Dr.Terry Husband
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​Better Through Books
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*A Family Literacy Blog for Dads

Variety is the Spice of Life!

11/17/2019

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Children can become bored from reading in the same manner each day. One way you can increase reading motivation in your son or daughter is by reading in a different manner each day. Some different ways you can read are listed below:
  • Shared Reading—This interactive reading experience involves reading along side a child as a means of modeling reading strategies and fluency skills.
  • Interactive Read Aloud—A systematic method of reading a book aloud in a manner that scaffolds a child’s understanding of the book being read
  • Partner Reading—A child takes turn reading to another child to build fluency skills
  • Guided Reading—Small group reading instruction that provides supports a child while develop reading strategies and skills.  
  • Independent Reading—Reading that is done by a child with little or no assistance from a peer or adult.
Feel free to like, comment, or share. Remember that everything is better through books!
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Reading as a Process

1/7/2018

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Reading is a complex social, cultural, linguistic, and mental process. Proficient and fluent readers utilize assets from each of these different sources to comprehend and critically analyze texts effectively. Below you will find a list of things you can do to help your son or daughter comprehend the information in the texts as they read better:

Before Reading
  • Make predictions/inferences
  • Take a picture walk
  • Make personal connections
  • Establish the purpose for reading
  • Discuss prior knowledge related the book's contents
  • Discuss key vocabulary words in the book

During the Reading
  • Make predictions/inferences
  • Generate questions
  • Answer questions
  • Apply reading strategies
  • Read with a partner
  • Record key information
  • Model Think Aloud Processes 

After the Reading
  • Revisit predictions/inferences
  • Respond to a writing prompt related to the text
  • Read additional books with similar themes, characters, and or authors
  • Summarize events, story elements
  • Create a visual and or dramatic representation of the events in the story
  • Create a graphic that details key events in the text
  • Create and conduct an inquiry project related to the book

Feel free to like, comment, or share. Remember that everything is better through books!


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Building on Your Child's Interests

12/29/2017

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Many times I hear dads lament that their children simply don't like to read. In my experience, this has a lot to do with their child's reading interests. It almost goes without saying that children will be less motivated to read books they are not interested in than books that connect to their personal interests. One way a dad might increase reading motivation is by making books available that connect to his child's interests in everyday life. For instance, if you have a son who loves to play football, it might be a good idea to provide opportunities for your son to read books about his favorite football players. This can be a great way to connect to this child's interests and make reading more enjoyable. In keeping with the school of thought, I have a daughter who enjoys watching Shimmer and Shine on TV. When we go to the library, I often encourage her to pick out books that involve the Shimmer and Shine characters. She is often overjoyed by the opportunity to read books that connect to her entertainment interests. Some other easy ways to increase reading motivation include:
1. Making reading a regular family event
2. Connecting reading to real life experiences in a child's life
3. Connecting reading to the Arts
4. Modeling reading for enjoyment
5. Gifting books for birthdays, holidays, and other special moments  
6. Giving your child a regular book allowance and taking him or her to the bookstore once per month to go shopping for books
Feel free to leave a comment or question below. Remember that everything is better with books!
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Talk, Talk, Talk, and Talk Some More!!!

12/26/2017

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Children learn language through both formal and informal language interactions. These opportunities can be planned and unplanned by adults. A dad can support his child's oral language development by taking time to talk his child on a daily basis. A dad can stimulate conversation by asking questions about feelings, events, and objects in his child's everyday world. You might even support oral language development by talking to your child as you engage in dramatic play with him or her. Some more structured ways of supporting your child's oral language development include: 
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1) Scaffolding--Providing support as children attempt more difficult language skills
2) Modeling--Providing clear examples for children to use as they develop language skills
3) Distancing--Posing open ended questions related to a child's feelings and thoughts
4) Feedback--Providing verbal feedback to encourage, support and reinforce language skills
5) NarrativeTalk--Engaging in authentic conversations with children

Feel free to leave a comment or question below. Remember that everything is better with books!
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Balance is the Key!

12/23/2017

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It's that time of the year again!
During this time of year, many families typically spend a lot of time relaxing, having fun, and enjoying each other's company. In the midst of all of the travel, excitement, gift giving, and fun, it is easy to forget about reading. I encourage all of the dads out there to make a commitment to read with your child at least 20 minutes each day during the holiday season. Not only will this help them make a smoother transition back to school in January, but it will also balance the amount of time they typically spend engaging in some form of screen time activity. Happy Holidays! Remember that everything is better with books!


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    About Me:

    My name is Dr. Terry Husband and I am an Associate Professor of Early Childhood and Elementary Literacy at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. I am also a father of three beautiful daughters and passionate about reading. Research suggests that fathers play a very critical role in a child's literacy development. At the same time, many fathers are unsure how they might best support their child's literacy development outside of school. This blog is designed to encourage and support fathers as they read to and with their children on a regular basis outside of school. As you browse this blog, you will find articles, tools, and links to assist you in this journey. I hope you enjoy!

    --Dr. H

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