Caring for Your Child's Books
-
Keep your child's own books and his library
books in a special place. If you don't have room on a shelf,
decorate a cardboard box and print the words, "__(your
child's name)__'s BOOKS" on it.
- Encourage your child to put the books away when he isn't
using them. Say, "We don't want to leave these books
on the floor. Someone might step on them." Also help him
keep them separated from coloring books: "We don't color
in these."
- Help your child treat books with care. When you look
at books together, show your child how to turn the pages. Ask
him to do it while you read to him; and praise him for doing it
nicely. If your child is rough with books, only keep sturdy ones
out for him to use himself. Choose cardboard or plastic ones that
can be wiped off. You want him to think of books as toys that
he can play with anytime. And you don't want him to associate
books with being scolded. Keep the more delicate books out of
reach, to enjoy with an adult reader.
- If your child becomes too rough with a book, tell him
calmly, "Mommy thinks we should put this away for now so
the book doesn't get hurt." You don't need to show anger
or even scold your child. Just be consistent about putting books
away when your child is too rough. If your child enjoys books,
he will eventually learn to treat them more carefully.
- Your child might accidentally rip a book or write on it.
All young children do that now and then. Children don't have as
much control over their hands as grownups do. At these times,
it is best not to get angry or punish your child. Instead, tell
your child, "I know you are sorry that happened. I know you
like your books. Let's try to fix it (with tape or an eraser).
Next time I'm sure you will be extra careful."
- Always remember to praise your child for caring for his
books:
- "You remembered to put your books back in the book box."
- "You are a good page turner."
- "Look at how gently you pulled that tab."
- "Good for you! You stepped over your book."
- Teach your child the names of his books. When your child
has a book out to read or play with, be sure to call it by name.
Then your child can talk about specific books just like she talks
about favorite toys: " I want Clifford's ABC."
- Some books require special care. If your child likes
delicate books (lift-the-flap or pull-the-tab), but is too rough
with them; you can still allow her to have some of them. Just
keep those books in a special place, where your child can't get
to them herself. Tell your child that she can only read those
books with an older person. She will have to ask. When you do
read them, take turns with the flaps, showing your child how to
do it carefully.
|
