Book Children

Children’s Author Offers Helpful Tips to Encourage Learning   by Red Wiseman

Tina Turbin (http://TinaTurbin.com), author of the celebrated children’s book, Danny the Dragon Meets Jimmy (http://DannyTheDragon.com), is not only cherished for her contribution to children’s literature, but also for her work in championing issues that improve the lives of children. Perhaps most dedicated to advocating parental involvement in children’s lives, she recommends to parents how to increase involvement by encouraging learning at home.

Tina’s interest and involvement in issues such as family, women, and children in society blossomed when she married and became a mother at the age of twenty-one. Since then, she has demonstrated her dedication to bringing awareness to these issues in her many endeavors as a humanitarian, researcher, and children’s author.

It’s no surprise that the number one recommendation for encouraging learning by the acclaimed children’s book author is to read to your children. “Kids benefit enormously when their parents continue to read with them at home every day,” she says. Studies show that reading to your child can begin before the age of six months, as soon as they’re able to enjoy the images and pictures inside of their books. Children have varying attention spans and you should keep in mind not to push too far past these limits and not to force them to read, as children tend to dislike things they are forced to do when it’s not on their own determinism. “You can read to your child or have them read you, or take turns,” Tina suggests. “Kids also like it when their parents take an interest in what they’re reading in school. Ask them for some book suggestions or have them read to you their favorite passages.”

Tina recommends playing board games to stimulate an interest in learning. “Not only are they tons of fun, but they help your child develop his reading skills and practice following rules.” There are a variety of games on the market these days, as well as long-established games such as hangman, for parents and children to choose from. “My younger son loved to play hangman when he was younger, and I would choose challenging words that improved his vocabulary and spelling skills.” If your child enjoys this game too, Tina suggests that you bring a notebook pad wherever you go so you and your child can play hangman anywhere.

A family day at the museum, library, or other stimulating place will encourage your child to be interested in his environment and take a hands-on approach to learning. Ask your child questions about the artwork he sees at museums, such as “Why do you think the painter chose this color?”

“Volunteer at your child’s school whenever possible,” Tina advises parents. Even if you work full-time, you may be able to work out something with your boss to attend some functions from time to time. You can go along on field trips, help decorate for class parties, or read to the class. This will show that you care about your child’s schooling enough to go to his school yourself.

Finally, Tina suggests making sit-down dinners a regular part of your family’s evening, turning off the TV and cell phones so you can sit and talk without distractions. Take advantage of this time to show a genuine interest in your child’s schooling and in academic subjects in general. Ask him lots of questions, tell him funny anecdotes about when you were in school, or tell him what you thought of the book he’s reading in his literature class when you read it in high school yourself. This gets across the important message that learning is important, one of the most valuable lessons you’ll teach your child and which will help ensure his success in all his future endeavors.

For more information on Tina Turbin, visit http://TinaTurbin.com.

About the Author

Red Wiseman is an avid and intelligent writer and researcher in the Humanities, Arts and Sciences. Wiseman is always on a quest to expand his horizons and those of others via his written and spoken words.
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