Reading

Just because your child can read independently doesn’t mean you should stop reading out loud to them

K. M. Wade
6 May, 201815 December, 2018
3 min read

A survey by Scholastic (Australian Kids and Family Reading Report) found that 20% of parents stopped reading to their children before they turned nine. Yet 36% of children aged 6-11 whose parents had stopped reading to them wished their parents hadn’t stopped.

Reading out loud is incredibly important for kids so ceasing the practice isn’t just a disappointment. It can also have ramifications for their literacy.

When should you read to your child?

K. M. Wade
1 May, 201815 December, 2018
6 min read

In a recent post, I talked about the many benefits of reading out loud to your child (or a child you care for). Many parents and carers wonder though when they should start reading to their young charges. The short answer is as soon as possible after birth, if not before. Read on to learn enough to decide when you will start reading to the little one in your life.

A man reading a picture book to a young child

Why is reading out loud good for kids?

K. M. Wade
1 May, 201815 December, 2018
11 min read

Reading out loud is one of the best things you can do for your child (or any child you care for). Regularly sharing stories with your child is critical for helping him/her to develop strong literacy skills, a good vocabulary and a lively imagination (Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services). I think you’ll agree that most of us expect these sorts of benefits from reading but there are a wide variety of other benefits that are more unexpected, such as social-emotional skills. If you need some motivation to make reading out loud to your child a regular event, check out the benefits below.

Book cover for Death’s Mistress by Terry Goodkind

Another disappointing instalment from one of my writing heros

K. M. Wade
26 October, 201715 December, 2018
4 min read

Death’s Mistress by Terry Goodkind

3 out of 5 stars

Let me start by saying I love Terry Goodkind’s writing – well some of it anyway. I love his Sword of Truth series to bits and have read many of the books more than 10 times each. In fact, those books have been a key inspiration for my first fantasy novel (in progress). I believe I have read every book he’s written, including Nest (a thriller) and The Law of Nines (set in ‘our world’), indeed I own all but Death’s Mistress which I borrowed from the library, but unfortunately I’ve been really disappointed with his last few novels and Death’s Mistress is sadly no different. I’m even glad I didn’t take the leap and buy it (though I do actually feel guilty for not supporting one of my favourite authors in that way).

Book cover for A. L. Tait's 'The Mapmaker Chronicles: Race to the End of the World'

An Engaging Read with Sophisticated Language for Ages 9 and Up

K. M. Wade
6 September, 201715 December, 2018
2 min read

The Mapmaker Chronicles: Race to the End of the World by A. L. Tait

4 out of 5 stars

A contest, unknown lands and a reluctant traveller make ‘Race to the End of the World’ an engaging adventure story for children aged 9 and over. And while I thought the premise was a little weak, I loved that A. L. Tait has used sophisticated language that will challenge young readers.