This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Christine S. Congrats!
When my son was a wee thing, I pulled out the board books I had bought and been given during my pregnancy and started reading to him. There were many days I felt like what I was doing was pointless. However, to this day…my son would prefer to read over watching television.
It only takes 20 minutes a day to raise a reader. Some days we go above and beyond that amount of time. I never limit my son to just 20 minutes. And some days, when we’re out exploring, we may not get that much time in. But we read every. single. day. In fact, my son will call us on it if we haven’t read to him.
Last month, Literacy Expert Dr. Carolyn Jaynes shared some of her reading tips on Twitter during a party hosted by LeapFrog. You may know that it’s important to read aloud to children. Reading should be active, fun, and engaging. But Dr. Jaynes shares some unique tips you may not be familiar with.
Toddlers and Preschoolers (goal is to make reading a fun part of everyday life):
Play with language sounds—Recite nursery rhymes, play the name game (Mason, Mason, bo bason… ), and make-up nonsense words that introduce different sounds.
Hunt for print wherever you are—Play “find the letter” games with your children in the car, at the park or wherever the day takes you.
Sing the Alphabet Song—The number of versions on iTunes alone is testament to its enduring appeal. Exposure to music can also enhance a child’s ability to recognize patterns and rhythms of
language.
Go on a rhyming treasure hunt—Help your child find objects throughout the day that rhyme with a specific item.
Play listening games—Being able to comprehend words and phrases in sequence is an integral part of literacy. Try a version of Simon Says with an increasing number of commands in a row
such as “Simon Says touch your nose, then jump, then turn around.”
Play beat-the-clock—Help your child link objects to names by opening a book or magazine and asking her to name as many letters, numbers, objects or colors as she can in 30 seconds.
Children in kindergarten and grade school (goal is to get and keep them curious and excited about books):
Start with what your child loves—Studies show that when a child is excited about a book’s topic—especially if he/she gets to choose it—he/she will keep reading. Even the most active child can get lost in a book—or a website, or a comic book —if it’s about something of personal interest. In addition to children’s librarians and bookstore owners, online resources such as the Children’s Choice Booklists can give you countless choices for even the pickiest reader.
Make reading a social experience—Children who see themselves as part of a community of readers are more likely to keep reading. Creating a community can be as simple as chatting with your child about something they’ve read or that you’ve read together. For broader communities, seek out reading circles in local libraries or bookstores, and encourage your child to connect with friends or cousins after school or via email, to form “virtual” book groups.
Remember that skill-building can happen anywhere, and it never ends—The above activities also work with kids who are well on their way to reading fluently. Playing games with words and encouraging vocabulary growth help children recognize that reading is not limited to school time or even to books; but in fact, it is integral to all aspects of life, from travelling to making friends.
One of the ways we “change up” our reading routine is to use our Tag Junior. My son absolutely loves exploring the activities and hearing “Dora” count or Curious George discover colors.
Win It! In honor of literary awareness, LeapFrog is offering one of you the chance to win a Tag Reader. Simply leave me a comment with a reading tip and the book you’d choose should you win. Comments will close on April 25th at 11:59 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.
Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.
Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.
Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.
Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!
I did not receive compensation for this post. The tips and giveaway were supplied by LeapFrog.
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Tabathia B says
reading tip #1 never try to continue reading when they want to stop and explore the page or sentence you just read because if you continue it would hamper their love of reading and I would pick is green eggs & ham
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
email subscriber
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B says
twitter follower & tweeted http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/11978544850
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
susan says
Leave books all around your home and you’re child will be surrounded by them and will be sure to pick one up! We’d choose the Tag™ Classic Storybook Olivia.
susan says
I follow and tweeted. http://twitter.com/susanlanai/status/11979449973
susan says
I subscribe.
susan says
I clicked on the Technorati button.
debp says
I would take the green eggs and ham story. Talk with your child after the story is finished, Ask questions, how did that make you feel, what was your favorite picture, what would you do, etc. It helps the child become involved in reading.
debp
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debp says
I am a email subscriber to your blog.
debp
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denise says
I would choose the Cat in the Hat book. One tip for us has been just to read constantly since birth. My toddler twins ask us to read to them all of the time.
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
denise says
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denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
denise says
I follow you and tweeted.
http://twitter.com/wiscmom24/status/11989096291
denise_22315 at yahoo dot com
Kimberly says
My reading tip is to take tthem to the library regularly and let them choose their own books. My kids can hardly wait to start reading when they get home. I would choose the Green eggs and Ham book.
Kimberly says
i subscribe by email.
LT says
The best tip of course is to read to your kids everyday! We have a beginning reader, and I let her pick out words on the page she knows by sight, and also have her sound out some words she doesn’t know yet!
My kids would love the book: SpongeBob SquarePants™ The Tour de Bikini Bottom
LT says
I am subscribed via reader!
LT says
I follow you on twitter and tweeted here:
http://twitter.com/coloradomommy/status/11991437545
Nicole Greene says
I read to my 2 yr old daughter every single night since she was a couple months old. I would pick a Dora book!
Nicole Greene says
I follow you on Twitter @pittsy82 and tweeted http://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/11993227667
Nicole Greene says
I favored you on Technorati
Kristie says
I like to change the voices with the characters when I’m reading to the kids-it usually gets them laughing and we have a bunch of fun!
One book that the kids would love is the Scooby-Doo! Shiny Spooky Knights storybook!
Kristie says
I subscribe via e-mail.
Christy says
When I read to my daughter I put emphasis on words and read louder or softer depending on what’s happening in the story. Makes it more exciting for her. She’s probably enjoy the Princess and the Frog Tag book.
Christy says
I’m an email subscriber
jennifer says
We always start very young with our children and reading! Most of my children prefer books over toys now! I would pick the green eggs and ham book!
jennifer says
I subscribe to the rockin’ mama via e-mail!
Darcie K says
Our reading ritual is that right after dinner, we sit down and read for a half hour. Sometimes my daughter reads, sometimes I read to her. I would choose the Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!
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Darcie K says
I subscribe via email!!!
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Elizabeth says
My tip is to take the Tag Reader or a book with you in the car wherever you go, even if it is just a five minute drive. My son uses his Tag in the car, and it makes for easy travel, and he is learning TONS! I would pick the book Giraffes Can’t Dance.
Mark Osborne says
reading tip: Start reading books to your children when they are very young. We read to our 1 year old every night before bed.
I’d choose The Little Engine That Could.
Mark Osborne says
followed you on twitter and tweeted
Stephanie V. says
Let our little one “read” the book sometimes even if he doesn’t know how to read. He will tell the story as he knows it from pictures and develop his/her creativity. Would pick book NEW! Tag™ Activity Storybook Ni Hao, Kai-lan: Kai-lan’s Super Sleepover. My son is totally into Kai-lan right now.
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Stephanie V. says
I subscribe
tvollowitz at aol dot com
Marci says
Reading books with words that rhyme keep children interested longer.
We would choose: Giraffes Can’t Dance
Marci says
Email Subscriber!
Carol says
I’d pick a classic Seuss book, probably Green Eggs & Ham. A reading tip: show your kids how enjoyable reading is by reading for leisure. Kids copy what their parents do, and it;s a wonderful life skill.
Carol says
subscriber
Carol says
I follow on twitter cdziuba and tweeted http://twitter.com/cdziuba/status/12010105064
Carol says
I used your Share button and posted your giveaway on my Facebook page Carol P dziuba
adrienne Gordon says
We have them read books of movies and then reward them with watching the film.We’d get the Tag Classic Storybook Olivia.
TheAngelForever says
My reading tip is to read with children as much as possible. The love for learning and reading comes with exposure. Find items that reluctant readers enjoy and allow that to work for them (can you tell I have my masters in Reading?). Thanks for the opportunity. If we win I would pick the Tag Activity Storybook I SPY Imagine That! book.
TheAngelForever says
RSS Subscriber in Google Reader
Brenda S. says
I subscribe by email
Rachel C says
My kids have had library cards since they could walk! We go at least once a week and I let them pick whatever they want, and we read every day.
My girls would LOVE the tag reader and I think the “Up” book looks fun.
Rachel C says
email subscriber
Jennifer h says
Giraffes can’t dance looks fun! Reading tip: read to your child daily. Let them pick out the books. Have a 20-30 minutes session daily w/your child to encourage reading.
Jennifer h says
new google reader
Marcia says
If I win, I will buy the Dora the Explorer books for my granddaughter. As soon as children are able to read a book without tearing it up, take them to the library. That way they get to pick the books of their choice rather than your choice.
Tracey Byram says
Let your child choose their own books. Tristan would like the Cars book.
Autumn B. says
start reading to your child VERY early! and we’d like the cat & the hat!
autumn398 @ yahoo.com
Jo says
My reading tip is to read at least 30 minutes a day to your child, and I would choose The Cat in the Hat
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Monica Waugh says
My tip: Keep books in every room in your house. That way they are always within reach.
The book I”d choose is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. It’s one of our favorites!
Sarah Coulsey says
When both of my boys were born, they were premature. They spent 86 and 64 days in the hospital. Each day we read to them. When we came home, we continued it. My 4 yr old son will not go to bed at night unless we read to him atleast two books!!! I am a huge reader myself, and I am soooooo glad that has passed on to my kids!!!
sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com
Sarah Coulsey says
I am an email subscriber
sarahcoulsey03 at gmail dot com
valerie mabrey says
Tag™ Activity Storybook Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell’s True Talent I also think when kids see you read as an adult makes them want to read too
Jennifer G says
Take them to the book store often and always allow them one book.
Tag™ Activity Storybook Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell’s True Talent
Donna L says
I would pick Green Eggs and Ham
Becky M says
We always read a book at bedtime to get the kids to settle down… my boys would love The Cat in the Hat!
Janna Johnson says
I would pick green eggs and ham! A good reading tip is to read when you have time to so you can read slowly and understand the concepts better!
Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!
Janna Johnson
[email protected]
[email protected]
http://www.FeedYourPigBlog.com
Clarissa Neiding says
keep books in several areas of the house rather than on one bookshelf somewhere. that way they are there and ready to read whenever you can sneak in a few minutes.
I’d want the star wars clone wars book
Clarissa Neiding says
http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/12102584069 tweet
Clarissa Neiding says
email subscriber
Clarissa Neiding says
stumbled
edq143 says
for my little readers at home
Nad says
The best tip I can think of is to read to kids every day. We read to ours every night before bed without fail.
I would pick the Tag™ Classic Storybook Olivia.
Nad says
Email subscriber.
DEBBIE STANTON says
my tip is to read to child from the time they are about 10 months old and make reading part of your daily schedule… before naps/bedtime. Children love stories and will develop a love of reading/learning that will last a lifetime.
DEBBIE STANTON says
my tip is to read to child from the time they are about 10 months old and make reading part of your daily schedule… before naps/bedtime. Children love stories and will develop a love of reading/learning that will last a lifetime.
AND I would pick the Tag™ Classic Storybook Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise
DEBBIE STANTON says
email subscriber
Melissa Cleaver says
Make reading to them everyday a priority! I would choose the book Olivia!
Melissa Cleaver says
http://twitter.com/melissaaggie98/status/12144855460
Melissa Cleaver says
I subscribe via email. ([email protected])
Melissa Cleaver says
I blogged:
http://www.mommylivingthelifeofriley.com/2010/03/april-giveaway-linkys/
cherice says
My tip would be to make reading fun! I’d get the Disney Pixar Cars Tractor Tipping book for my son. Thanks for the chance.
cherice says
I subscribe 🙂
nan lara says
my son would love spiderman the lizard’s tale, and my one tip for reading…is when my son’s not in the mood to sit and read, i’ll just start reading aloud, and i can usually lure him in
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nan lara says
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Monique Rizzo says
I would pick Olivia. My daughter LOVES that little pig.
Thanks for the chance.
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Jennifer T. says
I think you have to let them pick the book and take their time when reading. I’d pick the Click, Clack, Moo, Cows That Type.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer T. says
I’m an e-mail subscriber.
jtmagmom73(at)gmail(dot)com
Lauren Foster says
Reading tip: I rotate books… I have 5 or 6 books in the family room and 5 or 6 in my room. The book case is in my son’s room but he spends little time there! Every week or so I rotate the books so he has a variety! I would choose Kai-lan’s super sleepover!
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Heather M. says
My son would love The Little Engine That Could. We love to read together at bedtime – I point to the words my son knows so he can say them as part of the story.
Thao says
My reading tip for a toddler is to read to them and let them drive the page turning. Even if it means reading a book backwards or a page 5 times. It gets them involved in the book
I would pick Activity Storybook Up!: Up with Adventure
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Thao says
http://twitter.com/twinpowells/status/12258065711
I follow in twitter.
http://twitter.com/twinpowells
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Thao says
I subscribe via email.
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Susan M says
Reading tip — Take advantage of library reading programs where the kids get to not only hear someone other than you read (librarian), but our library often does crafts related to the book read to give them a separate experience to make reading fun!
My daughter was fascinated by her friends Olivia book, so I think she’d like that one.
Susan M says
follow/tweeted (scm74)
http://twitter.com/scm74/status/12322603258
Susan M says
stumbled upon http://www.stumbleupon.com/to/1vaTK2/rockinmama.net/2010/04/10/read-with-your-kids-giveaway/t:4bc92d0c275bd;src:all
(ID = scm74)
Susan M says
Dugg (ID scm74)
http://digg.com/educational/Read_With_Your_Kids_Giveaway/who
Brandy says
Reading tip would be to set aside time every night to read with your child.
I would have to pick Up for a storybook
Linda says
Start when your child is young and read to them every night. We love the Bernstein Bears books.
Susan C says
My reading tip is to keep it fun-make reading time something the kids most look forward to. I would choose the Cat in the Hat.
smchester at gmail dot com
Molly Capel says
I think showing your kids that you love to read is very important & helps to influence them. I would love the Tag™ Activity Storybook Kung Fu Panda: Po’s Tasty Training
Steve Capell says
Our reading tip is to read daily and often. We read to our grandson everyday and we love the Cat in the Hat book.
steven.capell at gmail dot com
Dan D says
The best tip of course is to read to your child everyday! We have a baby we read to him on a regular basis. He like the pictures, hopefully soon a be a beginning reader.
Jenn S. says
Read often to them, and let them see you reading. I would choose the Tag™ Activity Storybook Pirates! The Treasure of Turtle Island.
Noreen says
Tag™ Activity Storybook Disney Fairies: Tinker Bell’s True Talent
read books that interest your kids and let them ‘shop’ at the library. My girls love picking out books there or requesting them online
Suzanne Denys says
I’ve been reading to my babies since they in utero. They both love to be read to. My daughter is a huge reader. My son loves Star Wars Clone Wars. That is my pick. We have several book shelves in the house and there are always books to read.
Sarah H says
Tips: Have children read to stuffed animals or pets.
Ask them to “teach” younger sibs by reading to them.
Set up a fort or other cozy reading spot.
Model, model, model.
We’d choose Giraffes Can’t Dance
Sarah H says
google reader subscriber
Brandy says
blogged ya
http://notimemommy.com/2010/04/23/contests-4-23-10/
Beverly M says
read often and engage the kids in the story and my little girl would love the Bernstein Bears books
Jill Myrick says
My tip is:
Truly take an interest in what your child id learning to read.
The more interest that you show the more they will show and want to read.
I would choose the Tinkerbells True Talent Book.
Thank you so much for the chance to win.
jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
Jill Myrick says
I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]aol[dot]com
amy says
I didn’t see individual books but sets on the site I’d love to see goodnight moon as a tag reader. my tip-start reading from day one
Jill L says
My tip would be never to stop reading to your kids. My 5th grader still enjoys having us read to him at bedtime. Our kids all love reading or listening to stories. I would love the Tag Activity Storybook Fancy Nancy: Explorer Extraordinaire!
Robin says
Read every night! and I would pick Dora.
Sheila says
Let them see you reading.I would like The Cat in the Hat.
Erica C. says
The best “tip” is to get excited about reading so that your child gets excited too, and also read as often as you can. I’d have to get Green Eggs & Ham!
Annette E says
I’d choose the Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Rescue in the Sky book for my son. My reading tip is to let your child pick out the book that they want you to read to them. Also, be patient because kids like to read the same book over and over again.
Annette E says
Email subscriber.
Christine Sarkauskas says
My tip would be to invest time to go to the library and allow them to explore,play, and pick the book! I would choose green eye and ham
ctazie(at)aol(dot)com
Christine Sarkauskas says
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Steph says
Some of my tips are to start them reading early. Leave books stacked everywhere for easy access. Read a little bit every day. Make it fun!
I would pick the Tag Activity Storybook Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Rescue in the Sky book if I won.
Steph says
Subscribe via email.
Laurie Emerson says
I would use the hunt for print wherever you are. When I take my daughter grocery shopping I never thought of doing this game , but I love the tip and will do it from now on.
Laurie Emerson says
email subscriber
Wendy says
Sometimes my youngest son will crawl away when I’m reading a book that doesn’t capture his interest. I continue to read just so he can hear the new words and cadence of the book. I’d choose T-Rex’s Mighty Roar for my older son.
Wendy says
I subscribe with google reader.
Sheri says
I subscribed via e-mail.
Sheri
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Sheri says
What an exciting giveaway! My reading tip is having a special place set aside for reading. I have a comfy chair and ottoman in each of my boys rooms. There is a bookholder with their favorite books and a few that I picked out for that month.
We would pick the Scooby Doo book.
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dddiva says
Reading tip- start when they are babies and never, ever stop. When they’re old enough let them read to you.
dddiva says
http://twitter.com/dddiva/status/12842497082
kathy pease says
when reading it makes it more fun to make funny goofy voices my kids always loved that and id pick the Tag™ Activity Storybook: Go Diego Go!™: Underwater Mystery
Amy Delong says
we have books everywhere&my kids love it.Would pick cat in the hat!
ardelong2(at)gmail(dot)com
dddiva says
Stumbled dddiva
kathy pease says
email subscriber
kathy pease says
http://twitter.com/klp1965/status/12842639812
kathy pease says
http://www.facebook.com/KathyLPease?v=wall&story_fbid=116282348393785&ref=mf
Chris A says
Reading to your children is a wonderful way for them to learn and spend time with you. I would pick Green Eggs & Ham.
Kimberly L says
Let your children see you reading for pleasure in your spare time, and the book would be green eggs and ham
brn2lisn (at) gmail dot com
chastidy says
My boys have been read to every since they were babies, and they love to read. I would choose Tag™ Activity Storybook: Go Diego Go!™: Underwater Mystery 🙂
Lisa L says
Most parents read books at bedtime only, but we read books throughout the day so it’s not only associated with sleeping!
I like the Tag Activity Storybook The Amazing Spider-Man: The Lizard’s Tale
Lisa L says
I’m an email subscriber
trixx says
I let my daughter pick out books at the library herself so she’s more likely to read books that she chose. I’d love the Dr. Seuss Special Edition The Cat in the Hat book.
trixx says
I subscribe via email.
Chrysa says
My tip is to make reading a habit! I like the Tag Activity Storybook I SPY Imagine That! book.
Chrysa says
I’m subscribed to your RSS feed in my Google Reader.
Crystal Allen says
my tip is to read to your children daily and engage them in the book. ask them questions, get them involved. thanks clallen at ntin dot net
i would pick Tag™ Activity Storybook I SPY™ Imagine That!
Chrysa says
tweet http://twitter.com/ThriftyJinxy/status/12860947798
Crystal Allen says
follow you on twitter tweet http://twitter.com/clallen1971/status/12860961870 clallen at ntin dot net
Crystal Allen says
follow spring pad on twitter clallen at ntin dot net
Crystal Allen says
sub by email and pls delete the above comment. thanks (about spring pad) clallen a t ntin dot net
vivian says
let then\m drive the page turning gets them involve
cat in the hat ty.
janet says
Cat in the Hat book. LET THE KIDS LOOK AT THE PICS AND TELL U THE STORY:)
Lily Kwan says
My reading tip is to visit the library regularly. I would choose Green Eggs and Ham.
Lily Kwan says
I subscribed to your email feed.