EVERYTHING
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During last July’s 5.8 earthquake, 3-year-old Bronwyn told her 1-year-old sister, “We’re going for a wiggle.” READ MORE
Health: Birth to 5
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The Children and Families Commission of Orange County was formed in September 1999 to allocate Orange County’s funds from the Proposition 10 ballot initiative, which added a 50-cent sales tax on tobacco products sold in the state. The commission’s mission statement focuses on three platforms: Bridges for Newborns, Family Resources, and School Readiness. The commission sponsors and supports programs to meet the greatest needs of the youngest children of Orange County. The following is part of our yearlong initiative to bring you the commission’s “Help Me Grow” program. Chances are you’ve been asked to read a favorite book again and again! Reading a book many times helps your child notice details, and the characters can become best friends to your child. Your child starts to make sense of those squiggles on the page as your finger moves along. And snuggling together makes it even better! Why is reading to your child important? When you read with your child, it gives you time to connect with him emotionally. Reading aloud helps your child: • Learn about the world • Expand the number of words he knows and understands • Enjoy books When should you read to your child? The best time to begin reading is when your child is a baby, even as young as one month. Try to read her something every day, gradually adding more time, as she gets older. You can read at meal times, on the bus, at the doctor’s office, or at bedtime. Tell her your favorite stories. You can use picture books without words, or use a puppet or favorite stuffed animal to tell the story. What should you read? Read all kinds of books: ABC and number books, poems and nursery rhymes, true stories, pretend stories, funny stories, and books about nature and travel. Be sure to include some books that emphasize a certain sound (such as Dr. Seuss’ “Fox in Socks,” M.W. Brown’s “Four Fur Feet,” or D. Carter’s “More Bugs in Boxes”). Let your child help choose the books. When your child is old enough to make up stories, write them down and read her own writing to her. Some books are better for infants or toddlers. Parents can get books from the public or school library, Children’s Home Society lending library, yard sales, swap meets, or stores. Reading in other languages Read to your child in any language you are comfortable with. Your child is learning to value books and reading, and the skills you are sharing will help him become a successful reader when he starts school. Should you teach your child to read? Don’t worry about actually teaching your child HOW to read. She will pick up a lot by you reading to her, talking about what you read, and encouraging her to write, even if her spelling is not correct. For information about Orange County resources and services for young children and families, call Info Link Orange County toll-free at 888.600.4357. Children and Families Commission of Orange County. For more information, visit www.occhildrenandfamilies.org KOCE, in conjunction with the Children & Families Commission of Orange County, continues its “Help Me Grow” program this month. The 13-part series, focused on advice and tips for 0-5-year-olds and their families, airs Mondays at 7 p.m. and rebroadcasts on Fridays at noon. The following are topics scheduled for March. March 7: “Play: A Child’s Work” (How and what children learn through play, which toys are best and how to encourage your budding artist.) March 14: “A Day in the Life…” (Three children with very different challenges: autism, living in a motel, and asthma. Resources for parents and children.) March 21: “Little Friendships” (Exploring the friendships of young children the importance of friends, how young children play together and pets as friends.) March 28: “Children & Aggression” (All children bite, kick and hit sometimes. What behavior is normal, and what is a red flag? Does television make a difference?) |
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