|
|
Tips for "Interactive
Viewing"
Lenora Brown, LPB Educational Services
The main goal of Interactive Viewing is to assist children in viewing
educational television in an ACTIVE rather than a PASSIVE manner.
Here's how to conduct Interactive Viewing:
- Interactive Viewing involves an adult and one or more children.
- Together with the young audience, "get comfortable" for
viewing a specific program.
- Alert the children
of things to look for
while viewing the program: "...notice
and remember some of
the ideas mentioned
in the show." "Let's
try to listen for and
remember some of the
names of the characters
(some of the books)
in the show," and so
on.
- While
viewing,
point
out
a
few
key
ideas/events,
and
help
the
children
to
predict
or
react
to
others
that
might
be
upcoming.
- After
the
show,
ask
leading
questions
about
what
was
seen/heard/read: "Which
character/idea/book
did
you
like
best?
Why?
Who
agreees?
Who
disagrees?
What
did
your
favorite
character
do?"
- Encourage
all
the
children
to
respond
in
turn,
and
to
listen
respectfully
to
each
other.
- Repeat
the
use
of
this
technique
until
the
children
automatically
focus
on,
discuss,
and
connect
points
in
the
program
to
their
own
lives
and
experiences.
Let's
Read Together! Selecting Books for Your Child
LPB Educational Services & East
Baton Rouge Parish Library
Even tiny infants love to hear familiar voices. As children begin
to grow and develop mentally and emotionally, they love adults
to talk to them, listen to them, about practically anything --
from favorite foods and colors, to what they see on TV and what
they can do to help you around the house.
Children also love having you read to them, and this encourages
them to read on their own as they grow older. Children who are read
to in their earliest years are often the children who are best prepared
to acquire reading skills in school. Both before and after they learn
to read on their own, reading aloud to children helps them to make
a positive connection with books.
Why not make reading aloud a part of every day? Here are some tips
to finding great books for children of all ages.
Infants & Toddlers
- Look for books with sturdy bindings and thick pages which
can be wiped clean. Boardlike pages can help little ones learn
how to turn pages.
- Look for vivid pictures and short, simple sentences in books with
words.
- ABC books should have pictures of familiar objects such as toys,
people and animals.
- Poems and rhymes are fun to read aloud. Mother Goose rhymes are
a good choice.
- Try sensory appeal books with textures and smells.
Prereaders (Ages 3 to 6)
- Look for stories with everyday things and experiences. Characters
should be about the same age as your child.
- Look for playful animals, both real and imaginary, in ridiculous
situations.
- Stories should move along quickly and be read all the way through
in one sitting.
- Illustrations should become more detailed as your children mature.
They should also show a variety of objects such as tools, clothing
and transportation.
- Books should have catchy lines that your children can repeat with
you.
Young Readers (Ages 6 to 9)
- Illustrations should match text and give clues to the meaning
of unfamiliar words.
- Stories should have just a few sentences per page to start. As
skills increase, gradually introduce longer stories. Repeat words
and phrases are helpful.
- Look for topics of interest to your child. Involve them in the
selection process and honor their choices when possible.
- Look for books which were read aloud when the children were younger.
Let them read those same books on their own now.
- Look for "how-to," recipe and craft books with simple
instructions and clear illustrations.
- Stories should feature kids (or animals) dealing with fears and
feelings similar to those your own children experience.
"In Betweens" & Preteens
- Children at this age are fascinated by odd or unusual facts.
Look for books with accurate information on any subject about
which your child is curious.
- Books should present a variety of settings, both in time and place.
- Stories should show young people actively solving problems and
overcoming odds. There should be a bond of loyalty between characters.
- Look for out of the ordinary experiences, in non-fiction and fiction.
Mysteries and ghost stories are popular at this age.
10 Extra Tips for Finding Books for Children
of All Ages
- Have your children help select books as soon as they start
indicating preferences. Let them browse in a library or bookstore
and choose for themselves.
- Get to know the children's section of your local library.
Children's librarians are knowledgeable about new and classic
books and want to help you.
- Determine your children's interests and then help steer
them towards books on their favorite subjects.
- Ask relatives and friends about books their children have
enjoyed. You may even want to borrow books.
- If your son or daughter doesn't like a book, put it away.
Forcing books on a child will defeat your purpose and turn reading
into a battle of wills.
- Understand that your children may want to hear (or read) favorite
books again and again, even after you think they've "outgrown" them.
- Look for books you will enjoy reading
aloud. This will allow your enthusiasm to come through.
- Experiment. Offer variety, but above all, trust your youngster's
reactions, and your own.
- Watch Ready to Learn programs
like Reading Rainbow and Between the Lions to
hear new stories and increase interest in books.
- Remember that you are trying to introduce your children
to the pleasures of reading -- so have fun!
|
|
