GRAND Magazine - November/December 2018 Subscribe Today! - 33

reading

Once upon a time...
BY ANDREA J. FONTE WEAVER

o begins the traditional story. That proverbial question hasn't changed over the
decades but our understanding about
reading has, even giving way to a specialty in
education.
Reading supports our development as
people across our lifespan. Research has
shown that reading to infants helps them
develop important vocabulary and social
skills. Reading can exercise our brains - which
are muscles - helping us learn new things as
well as exploring different topics, points of
view, and feelings.
"Bibliotherapy" is a technique used by
adults to explore difficult topics with children
by reading and discussing a book about the
topic. This allows for listeners to share as
much or as little as they want, and to put the
focus back on the character or plot, rather
than themselves.

books, and watching videos of books being read (plentiful on
YouTube). We can also read books on our phones or mobile
devices.

- including "reading" graphic novels, listening to audio
NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2018

the person and the book.
* Have you ever been in any reading programs or book clubs? (This exemplifies lifelong
learning and friendships!)
* How do you learn about the news and
current events? Has this changed in the last
decade or ten years?
TIP: It is good to use big vocabulary words like
"decade" and then give the definition -
or have someone look it up.

"Like learning to walk, learning to
Here are some ideas to help you engage with your grands
read is a process. When babies open around books. If you are wondering where to begin? Check out
a book and turn the pages, they are this video of our favorite intergenerational books.
taking the 'first steps' of reading." Spark a new conversation about
books
Today, teachers are endorsing many "new" ways to "read"

33 GRAND

Click here for activities with books

* What is your favorite book of all time? Character?
* Have you ever read to someone else? If so, tell me about

So, "What happens next?" That's a
great question to consider after reading a book.
We pose that question to you now that you've
read this column. Share with us at ...... Maybe
together with our grands, we'll be able to "live
happily ever after!"
Want more... conversation starters, tips, activities about reading?
Get a free how-to-guide from Bridges
Together here.

Click here for tips
for discussing books

Andrea J. Fonte Weaver is founder & executive director
of Bridges Together, Inc., an internationally recognized
nonprofit providing intergenerational training and tools for
grandparents, schools, communities, and companies. For
more info, visit: www.BridgesTogether.org

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