they've gotten smaller and changed to accommodate more, with algorithms being something akin to lightning strikes.
I realized that far too many children don't touch books. Hopefully, they are read to from a tablet, etc. I find this appalling as a writer. There is something special in giving a child a new book to read. The first time the cover is opened, be it a library loaner or something presented as a gift to a child, is a moment of discovery. No matter the topic, a parent or other caregiver can make that an exciting moment. It is pure magic when an infant or child begins to understand they are opening a new door to a new place.
You might be wondering why I would say "an infant" but infants are like little sponges who soak things up! They will quickly learn that the time spent reading to them and, eventually with them as they read aloud, is bonding time with the reader. Of course, they won't know that word but, rest assured, they will know that feeling! The words will take on meaning soon enough.
 "Open every door to their future. Gift them with the opportunities to see, hear, and think about everything their minds ponder."
Teaching them to turn the page brings them to more of the feelings as well as the story. Many studies prove this: reading with a child for as little as 15 minutes a day will set them on a path to success throughout life. Children who love reading have higher academic results and better life skills. They interact socially and become more inquisitive. They are emotionally equipped as they learn from characters in stories.
In this time of book banning, telling librarians and teachers that age / grade-appropriate books cannot be used in a school setting is baffling to me. If you look at this from a "parents' rights" perspective, I would suggest to a parent that it is an opportunity for them to instill their belief system in their child through discussion of what they might consider offensive. If you choose to limit the child's ability to hear an array of possibilities, you limit that child's developmental opportunities. Ask what fascinates them? Ask them what they would like to learn more about?
If I could wish each one of you a personal greeting for the upcoming holidays, I would say:
"Open every door to their future. Gift them with the opportunities to see, hear, and think about everything their minds ponder."
Give children books for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Diwali or any Winter Solstice Holiday you celebrate! Don't know what some of these are about? Look them up, together, with the kids and explore!
I wish you all the happiness you can imagine!
Sincerely,
Comments