I hope you had a Happy New Year! Thank you for subscribing to The Irby Review and sharing your thoughts with me each month. Here are some articles I discovered that would be of interest to you and your family.
A Home Library Can Have A Powerful Effect On Children
If you have young children living with you, begin building your home library now! A newly published paper and study “Scholarly culture: How books in adolescence enhance literacy numeracy and technology skills in 31 societies” encourages 80 or more books in a home in order for children to attain higher levels of literacy, numeracy and information communication technology skills. The results of the study go so far to declare that a well-stocked library is similar to acquiring additional years of education. A pro-knowledge environment facilitates cognitive competencies overall, and creates a greater chance of occupational success for kids in adulthood. Go ahead and encourage family and friends to give the gift of books at birthdays and holidays – it’s an investment in your child’s future.
Read More
The Visual Language Of Comic Books Can Improve Brain Function
Most people don’t realize the benefits of reading comic books. When you think about it, images contain an abundance of narrative information, dating back to cave painting. Visual images tell stories through cues like color, facial expressions, spatial layout, shapes and settings, and connect the reader to a character or experience. Reading comics activate cognitive functions such as thinking and problem-solving therefore it involves complex processing similar to advanced text comprehension. Stories change the ways in which our brains function and think, by prompting the readers to see what’s important. Contemporary research points out that reading visual narratives improves overall literacy. New information tell us how comic books and graphic novels are great learning tools for both reluctant readers and children with development differences, to improve reading comprehension and interpersonal communication.
Read More
Giving Your Children Experiences Instead Of Toys Boosts Their Intelligence And Happiness
Don’t sweat about what the latest toys and games to buy children. Child development specialists discovered that experiences and time spent with family for young ones, leads to academic success, strong social development and a rise in gratitude and generosity! Too many toys tend to overwhelm and distract kids, while fewer, quality toys enhance cooperation and sharing. Carve out time. Create long-lasting memories and happiness with your children and grandchildren by doing activities and sharing experiences together.
Read More
Why So Many Aspiring Teachers Can’t Pass A Licensing Test– And Why It Matters
Achieving top grades on the “Praxis” tests for aspiring elementary school teachers does not consequently lead to those educators becoming supreme teachers, but the author of the article urges us to question why over half of the teaching candidates fail the licensing exams on their first try. Praxis tests measure the academic skills and subject-specific content needed for teaching. The National Council on Teacher Quality blames the teacher training programs for focusing on teaching methodologies rather than the proper content in science, math and social studies while some candidates blamed the unfettered class options and requirements. A deeper examination reveals a prevalent, disturbing problem: American students are not learning science, math and social studies basics in school, evidently impacting their lack of knowledge as adults.
Read More
Easy Ways To Get Your Kids To Read More This Year
Getting your kids to read more – what a great New Year’s resolution recommended by the teacher, mom and author of the article. Melissa Taylor puts forth sensible ways for you to achieve this goal in 2020 by dividing some simple suggestions into age groups of the children. Here are a few. Please read the article for additional ways to facilitate literacy from birth to teens!
0-2 years-Establish a reading bedtime ritual
3-5 years-Point to words you are reading
6-8 years-Avoid over scheduling children to allow reading time
9-12 years-Be a role model. Talk about books you are reading
13 and older-Download the kindle app and share books with your teen
Read More
Please let me know what you think by replying to this email. I’d love to hear your thoughts about any of these articles. Happy 2020!
Alvin Irby
Founder & Chief Reading Inspirer
Barbershop Books
PS
– Did you miss any of the past issues? View them all here.
– For book recs, helpful tips, more ed commentary, visit Barbershop Books’ blog!
