Choosing Books for Elementary Kids

Instead of nagging your children to read everyday, examine the books you are offering to your family. If your kids do not enjoy the books your family owns, it is time to update your collection.

• ABC and simple math books: the best ones have colorful illustrations that incorporate letters and numbers onto each page.
• Picture books: these have very few words, but encourage children to develop mental skills that are needed for reading. Illustrations should be colorful with a lot of action.
• Concept books: these books group similar objects, colors, shapes, sizes or other ideas to help children understand the concepts.
• Information books: the pictures are realistic and the text teaches children facts and information about a specific topic.
• Rhymes and traditional stories: this includes nursery rhymes, fairy tales, folk stories, and fables that have originated from various cultures. These are highly imaginative and help teach children about cultures from around the world.
• Poetry: vibrant and descriptive pictures accompany one or more poems intended for children. Introduce children to the descriptiveness and poignancy of poetry.
• Simple chapter books: many have pictures to help kids understand what is happening. Series follow a formula so children can easily follow along. The main character is usually a child that young readers can relate to.

When book shopping, include your child in the process. He or she will help you find the right books for them. When considering a book look at its genre, subject matter, and degree of difficulty. Magazines and comic books are also acceptable forms of literature for children; they will help kids get excited about reading so they can move onto more difficult materials when they feel ready.

Give your child variety by introducing the books listed above. Offering several genres of books will show a child that reading does not have to be boring. There are thousands of options available for children and once they understand this they will find the right books for them. Reading doesn't have to be boring or a chore for a child; all it takes is prompting and a little push in the right direction so they find the right reading materials for their interest, personality, and talents.