Inspiration Wednesday: Jumpstart Reading

Morning book time while we get ready for work - Kristin Burns

This week is the first annual New York City Independent Bookstore Week. Check out The Independent Booksellers of New York City site to see the list of events, readings & bookstores. I like Books of Wonder in the Flatiron district for kids books - and they are having a big fall picture books event Saturday if anyone needs an outing.

I love to read, as does my husband. So we were extremely excited when our daughter took to the habit too. She now brings over her favorite books to me on the couch, climbs up onto my lap and flips the pages as we go. For a child who loves to go-go-go, that time is a welcome break for both of us. We haven't pushed books on her, but simply by reading to her before bed and surrounding her with books, she has already shown concentration and patience - 2 traits I hope help her in general as she grows.

Surrounding her with books came natural for us - and our family & friends who gave her most of them! - but what about children who aren't blessed with age-appropriate books in their home? How do they get comfortable with reading? Jumpstart is an organization that brings volunteers into preschool and daycare centers to help young children get a leg up before kindergarten. On their annual Read for the Record in October, volunteers read The Very Hungry Caterpillar to 2 million children and incorporated crafts and other learning activities to bring the story alive.

This holiday season, why not add Jumpstart to your volunteer or donation list? Other ways to help children learn (and learn to love) to read include:

* set up a regular reading time with your own child
* organize a story time at your local library or playgroup
* donate books in good shape to a daycare center in your neighborhood
* give books at baby showers
* support local bookstores and ask the shopkeeper for recommendations