I was lucky to beinvited to share at the Southwest Virginia Reading Conference last week. Dr. Heidi Mesmer gave the openingsession which focused on “ruralreaders.” One of her ideas was toprovide “bus books” for children who have a long bus commute. What a great project for a service clubor Sunday school class. Get aplastic crate and invite people to donate old children’s books ormagazines. Put these on a bus andyou’re all set!
Dr. Mesmerpointed out that children at risk are low in vocabulary, which can be addressedindirectly by reading and talking – high quantity and high quality. Vocabulary instruction should also be directand systematic. And, wouldn’t thisbe a perfect season to expand vocabulary by discussing “scary” words and “spooky”things. Use an attribute web tobrainstorm scary words. Letchildren draw pictures of ghouls, ghosts, or monsters and challenge them to useas many words as they can to describe their drawings.
In discussingliteracy in families, Dr. Mesmer suggested children interview their parents andgrandparents on how they learned to read. What were their favorite books or magazines when they were young? (You’ve got to love HIGHLIGHTS becausethat magazine has spanned many generations.)
Of course, Iembraced her final comment – LOVE THESE KIDS! That’s our most important job as educators regardless ofdemographics! City, rural, urban –they are all children in need of our love and support!
