ENCOURAGING
Your Child to Read Despite
Our Picks
For The Best Educational Destinations In The Charlotte Area:
The Mint Museum (both locations). The Mint
Distr actions
By Stephanie Faris hildren are picking up electronic devices at an increasingly younger age. In fact, a study conducted by Common Sense Media found mo re than half of children aged 5 to 8 have used a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. As parents contemplate the perfect age to introduce electronic devices to their children, they are also concerned about what technology will replace. Classic pastimes like reading often pale in comparison to games like Angry Birds and Candy Crush. While games have benefits in helping children improve motor skills and reaction time, the benefits of reading have been proven over many decades. Not only does reading foster brain development and learning, it exposes children to information about faraway places and interesting people. Reading has also been shown to help improve strong oral language skills and grades in school. Start Early Despite the growing use of technology in everyday lives, one in three parents still read bedtime stories to children. One of the best ways to instill a love for the written word in your child is to start from a young age. At a certain time, turn off the TV and “read-aloud time” before bed. Weekly trips to the library to pick out books can also encourage a love for reading. It’s a recreational activity that lets your child feel as though he or she is shopping for new purchases each week without subtracting money from the family budget. Encourage Fun In school, teachers generally assign literary classics. While introducing a classic or two is certainly a good idea, don’t discount the value of reading for fun. Books like “The Lightning
Thief”, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” can have your child begging for a trip to the library rather than reaching for the iPhone. Each day, especially during vacation, designate a specific time for reading and eliminate all distractions. Provide a quiet spot in your home that is conducive to long reading sessions, but also encourage your child’s desire to read at other times of the day. Another way to enhance your child’s love for reading is to organize a book club for friends and relatives around his or her age. Provide snacks and make an afternoon of it. Let the children discuss what they loved most about the latest book they’ve read. Stock Bookshelves A bedroom with a fully-stocked bookshelf is a great way to encourage reading. When your child sees them every day, the books feel familiar and comforting. As a parent, you can set a good example by joining your child during designated reading times. While it may seem like there aren’t enough hours in the day to read, consider switching a smartphone for a magazine or book the next time you’re waiting with your child at the doctor’s office. Before you know it, the only electronic device your little bookworm will be begging for will be a kindle.
is so super family friendly for kids of all ages. The Randolph Road location offers a great scavenger hunt for kids as they work their way through the museum and amazing afterschool classes. The Uptown location has a special room where kids of all ages can create and explore art. www.mintmuseum. org/visit/family-and-children programming for babies to teens, keep an eye on the every rotating events. During the school year they offer everything from story times to SAT prep. The top floor is reserved just for teens and offers a studio, study zones and so much more. www.imaginon.org
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools Visit Our Fall Open Houses
sFaithsTradition sAcademic Excellence
ImaginOn has something for everyone. With
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLSOctober 27th 1:30 -3:30pm & October 29th 9:00 - 12:00pm
Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School (PK-8) 4225 Shamrock Drive - Charlotte St. Ann Catholic School (TK,PK-5) 600 Hillside Avenue - Charlotte St. Gabriel Catholic School (K-5) 3028 Providence Road - Charlotte St. Mark Catholic School (K-8) 14750 Stumptown Road-Huntersville St. Matthew Catholic School (TK-5) 11525 Elm Lane - Charlotte St. Patrick Catholic School (K-5) 1125 Buchanan Street - Charlotte
Discovery Place. While this may seem like a no
brainer and I am sure your kids have had a field trip (or two) here during their school careers, the museum is always changing its major exhibit and a visit with a family offers you a chance to get your science-loving kid or science - reluctant kid excited about science in action. www.discoveryplace.org Here are a few more you should keep on your radar for weekends and days off from school: Schiele Museum Wing Haven Gardens Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens Carolina Raptor Center Carolinas Aviation Museum North Carolina Zoo
MIDDLE SCHOOLOctober 26th 9:00 - 11:00am & October 28th 9:00 - 11:00am
Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School (6-8) 3100 Park Road - Charlotte
To stay in the loop with all the activities in the Charlotte area for kids of all ages, check out www.southcharlotte.macaronikid.com Rebecca Plaisance is the owner of South Charlotte Macaroni Kid and mom to 3 CMS students.
Admissions: (704) 370-3273
For more information visit www.MACSOpenHouses.com
18 – My School Rocks! | September 2013
www.myschoolrocks.com | My School Rocks! –
MACS admits students of any race, color, sex, religion and national or ethnic origin.
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