Having just returned from a whirlwind book tour in Asia, I encountered similar concerns from parents and teachers about children and reading and thought “Myths & Facts’ might clear up some understandable, but incorrect assumptions about children and reading. In the next couple of weeks I will continue to write on some of the universal concerns expressed by parents and teachers. Thank you to John Bryne, Librarian at Western Academy of Beijing, who found how
Reading Together can be easily purchased in Asia & elsewhere (free world wide shipping) Click on:
http://www.bookdepository.com/book/9780399535246/Reading-Together
MYTH: Teaching my child to read before he enters school will give him an edge and make him a better reader.
FACT: Not necessarily—Learning to read is developmental and the readiness factor is essential. Being able to read when entering kindergarten is no guarantee you will be a better reader in 3rd grade than someone who learned to read later.
MYTH: Offering a child difficult and challenging books will help him become a better reader.
FACT: No—a child becomes a good reader when he reads books he understands and can easily get to the story.
MYTH: My child will be a better reader when he is able to increase his reading speed.
FACT: No—children need comprehension, not speed in their reading.
MYTH: Children understand everything they read.
FACT: No—don’t confuse a child’s ability to read a story with their ability to understand a story.
