Books for Babies: Beating the reading odds

The two elements for success in Fremont Elementary School's Early Reading Program are first, an infant, and second, someone reading out loud to that infant.

Chase Morse, 9, a Fremont Elementary School second-grader, was up to the task Thursday afternoon.

In his lap rested Ruby, his 6-month-old sister, and in his right hand, children's author Eric Carle's book, "Today is Monday," from which he read.

His mother and grandmother, behind him in chairs, watched proudly, the family some of the first recipients of Eric Carle books.

The idea driving the program is that young siblings can be given a head start in reading and comprehension by the time they reach Fremont.

"We're emphasizing the importance of reading out loud to children," said Sue Maples, a kindergarten teacher at the school. "The number one predictor of school success is that children who are read to are children who succeed."

About 10 families made it to the book giveaway Thursday after school, which also included a pamphlet, by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, called "You Make the Difference: Ways to Get Your Children Ready for Reading."

"It's good to get the kids used to reading," said Kathy Morse, Chase and Ruby's mother as she lifted her little girl from Chase's lap. "It helps the older kids because it gives them an opportunity to be listened to just as much for the little kids to be read to."

The free books, all written by Eric Carle, are cardboard and very durable, according to first-grade teacher Dee Steele. She said Carle is a fabulous children's author.

"And his illustrations are very engaging," she added.

Families who did not make the Books for Babies program will receive the books when they are sent home with their older children. The program, started this year by the school's Parent and Community Involvement Committee, will track the titles given to each family, so duplicates aren't given when additional children are born.

Patty Reyes brought three of her children, Luis, 10, Stephanie, 8, and Christopher, 4 months, to Thursday's program.

"I'm glad they started it," she said. "It is very important to get kids to read. Sometimes it's hard to get them to do it, but it's important for testing because no matter what subject the test is in, they have to read."

The families packed up, one by one, to head home. As grandmother Patty Schaull left with Ruby, Chase, and their mother, she commented on her granddaughter's unusual inclination toward reading materials.

"When I'm reading the newspaper, she's always grabbing it in her hands."

- Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

Tips from "You Make the Difference: Ways to Get your Child Ready for Reading," produced by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension:

• Newborn to 3 months: Hold your baby often, talk to your baby, play games, sing nursery rhymes.

• 4-6 months: Read to your baby at least 5 minutes each day, lengthening the time with the child's increasing attention span. Point to pictures and words while reading. Make up stories to go with picture books.

• 7-12 months: Read the same books over and over. Play peek-a-book and pat-a-cake.

• 1-2 years: Have a regular time to read to your child each day. Let your child turn the pages and repeat words out loud. Share nursery rhymes.

• 3-4 years: Let your child choose their books. Make sure your child sees you read. Take your children to storytime at the library.

• 5 and older: Keep reading to your children. Make sure their are books, magazines and newspapers in your home. Point out what signs say while your shop. Play rhyming games.