George Jacobs Ph.D. and Wan Loh Inn Ed.D.

Predictable books, also known as pattern books, are easier for children to understand and read because a familiar pattern is repeated many times in the book. For example, here’s an excerpt from a predictable book in which a girl plays Hide and Seek with her grandmother (each line is on a different page, accompanied by a drawing to represent the action:   Grandma looks … [Read more...] about Guide for Dads: Predictable Books Make Things Easy and Fun

There are many types of books. The key point when deciding what types of books to choose is: Introduce children to a variety of books. In this way, we widen their horizons. Here are some book types to consider.   Story books   When most dads think of reading aloud, they think of story books. These come in many types including folk tales, fairy tales, series about … [Read more...] about Guide for Dads: Many Types of Books to Choose from

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. - Arab Proverb   Bookstores are another good source of reading aloud material. One advantage of buying books is that having books of their own provides a special feeling for children. They may have a favorite book, just like they have a favorite toy. Many bookstores have a children’s section. These often have comfortable … [Read more...] about Guide for Dads: Bookstores

We know that reading aloud to children is a good idea, but what should we read aloud? Good books provide a solid foundation for reading aloud. Fortunately, it is easy to find books and other materials to read aloud to children.   In her insightful book about helping children learn to read, poet Lee Tzu Peng pointed out children’s literature represents some of the best … [Read more...] about Guide for Dads: Libraries

Women should not be the only ones reading aloud to children. Fathers, uncles, grandfathers, male family friends, and other guys should be involved too. First, why should women have all the fun of reading aloud? Second, taking time to read aloud to children is one more way for dads to show that children matter to them. Third, dads want boys to see that reading and spending time … [Read more...] about Guide for Dads: Reading Aloud is Not Just Women’s Work