Fun With Literacy

[naomikritzer]

So, Molly reads now. I keep running into weird little surprises-that-shouldn't-be-surprises about having a kid who reads. For instance, I no longer get to semi-peacefully read the comics with my morning coffee, because Molly steals them. If I don't fork them over, she comes over to my side of the table and patiently reads over my shoulder. I should try to cultivate an obsession with baseball statistics; I don't care if she steals the sports section.

She is obsessed with reading series book in order. There are about 130 Junie B. Jones books and the library is always out of the one book that's next in the series. Still, she's made it up to #12. Anyone remember the Boxcar Children? I had really, really fond memories of that book and the mystery series that came after it. I picked up Boxcar Children at Half Price Books for Molly, and re-read it while she was reading something else. It's one of the books that's much, much better when you're a kid, alas. Molly enjoyed it, though, and now wants to read the other books. There were only about a dozen books when I was a kid; they've now franchised the series and there are over a hundred. Naturally, Molly wants to read them in order.

When I call her, if she's reading, she doesn't hear me. Either that, or she's figured out that I'll cut her more slack for ignoring me when she's got her nose buried in a book.

When I was a kid, I used to crawl behind my parents' wing chair to sit right next to a heat vent, and read there. My parents thought this was weird and uncomfortable looking, but shrugged and installed a reading light. I spotted Molly on a heat vent once, but more often she takes one of the cushions off the love seat and sits on the springs, wedged between the armrest and the other cushion. At my school, I remember reading nooks that were made by taking some sort of large cardboard barrel, cutting a kid-sized hole near the bottom and installing a pillow. Molly would probably love something like that but (a) I'm not sure where you get those barrels, (b) I'm not sure where I'd put it, and (c) I'm really not sure where I'd put two (and I don't want to have to constantly mediate squabbles over who gets to sit in there).

Though she now spends most of her time reading chapter books, when we go to the library she seems a lot more comfortable browsing the picture books than the chapter books. When she gets to the chapter book section, she kind of seems at a loss for finding books, though she's happy to let me pull some books out for her. It occurred to me after our last library trip that I need to explain to her about reading the back. Honestly, I can understand why the children's section is kind of bewildering for her. There is a distinct level to her reading, but the chapter books are only slightly sorted by level. The series books are separate -- those seem to be mostly for the younger kids -- and then YA is segregated. But the juvenile chapter books are all shelved together, so mixed in with the stuff on Molly's level are books like Johnny Tremain, Anne of Green Gables, Arm of the Starfish, Number the Stars, etc. All excellent books, that I hope she'll read eventually, but over her head right now. If any of the librarians who read this (or anyone else, really) want to give me suggestions for teaching her to select books she'll like, or for identifying books at her level that I might not be familiar with, I'm very open to that idea. Or title recommendations, but bear in mind that she really needs books for young kids at this point. She LOVED the Molly books published by the American Girls company, and is starting in on the Kirsten books; they're exactly the right level for her.

Literacy means that suddenly she has access to information that was not mediated through me or Ed. So for instance, the other day she suddenly announced that she wanted curly hair and gave me an expectant look like she was waiting for my suggestions for fixing this problem. I told her that her hair is already a little bit curly and she dropped the subject. However, that evening I flipped through one of the Molly books (Changes for Molly) and discovered that Molly in the book wanted curly hair, considered a home permanent, and had her sister do pin curls for her. (I haven't the slightest idea how to curl hair, so alas, Molly will have to muddle along with semi-wavy hair for now.)

Literacy means she can read ads. "Hey, Mom," she said as she studied some stickers that came through the mail and Ed passed along to her. "Wouldn't you like a Patriots jacket? It's free!" (Free with a Sports Illustrated subscription.) And notes I leave for myself, and grocery lists, and the sign at the garden store that says "Corn Gluten Is Here!" She can read the sign on the door of our convenience store that says that only two kids are allowed inside at one time, and thought this meant she'd need to wait outside while I went in with Kiera, since she could see there was already a kid in there.

This also means that if we want to keep her quietly occupied on an outing, we can bring along a book for her to read. On the other hand, this means that she doesn't entertain Kiera. (On the other other hand, it means that she doesn't fight with Kiera, either.)

For some reason, she never has a bookmark handy when she needs one. So I'll call her to dinner, and she'll want me to get her a bookmark before she'll go wash her hands. Yesterday we made little bookmark cups: we cut bookmarks from paper and old cereal boxes, and Molly and Kiera decorated them with markers and stickers. Then we stuck them into cups and stashed them around the house in spots where Molly likes to read.

Of course, she hasn't had occasion to use these because she's read all the books we have out from the library. Luckily, we're going again tomorrow.

Comments

[ricevermicelli.livejournal.com]

I'm no great shakes with hair either, but if you wash Molly's hair before bed, and then braid it fairly tightly overnight, when you comb it out in the morning, it will be very wavy.

This will not be comfortable, and she may decide at some intermediate stage that it's not worth it. If so, you will never have to do it again. If, on the other hand, she loves it, you will never have any trouble convincing her to wash her hair.

[naomikritzer]

Molly is growing out her hair, but it's not long enough to braid. Well, that's not entirely true. It's long enough to French-braid but I'm not competant enough with hair to French-braid anything.

[peacockharpy.livejournal.com]

It must be so wonderful to watch Molly read, even if you do have to fight for the comics!

I have done the 1940s hair thing (my husband does WWII re-enactment and I've gone to a few dances with him). You can tell Molly from me that setting your hair in curls usually requires sleeping in curlers or pins -- time-consuming to set up and definitely uncomfortable to sleep in! Plus, 40s hair requires a lot of specialty equipment -- pins, curlers, setting lotion, crimpers, "rats" to go inside the hair and puff up the rolls appropriately, and so on.

I had new and profound respect for our foremothers after working that hard on my hair. It did look really amazing when it was done, though.

[naomikritzer]

It is awesome to watch Molly read. Fighting for the comics is well worth it.

The Molly book where her sister pin-curls her hair goes on at some length about how time-consuming and uncomfortable the whole process was. And I'll note that Molly (my Molly) didn't say she wanted pin curls, she said that she wanted curly hair. :-D

[peacockharpy.livejournal.com]

Your Molly is smart. :)

We have a few of the Kirsten books, as my mother-in-law is of Scandinavian extraction and likes them for the explanation of traditions, but I haven't read the other ones yet. Meg's still too young for them, really.

[naomikritzer]

I asked her today if she said she wanted curly hair because she wanted me to curl her hair. "No!" she said. "I think it would hurt!"

Smart, indeed. ::laughs::

I had long written off the American Girls books are formulaic and drab, but they're not half bad, honestly. Good worldbuilding. Nice historical detail. Cardboard characters, but decently drawn cardboard. The writing, while a little simplistic, is still better than some of the books I loved as a kid (like Boxcar Children). And I'm really impressed with the use of the sidebar illustrations -- they do a really good job at subtly explaining the harder words by giving you pictures that cue you as to what the words mean.

I'm not sure she's caught on to the fact that there are DOLLS that go with the books -- the advertisement is tucked in behind the historical notes that she skips.

[peacockharpy.livejournal.com]

Oh, I remember loving the Boxcar Children... and you're right, they really just don't work for me now.

I like that the American Girls dolls sneakily introduce history to the readers, and don't seem to be too heavily didactic and/or treacly. Reading books aloud to Meg has made me really appreciate the well-written, sweet without being sticky, enjoyable children's book. (And why is it that all the treacle ones seem to also be written in singsongy rhyme that's just off meter? Do they want me to grind my teeth into powder?)

[naomikritzer]

Oh, I haaaaaaaate the singsongy awful rhymes that aren't quite on meter. And the saccharine storylines just add insult to injury.

[wilfulcait.livejournal.com]

Oh, the joy of a child who knows how to read!

In our house, Rule 1 is "Bring a book." If you blow Rule 1, and you are bored, it is your own fault. (Rule 2 is "Bring 2 books, you might finish the first one."

I love your idea of bookmark cups.

[naomikritzer]

Rule 2 is "Bring 2 books, you might finish the first one."

This has always been a problem for me on vacations. I read fast. And an entire suitcase of books is pretty darn heavy.

We brought a TON of books to us with Boston for Molly, and still ran out.

[naomikritzer]

I had pretty cool parents. Well, most of the time, anyway. ;-) (They read this blog. If you see thetruthsquad post, that's my father.)

the new reader ...

[thetruthsquad.livejournal.com]

Naomi's sister Abi loved all things potato when she was a child.

The first time the family went out to dinner after Abi learned to read, Abi looked at the menu and announced that she wanted french fried potatoes, mashed potatoes, and a baked potatato.

[swords-and-pens.livejournal.com]

With literacy comes some perils, too. Evan has looked at the headlines or a section of the front page I am reading and asked about wonderful things like Darfur, war, ethnic cleansing and other topics. Yes, it gives you a chance to talk with your child about serious matters, but it can also be a bit tricky when it is suddenly sprung on you. We have become more aware of what pages are left lying open on the table and what we read when he is looking over our shoulder.

On the up side, he is becoming a more worldly and philosophical kid, but it's not how I wanted to introduce some of these subjects.

As for books, Evan has been a fan of both the Magic Treehouse series and the Adventures of Droon books. Both chapter books, both dealing with roughly 8 year old kids having magical adventures. And yes, he insists on reading them in order, too, so I know how that goes. I hadn't thought about having him read the back covers (duh) - we'll get on that. And, while it's not a series book, Kate DiCamillo's "Despereaux" is fun - we're on out second or third go through on that. Know that there are a few dark sections in it, but they are a good way to start talking about some things, too.

As for picking books...hmmm, it's been hit and miss with us. The closest I have to a system it to hit B&N with him to look prospective titles over since they organize the chapter books better. Then you can always go to the library and face the chaos with series titles in hand. We buy more books than we do borrow for some reason -- the library isn't in my consciousness that much. I think it may be because we never return books when we check them out.... I need to set a better example with that.

[naomikritzer]

We have become more aware of what pages are left lying open on the table and what we read when he is looking over our shoulder.

Oh, no kidding. A funny example of this was when she wanted to know why a soup kitchen thought it could save the world with soup. I said, "Huh?" She said, "It says so in the newspaper." We had left a copy of the Onion lying on an end table.

But yeah. I try to watch what I leave out, but it's a losing battle, honestly. I actually do remember my parents having this exact problem: I expanded my reading from the comics to the rest of the features section, including Dear Abby. Some weeks later I asked my mother what "incest" (I pronounced it in-kest) was, because someone had written in to Dear Abby about it. I was probably about six at that point.

It's a lot easier to shelter kids who can't read, because it's a lot easier to control what they can hear than what they can see.

[naomikritzer]

The B&N idea is a really good one, incidentally.

We have library fine issues, too (or rather, I have library fine issues, despite the fact that our library lets us renew stuff on the web and I have my card number memorized and the library site bookmarked)....but it still works out to less than it would cost to buy as many books as she'd like to read. Even if we bought them all used.

You know what's going to rock? Taking her to Bag Sale day at the Arena Sale at Minnehaha Academy this fall, leading her over to the children's book section, and handing her a grocery bag. "Everything you can fit in here is yours, kiddo! Let me know if you need $2 for another bag!"

[swords-and-pens.livejournal.com]

Please let me know when that is coming up. We'll make a special trip.

[lilisonna.livejournal.com]

I point you to jadelennox for help in children's lit (which is where she has her M.A.).

Marie, the daughter of our best friends, is just turning two, and she adores reading. Well, she adores putting a book in her lap, turning the pages and babbling to herself -- with occasional announcements of the various pictures. I can only imagine what's going to happen when she actually learns about this whole written word thing.

[naomikritzer]

Kiera does that! "I read it! I read!"

It's so cute.

[(Anonymous)]

Librarian response --

Here's some sites I use when trying to do reader's advisory for beginning readers. You're right that it is challenging to find out what works best for what age!:

KidsReads.com:
http://www.kidsreads.com/

For chapter books, see their Series descriptions, which have age range tags/descriptions:
http://www.kidsreads.com/series/index.asp

Book Adventure's Book Finder:
http://bookadventure.org/ki/bs/ki_bs_helpfind.asp

BookHive (includes a section for Beg. Chapter Books):
http://www.bookhive.org/books/

-Patricia Memmott (maybe I'll register someday on LiveJournal)

[naomikritzer]

Thank you! I will check those sites out!

[(Anonymous)]

I used to read lying on the top of the (cast iron!) radiator behind the couch in my parent's house. I tried lying there again when I was visiting them a few years ago, and it's clear I'm no longer as adaptable as I used to be.

My son now reads huddled under a tall table next to our dining room window (and over a henting vent). You'll be happy to hear that my husband put a reading lamp there for him. :-)

Our only problem with reading has been my son's interest in seeing what I'm reading online - all too often, its something not suitable for kids, so I've had to be very careful about leaving certain screens on the computer (even with AVs turned off). :-/

I am going to put some cups of bookmarks in several rooms, too. We have quite a few booklets of Dover Book bookmarks in different rooms, as I can never find one either, but the cups would make it easier for everyone.

[(Anonymous)]

And that was Sandy (Zea). I just need to sign up for a LiveJournal account, but every single user name I think of has already been nabbed.

[naomikritzer]

I've had to be very careful about leaving certain screens on the computer

Ohhhhhhhhh yeah. ::paranoid look:: Newspaper stories on Darfur are bad enough without the sorts of interesting new ideas she could pick up from web pages. (I mean, good grief, I've occasionally looked at Michelle Malkin's site. Can you imagine the potential damage to an impressionable child? ::grin:: )

[swords-and-pens.livejournal.com]

I activated the user password option on both of our computers so that you need a p/w to get back to the active screen from the screen saver. (We are running XP) That way, if I am gone from the computer for more than 10 minutes, the screen saver goes on and he can't bring up what I was looking at with the simple push of a button.

Evan has a password for his & Cam's user profile on his computer (complete with web rating restrictions engaged), while Jamie and I have another p/w for the Admin signons. That way, Ev can get to his programs without having to bug us, and we know he isn't getting into things he shouldn't.

Ironically, I did this because Cameron likes to go and change the system settings on my computer and I needed a way to keep his busy fingers from wiping my HD or something, but it's worked well as a content guard, too.

[cianne.livejournal.com]

i can't seem to copy and paste the words from your entry, but that whole part about your daughter having to read series' books in order? that was me. i was very distressed when i started reading my sister's old trixie beldon books and realized there were volumes MISSING. i only finally read the higher volumes when we determined there was nowhere in smalltown, northern ontario to find the missing ones.

[naomikritzer]

Oh, that must have been frustrating.

We have a pretty good library system here; it's just a matter of requesting the books we want. Except we have to request them one at a time, or we're almost guaranteed to get them in the wrong order.