Teaching children to love reading is essential and can be accomplished by showing an appreciation for creative writing and word choice. Last week I was buzzing through twitter and came in contact with .happyvancouver who runs a website that is geared toward making life wonderful for babies and children by teaching them to love reading. I was asked to put forth my thoughts on this topic and this is what I wrote, leading us into the blog for this week.

"Teaching children to love reading isn't easy. Everyone is attracted to creative, imaginative words so teaching the power of the written word and how it triggers one's senses, is essential. As children realize this, their passion for reading will begin to bleed. "

As I read the comments of fellow authors, I was amazed at how other adults approached this concept. There are so many different approaches in achieving a love for reading but what I have found most useful as an educator is the use of  creative writing and word choice. I teach these concepts using lyrics from songs that I love and watching children develop creative and figurative language on their own is an amazing feeling. We must be passionate about what is written and read and teaching children to take a chance on words goes a long way in their develop for the love of reading. Children suddenly become interested in writing outlandish, bizarre words and phrases and then develop an awareness of this concept as they read. This will directly translate into their reading as they begin to search and recognize them and ultimately develop some sort of like or love for reading.

If you're a parent, grandparent, guardian, teacher or any other individual who is in constant contact with children, remember the importance of reading. Create a love and passion for words, make them come alive and watch as the youth of today gain an appreciation for reading.

 Joseph Forte

Where Words Come Alive