Reading is Thinking

The way reading is taught in schools has changed drastically in the past 25 years. I remember reading stories in grade school, then taking a test with the book closed. The tests usually focused on basic recall questions, sequencing events, and vocabulary questions. None of these questions really challenged the student to think about the text. Current practice focuses much less on the basic recall questions and pushes the reader to really analyze, and evaluate the text. (Bloom's Taxonomy) Notice how we want to push our students to be evaluators and creators. When students are tested on books now they are allowed to use the book as a reference. And, this idea can start very young!

Evaluating with Kids

Simply offering choice is a way you can teach your child to evaluate. Sometimes I put out 3-4 of Patrick's books. I ask him to choose his favorite (this changes frequently!) When we start to ask questions like asking your child to choose a favorite anything is a common question, but try to stretch it...Why is it your favorite? Now, I will admit, kids are not developmentally ready to give sound reasons as to why they like Jack and the Beanstalk over Hansel and Gretel, but if we provide a model they are more likely to try it out. For example, I like Jack and the Beanstalk better because I like when Jack goes up in the clouds to the big castle. Your child may say I like that part too! This is a small way to start developing the evaluating skills in young children.

Creating with Kids

Kids love to reenact favorite moments in their books. Last week when we were at the shore Patrick found a beanstalk at the playground. He climbed up and said, "Look! I'm just like Jack!" I stretched him and asked, "Where are you going?" He was going to the castle. Yes, he is recreating the scene in the story when Jack climbs the beanstalk up to the Giant's castle. Kids have such amazing imaginations! As you play, use the books you have read to recreate scenes.

Your challenge - Try to evaluate or create with your child today. Let me know how it goes!