As an Early Literacy Librarian, I hear a lot of adults talk and ask about what books are age appropriate for their children. There are those parents of kids with advanced reading skills who closely monitor the content of what their children read for fear that the subject matter is too graphic or mature. There are also the parents who couldn't care less about what their child is reading, because really – how bad can a kid be if they want to spend their free time with a book? The later sentiment is one that resonates with me, but it is absolutely up to each parent to decide what is right for their child.
And then of course there are those archaic rules imposed by some schools or teachers that kids can only read books that correspond with their particular reading level. I understand the thinking behind this notion, but I cannot help but think it is absolutely crazy. Sure, reading levels are a good way to narrow down the field to match readers with potential books they might like – but it should absolutely not be the determining factor of whether or not they read it. If it's too hard, adults can read along with them to help when needed. If it's too easy, you can let them fly through it and try to steer them in the direction of something a little more challenging when they're done. In my opinion, if a kid wants to read it – let them! Helping readers discover what they like to read does not always align with their reading level, and it doesn't have to.
One thing is for sure – it's never too early to introduce books into a child's life. From the time a child is in the womb to the moment they take their first breath – books can make a profound impact. Below is a beautiful infographic courtesy of MomLovesBest.com about some of the benefits reading has on young minds, and how to encourage your little one to stick their nose in a book. With the holidays quickly approaching, remember that a book is a gift that keeps on giving – especially if it's the right book for the reader. In the words of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science, "Every book its reader, and every reader their book."
And then of course there are those archaic rules imposed by some schools or teachers that kids can only read books that correspond with their particular reading level. I understand the thinking behind this notion, but I cannot help but think it is absolutely crazy. Sure, reading levels are a good way to narrow down the field to match readers with potential books they might like – but it should absolutely not be the determining factor of whether or not they read it. If it's too hard, adults can read along with them to help when needed. If it's too easy, you can let them fly through it and try to steer them in the direction of something a little more challenging when they're done. In my opinion, if a kid wants to read it – let them! Helping readers discover what they like to read does not always align with their reading level, and it doesn't have to.
One thing is for sure – it's never too early to introduce books into a child's life. From the time a child is in the womb to the moment they take their first breath – books can make a profound impact. Below is a beautiful infographic courtesy of MomLovesBest.com about some of the benefits reading has on young minds, and how to encourage your little one to stick their nose in a book. With the holidays quickly approaching, remember that a book is a gift that keeps on giving – especially if it's the right book for the reader. In the words of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, the father of Library Science, "Every book its reader, and every reader their book."
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