Grandparents are such influential people in the lives of our children. One very important influence should be in building reading skills and emphasizing reading. According to the Children’s Reading Foundation, grandparents can spoil their grandchildren in good ways by giving them a reading-rich lifestyle.
Here are some suggestions from the Foundation as to what grandparents can do whether they live close by or not:
Sing songs, recite poetry and do finger plays to help develop language and listening skills.
Play word games and do puzzles together. These activities provide wonderful opportunities to build vocabulary.
Offer books or magazine subscriptions as gifts for birthdays and other special occasions.
Invite your grandchild to the bookstore or library for story hour. Don’t rush. Take time to browse the books and to cuddle together in the cozy chairs. Time is your gift to give.
Let your grandchild see you reading and enjoying books. When you’re together, read aloud the words on signs, menus, and captions under an interesting photograph in a magazine or newspaper.