Twenty minutes a day.
It’s the standard homework assignment. With good reason — practice makes “better.”
Only, it’s not a happy time at my house.
My daughter (A.) has not inherited my passion for books. Since I began reading, I have read for fun, pleasure, escape, and learning. A. not so much.
And, the irritating thing is that I’ve done all the “right things” – read to her at bedtime, during the day, standing on my head, and all around town. We’ve made weekly library visits, checking out bags full of books. We have books everywhere — collected from yard sales, used book stores, and new book stores. I read myself – which is good modeling for her. Right?
But, I digress. This post is about books – and a picture books to help kids like mine who struggle with reading, or teasing, or separation anxiety. Here are some of my (our) favorites. Good examples are always helpful.
Hooray for Reading Day by Margery Cuyler (Jessica Worries series)
Poor Jessica, a first grader, worries about messing up when she reads out loud in class. What’s worse, she’ll have to read in front of the parents on Readers’ Theater Day. It helps to learn that her mom was slow to read. Jessica decides to practice. She reads every day to her pet dog. It’s a wonderful story about perseverance.
Simon’s Hook; A Story About Teases and Put-Downs by Karen Gedig Burnett
This is my favorite book to help children learn specific strategies when dealing with unkindness. Simon’s grandma uses the analogy of a fish biting a hook or not biting the hook when dealing with teasing or put-downs. The strategies for not biting include: making a joke about it, agreeing with it, ignoring it, and so forth. Simon learns the strategies and goes back to school, handles the teasing with a strategy, and feels great.
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch
Our heroine, Stephanie, decides to style her hair unlike the other kids – in various ponytail arrangements. Initiall , the other children make fun of her hair. But, then they copy her. This is a hilarious story about doing your own thing and what happens when you follow the group – with a surprise ending.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
This book made me cry when I first read it. It’s a sweet story about a child’s firsts experience going to school. His mother reassures him that even though she’s not with him, he has the kiss from her right in his hand.
This is the BEST for writers. Teachers emphasize that good writers choose wonderful words. Even the best writers use a thesaurus to help find fabulous words. It’s our best help during writing journal melt-downs. I highly recommend it.
What other books have helped your child with school related issues?
Lori in Denver
My daughter and I just started reading a Judy Blume book, “The Great One and The Pain.” It follows an 8 year old and her 6 year old brother, which is our configuration, too.
It’s the first chapter book we’ve read together, and she seems to be enjoying the style — it speaks her language.
Regarding a love of reading, my DD seems like your A.
I wish us both luck on passing on the passion!
Melissa Taylor
Right after I wrote this post last week, we started Ivy and Bean at bedtime. I stopped in the middle b/c it was late. She was DYING to finish it and ended up reading it in bed – which, of course, I said YES to. It was an amazing transformation – I think I’ll go buy the series now.
We’ve listed to the Pain on book tape, maybe she’ll want to try the book, too. Thanks for that suggestion. 🙂
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Mama Bird
Just reading your new comment, that’s great news, Melissa! Yay!
I can’t wait to start being able to read Judy Blume with my little girl. They were my favs growing up. Checked them out one by one from the school library and could never get enough!
Absolutely can not live without a Thesaurus. I like that you included that in your list!
Beckie
Thanks for the great book list Melissa. I always like to read books to my kids to help start discussions or to help my children sort out problems. Books help kids build problem solving strategies when it comes to social issues as well as helping a child learn that he/she is not alone in dealing with a social issue. Thanks! You go Teacher!