Three Sneaky Ways To Get Your Whole Family Reading

Reading, for many of us, is as natural as breathing. But what about those people for whom reading is a challenge? A struggle? A stress?  Here are three fun and sneaky ways to get your whole family reading without anyone’s even realizing it. Try these new approaches to reading to see some big payoffs.

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1. Travel (even if you stay in your own hometown!). When you’re out on the town, even if it’s in your own neighbourhood, environmental print — text on signs, posters, billboards, you name it — is a great way to get kids reading in a new and fun way.

Have your child “help” you read street signs in order to get you to your destination. Even beginning with a simple stop sign will get your child reading. Have him yell “STOP!” when he sees that big red sign, and soon he’ll recognize the letters when he sees them on the page.

Ask your child to find the big “H” for the community hospital, or to locate the EXIT sign in the movie theater or the elevator in the parking garage. Have an older child help you write grocery lists or to-do lists, checking off each item as it’s found.

If you really can skip town, travel brochures and menus will get everyone reading, as you work together to plan itineraries, meals and more.

2. Go Digital. If your child hesitates to pick up a traditional book, then don’t wait — go digital. Thousands and thousands of books and media are available to borrow on various electronic devices, and you can find them by checking your local library’s website.

Often these digital books, magazines and newspapers are interactive, which really helps engage reluctant readers.  Reading comes to life in new and exciting ways, and often if a child finds something that works for him digitally — a series or new magazine, for example — he’s more likely to want to pick up the hard copy.

3. Research. Is your daughter totally into LEGOs? Does she design bridges for bugs, plant tomatoes for you or draw amazing amusement parks? Work together to find some books on these topics or on topics that relate, connect or inspire.

Does your son go nuts for Skylanders or Minecraft? Find books about the elements, about engineering or about the games themselves. Reading books about these topics will be both interesting and engaging.

As a family, research and plan something together. Research a weekend getaway. Do some Internet searches; pore through travel guides. Plan an easy gathering, and from creating invitations to facilitating the event to expediting the menu, kids will be doing so much reading they won’t even realize it.

It all counts, and often parents just need a little reminder that reading comes in many shapes, sizes and colours. So what are you waiting for? Start that sneaky reading!

*This is a guest post written by Amy Mascott, originally posted on the Sylvan Mom Minded Blog.  Sylvan Learning Centre in Oakville can assist your child by creating a customized tutoring plan (JK and up). Contact them for more information. 

Eczema And Your Child: When Creams Are Not Enough

Eczema is very dry skin that is most often caused by allergies, usually to foods. Many babies and toddlers suffer with this condition because their immune systems are still developing. This can mean itchy, uncomfortable skin for your child, which can be hard on the whole family especially if this is keeping them (and you) up at night.

Typical treatments for eczema involve the use of hydrocortisone creams which, while they do reduce inflammation temporarily, they don’t address the cause(s) of this inflammation, and long-term usage of these creams weakens the skin. Damaged skin gets more itchy and sore, and the cycle continues.

So what does work?

1. Strengthening the immune system with probiotics (and not through yogurt) 

Probiotics

2. Nourishing the skin with fish oils is key for itchy, dry skin. Fish oils contain omega-3s, which are fats that combat inflammation and support brain development. Taken orally both in liquid and yummy chewable forms (gummies), fish oils help to hydrate the skin, which over time becomes less irritated. If your child cannot consume fish due to allergy, there are other vegetarian oils high in omega-3s such as algae.

3. Identifying and avoiding irritating triggers. While this can be very difficult for many parents, the hard truth is that it is very likely there is a food your child is eating that is causing eczema. When the immune system is immature, it can often recognize some of your child’s favourite foods as something more sinister, and your child’s body will react. I have seen this response to cheese, milk, too much sugar (this includes fruit), tomatoes, and wheat. Click here to read more about the possible triggers for your child.

These are just a few of the many ways we can help your child if they are suffering with eczema. If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line at info@draoife.com or check out my website at www.draoife.com for extra eczema tips over the next few weeks as November is National Eczema month!

When should my child take an interest in reading?

The benefits of reading to your children are well documented. While it’s a good idea to do many other things to enhance your child’s education, reading is a simple, effective way to boost brainpower while bonding with your child.

Here are just a few of the many benefits:

• Reading to children increases their vocabulary. A recent study of eight month old babies conducted by the Child Development Center at Rhode Island Hospital showed that the ones whose parents read to them frequently understood far more words than children who were not read to as often.

• Language, speech and communication skills improve when children are exposed to books. By reading to your children, you will be helping them learn to speak correctly. In addition, you will be improving their mastery of the language, and teaching them different ways to communicate.

• Young children love to snuggle up for a bedtime story, but even older children benefit from reading time with a parent. In today’s hectic world, reading together can be a special time, an oasis that allows you to share a meaningful experience.

• Students whose parents read to them tend to be academically advanced. Several domestic and international studies, including an article published by the British Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, found that children who are read to before preschool have a better chance of performing at above average levels throughout their school careers. That’s because reading helps them to master other skills too, like logic and empathy.

• A love of books is one of the benefits of reading to your children that has lifelong implications. People who love to read will continue learning throughout their lives, and this will enrich their world and make them more interesting people. Teaching your children that books are wonderful and reading is fun is one of the best gifts you can give them.

While the benefits of reading to your children can be obvious, what is less obvious is the best way to make sure they get off to a strong start.

If you are unsure as to how your child is doing or you want to be certain they are well prepared for JK/SK or Grade 1 then you should consider some outside help.  The Education Directors at the Sylvan Learning Centre in Oakville have a great deal of expert knowledge and experience and also offers FREE useful online resources at www.sylvanlearning.com.

For children who do seem to be struggling and need a little bit of extra attention Sylvan Learning offers a Beginning Reading program as well as a Handwriting Course to teach a young child how to hold a pencil and to how form letters carefully and confidently.

If you are interested in improving your child’s reading level at any age or grade or are looking for a reading, writing or math tutor then give your local Sylvan Learning Centre a call today at (289) 813-2054.