Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.
Page by Page
Reading Rockets' children's literature expert, Maria Salvadore, brings you into her world as she explores the best ways to use kids' books both inside — and outside — of the classroom.
What a way to start the year
January 10, 2008
A bunch of parents and their newborn children have started the New Year on a bright note. They're leaving the hospital with a board book.
I was heartened to read about this program in Nebraska that gives books to newborns — actually their parents. This is where literacy really starts, isn't it — with a parent cuddling, talking, reading, or singing to an infant?
Libraries have always provided a great start for children of all ages, in any stage of development, and at any time of the year. I'm hard-pressed to think of any other organization that provides services to the very young and the significant adults in their lives. In fact, the Association of Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, has a program called Born To Read. Libraries across the country have been involved with an early literacy initiative, "Every Child Ready to Read."
I remember my son at six months old howling with laughter over Rosemary Well's Max's First Word (Dial). I still chuckle when I hear the word "bang" as I remember Max — the small, smart, and stubborn bunny that delighted my son so. I used libraries all the time when he was very young — and bought books that especially touched my son.
Some of his early favorites are still read by children today: Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, Martin Waddell's Owl Babies; and a bit later, Walter Dean Myers' Brown Angels. These books remain as special to me as they were to my son at one time and probably will be again.
Take a minute to share some of the books that are favorites of young children in your life. Maybe we can build a list of classics old and new.
"Thank you for this wonderful resource. I always find something to share with co-workers or parents."
~ Juanita F.
Kids Who Struggle |
Teaching Reading |
Books & Authors |
Articles from A-Z
Our Shows on PBS |
Podcasts & Video |
Webcasts |
Blogs about Reading |
Reading Research
Reading Store |
Free Reading Guides |
Reading Resources |
Today's Reading News
For Teachers |
For Other Professionals |
For Families
En español |
Newsletters |
Calendar
Home Page |
About Reading Rockets |
Contact Us |
Link to Reading Rockets
Privacy Policy |
Terms & Conditions |
Site Map
Reading Rockets is a national multimedia project that offers research-based and best-practice information on teaching kids to read and helping those who struggle. It is an educational service of public television station WETA in Washington, D.C.
Visit WETA's educational web sites:
© Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. Reading Rockets is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Reading Rockets® is a registered trademark of WETA.
Stay informed! Subscribe to our e-mail newsletters.
I spent a lovely afternoon yesterday with my 3 1/2 year old granddaughter -- laying on the floor of the public library (South Lee County, FL) reading all about Max & Ruby. My granddaughter is VERY impressed with Ruby's Beauty Salon -- and after reading it twice together, she "read" it to me. We forget to use this wonderful and fun resource!!