Turning The Pages with Tabatha Jean D'Agata

Hiya, Readers!September is ringing! It's that time of year again — carpools, buses, and back to school vibes! Children of all ages are embracing new teachers, new friends, and new literacy goals. I firmly believe that the first line of communication about a child's education, assignments, and progress begins with the backpack. Yes, the bulky bag with zippers and straps that kids will stuff with absolutely everything. It's the one place you'll find (often crumbled and splattered with mysterious goop) notices, homework, completed work, art projects, and other school-related paperwork. From the first day back to class, it's important to make it a daily routine to inspect the contents of the backpack. Include each child with responsibility for their schoolwork by creating a "launch pad" in the home where their backpack or anything else from school are set in one spot. In that same area place a corkboard or magnetic board with a piece of paper that reads "Homework" on one side and "No Homework" on the other side. Ask your child to display whether homework was assigned every day. Keep a box at the "launch pad" to empty the day's items into, which will help separate trash from treasure. This area will serve as a reminder to discuss schoolwork and events. Keeping healthy educational work habits will build success with less stress for children and parents/caregivers!As the days grow shorter and kids have already begun transitioning into new friendships and academics, October is the perfect month to embrace literacy. The month is stitched with fun themed opportunities for books:Cozy and Warm: Stories about friendship, change and routines.Mystery and Spookish: Not-so-scary tales, riddles, investigation and Halloween.Harvest and Nature: Farm, weather, animals, seasons, history, scarecrows and pumpkins.It's not just October! There are twelve months a year to invent themes to boost reading interests. Now, when selecting books, it's important to consider that while some kids devour books with ease, others struggle and resist. The first step to raising a successful reader is fostering a fluent reader. Fluency is the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expression. A lack of confidence in recognizing words may hinder comprehension growth and discourage a child from picking up a book. A great deal of practice is necessary to master the joy of reading without effort. Here are a few tips to implement:To start, offer books with predictable text and short passages to build constancy.Words that are difficult to decode should be added to a practice list and recited regularly.Encourage emotion and tone changes.Repeated reading: someone reads a passage, and the child repeats.High-interest theatrical reading: select books that appeal to the child and draw attention to the story with complimenting costumes, a wacky hat, food, or whatever else may coincide with the book.Reading doesn't have to be a chore; make it fun too!Not every child will meet their reading goals as predicted, but every child should be praised for their effort and accomplishments no matter how big or small. If you know a reluctant reader, help build their confidence and nurture a love for literacy. There is nothing more rewarding than a child who can enthusiastically read a book.I've included a few of my favorite picture book titles that are in my personal "change" and "spookish" book themes for this issue. Until next time, may every backpack hold a book that inspires a child to turn the pages!Smiles,Tabatha Jean D'AgataReach me at tdagata@gmail.com to discuss all things literacy. "Bob the Vampire Snail," written and illustrated by Andrea ZuillIn this hilarious story, Bob the snail takes on living life as a vampire while discovering new tastes he can sink his teeth into and a new friend who truly understands him. Kids will love the illustrations along with the facts and little sidenotes from the author within the book. "The Night Before First Grade," written by Natasha Wing, illustrated by Deborah ZemkePenny is excited about first grade and even more excited that she and her best friend will be in the same class. The night before the big day, she prepares by packing her backpack, picking an outfit to match her best friend Jen's, and making her lunch. But when Penny and Jen arrive at school and learn that they will be in different classrooms, Penny fears the challenges of the day without her friend by her side. "The Haunted Playground," written by R.J. Palacio, illustrations by Brett HelquistThis book deserves all the stars and praise! When trick-or-treating ends and kids are supposed to be asleep in their beds, ghosts from all over theworld flock to the fantastical playground ruled by Rex Magnificus where they don't have to haunt and they get to play. But when two children appear at the "ghosts only" party, will the ghosts be able to scare them away, or will the children revel in the ghostly fun? The Haunted Playground is a lyrical masterpiece that is magnificently brought to life with spooktacular illustrations that canvas the pages! It's sure to be a Halloween favorite for generations to come! "My Teacher is a Monster (No, I am not.)," written and illustrated by Peter BrownBobby has the meanest, worst teacher ever! She is too loud, too horrible, and a complete MONSTER! That's why Bobby loves going to the park; it's his favorite spot to have fun. But one day he sees his teacher there! Will his favorite spot be ruined forever, or will he learn that monsters aren't what they seem?