Phonics for Kids – Points to Ponder about Children, Parents and Reading
Paul Jennings is a phenomenon in the world of children’s books.
His first book was ‘Unreal’ published in 1985. He has been voted favorite author by children in Australia over 40 times and he has won every children’s choice award available in Australia.
His tales of the strange and the fantastic, encourage children to be enthusiastic skilled readers.
Before becoming a successful writer Paul worked as a special education teacher, speech pathologist and senior lecturer in an institute of advanced education.
He has written more than one hundred stories and sales of his books exceed 8 million copies.
Paul is passionate about helping children learn to read especially those with difficulties. He acknowledges the role of phonics for kids but emphasizes it is only one of the tools we use when we read. Absolutely true!
Phonics for kids according to Paul Jennings is “a difficult tool to use and must be handled with care. There are two major problems. The first relates to the complexity of the system and second is the individual differences in children.”
In his book for parents, teachers and caregivers of children, entitled ”The Reading Bug…. and how to help your child catch it” he presents a guide that cuts through all the jargon and the controversies that surround children and reading and presents practical and effective ways for helping any child to catch the reading bug.
The book also contains lists of recommended reading for children of all ages and stages.
Some of the points he makes follow:
- anyone who can read can teach reading
- reading to and with a child is an act of love
- there is no such thing as a book for reluctant readers
- an easy-to-read book can be wonderful
- good stories help us become good people
- every child matures at a different rate
- phonics a strategy not the strategy
- personal writing is a great way to teach reading
- kids love reading pictures
- a computer program cannot replace a parent
I wholeheartedly recommend Paul Jennings’ book, The Reading Bug…… and how to help your child catch it.
He has spent years teaching, lecturing, writing and parenting.
Now you can benefit from his experience and advice.
The Reading Bug……. is published by Penguin Books.