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Kids can be inspired to read
By Leigh Ann Maze
With such distractions as television, computers and video games, how do parents encourage their children to pick up a book? At a California Association for the Gifted conference in March, Saratoga School District Gifted and Talented Education coordinator Terri Raynaud heard an inspiring talk called Six Stepping Stones to a Love of Reading by Sandra Kaplan. Raynaud shared Kaplan's talk with other GATE parents.
"There's really a smorgasbord of books out there that kids can choose from," said GATE advisory committee member Marlene Coe. "As parents it's important we learn ways to help them make the right choices in books. With reluctant readers it's about finding the hook that sparks their interest and suddenly their whole world is opened up."
Coe felt the "six stepping stones" should be shared with all parents, and a collaboration was born between teachers, parents, students and the Saratoga Community Library. The fruits of their labors will be "Choosing a Pathway for Reading," a presentation at the library. Speakers include Coe; Raynaud; librarians Diana Colby, Peggy Baker and Judy Wiley; and a host of parents and children.
"The focus will be on encouraging children to read for pleasure," said Colby, who will speak about how to get kids hooked on reading. "Reading makes them think, use their imaginations, and broadens their horizons," she added. A book list will be provided with suggested genres, titles and authors arranged by grade level. With the holidays and school book fairs approaching, the list can also offer suggestions and guidance on books for giving.
Parents can also take home a book bag idea that was started by a former Saratoga School teacher. A bag labeled with a student's interest is filled over time with a cornucopia of reading material on all aspects of the subject. "One pathway can lead you to so many different places, and you just keep going," Coe said.
'Choosing a Pathway for Reading,' will be held Nov. 4 from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. in the Community Room at the Saratoga Community Library. The event is free and open to the public.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
