Children’s Literacy Promotes Strong Problem Solving Skills


To celebrate Children’s Book Week, I am focusing on the benefits of children’s literacy in order to encourage parents, grandparents, caregivers, siblings to model strong reading habits to the younger children in their lives.

In my experience, children who have grown up reading, being read to and listening to audio books not only have a well-developed vocabulary, but they are also better communicators.

As a writer I often hear, “Know your audience.” What this means is that if I am going to write a short story for the 5 – 8 year old crowd I have to use age appropriate vocabulary and I have to keep the storyline linear. Younger children can't follow multiple storylines within a single story. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dumbing down to the 5 – 8 year olds. The story itself can be complex and emotional.

I use this as an example because if that 5 – 8 year old continues to develop their reading skills over the years, they will eventually be reading books with a diverse cast of characters, which address social issues or personal struggles, failure, success. Some characters will be well spoken and articulate. Some will speak an urban language they learned on the streets. Some might say or do things that shock the reader and others may fail to do what the reader expects, in turn disappointing them.

Hmmm, sounds like life. And that’s my point.

A child who reads, is read to, or listens to audio books is exposed to the world in a safer, more controlled environment. One day, that reader is going to be out in the real world experiencing real world situations that will mirror things they’ve read about. Based on their reaction to the fictional or non-fictional retelling, they will be able to act or react with the benefit of having had some experience in the situation. And when I say “one day” I actually mean everyday.

In my book, The Weaver, which is included in the tote bag of books being given away at the end of this week, the main character Mary feels different from her friends and family. Then something happens to make her feel like even more of an outcast. Yet, instead of burying her head in the sand and blending into the background, she works and works and works until she finds a way to no longer feel like an outcast.

It is my hope that the children (and adults!) who read The Weaver will benefit not only from the lyrical language, but from the overall message of persistence. A child who read The Weaver in 5th grade might need to dwell upon the lesson again in 6th or 7th grade, but will be more equipped to do so having witnessed how Mary handled her own situation.

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Comments

  1. Sharon StanleyMay 8, 2012 at 11:19 AM

    Thanks for some very interesting thoughts today Kai!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Magic Carpet of 16x BooksMay 8, 2012 at 11:26 AM

    Child literacy is a great topic. Even here in the US there are children who can not read - or barely read. Terrific post, mate.

    BOOKS for Kids - Manuscript Critiques
    http://www.margotfinke.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 9, 2012 at 9:04 AM

      Remember that old Coca-Cola commercial? I sing it a little differently, "I'd like to teach the world to read."

      Delete
  3. Susan B JamesMay 8, 2012 at 1:31 PM

    If they read The Weaver and Nancy Stewart's new book Kristin and Winter, they will definitely get the idea. I didn't know GAP was doing this cause I've been off the web. but great minds and all that...My blog post this week at Pen and Ink is on the same subject, plus Teacher Appreciation Week and Mothers Day. What book made you a reader? http://thepenandinkblog.blogspot.com/
    Oh I just finished a new YA called "Don't Expect Magic by Kathy McCullough. I loved it and I think you might, too. Blessings
    Sue B.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 9, 2012 at 9:05 AM

      I'll definitely stop by your blog, Susan, and thanks for the book rec. I'll add it to my tbr list. I love getting suggestions from other readers.

      Delete
  4. UnknownMay 9, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    Yes, literacy is king today. So necessary and lagging in some instances. Wonderful post.

    All continued success with the week, Kai, and beyond...

    And thank you, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 9, 2012 at 9:06 AM

      I think it is sad how easily literacy can be obtained and yet it is still neglected in many households. Sad, sad, sad.

      Have a great blogging week, too, Nancy!

      Delete
  5. Mayra CalvaniMay 9, 2012 at 6:47 AM

    Great post, Kai! I also think that age-appropriate language is the first thing we should keep in mind when writing children's stories, especially picture books. Otherwise we can lose our readers, no matter how well-written the book is or how exciting the plot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kai Strand, AuthorMay 9, 2012 at 9:08 AM

      I am one to stretch the age appropriate language rule, but I'm not writing picture books and I try to frame an advanced word so that the reader can understand the context. I don't do it often, but I do it consistently (if that makes sense).

      One HUGE benefit to e-readers is the instant dictionary look up. I use the feature all the time on my Kindle.

      Delete

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