By: Fred Gwynne

Reading to ChildrenChildren who learn early in childhood that books are fun are more likely to remain readers throughout life.

Choosing Appropriate BooksOne-year-olds need short, simple books with large, uncomplicated pictures. They like picture books with objects they can name and books with rhymes.Two-year-olds prefer simple stories the can relate two. Like one-year-olds, they never tire of hearing their favorite stories again and again.By age three, children enjoy longer stories with more of a plot. They like realistic stories that help them use their imagination.

Becoming a Mature StorytellerReading a story is like putting on a play. Create excitement and interest by varying the tone of your voice, giving each character a different voice, and using gestures and facial expressions.

If you are reading to one or two children, snuggle up close and hold the book so they can see. If you are reading to a group, arrange the children in a semicircle facing you. Read loudly enough for everyone to hear. Take the time to learn the book beforehand so you can keep the pictures facing the children.

Encourage ParticipationVery young children can turn the pages (hand-eye coordination)Relate the action and pictures in the book to the childs own lifeAsk questions as you readWith familiar books, let the child play the part of one characterWith older children, point out the words for familiar objects. Practice recognizing letters and their soundsEncourage children to dramatize a story by themselves or with puppets. Have them draw pictures to go with a story.

Remember Keep your focus on the childnot on the story. Reading together should be fun. If the child has stopped enjoying the story, put the book away.

The King Who Rained

By: Fred Gwynne6Daddy saysthere was a kingwho rained forforty years.

Daddy saysthere are forks in the road.

SometimesMommy saysshe has a frogin her throat.

Mommy saysall we get inthe mail are bigbills.

My big sistersgetting marriedand she says Ican hold upher train.

Daddy says weshould live inthe present.

Ive heardMommy talkabout the footprince in thesnow

and the blueprince for thenew room onour house.

Daddy sayssome boarsare coming fordinner.

Did you everhear such abunch of fairytails?

The End.This story contains phrases which some young children may misunderstand as well as homophones.

Homophones are two words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings What are some other examples?I took advice from my peer (I took advice from my friend the same age as me).I took a walk off the pier (I took a walk off the dock).

I have butterflies in my stomach (My stomach feels funny because I am nervous).

She has a green thumb (She is good at gardening).AssignmentCome up with 5 of your own sayings that a child might misunderstand. Create your own "King Who Reigned story including colored illustrations.Use the time you have to come up with your 5 sayings.