Local Family Fun

Let’s Read!

In honor of National Read Across America Day (and Dr. Seuss’ birthday) on March 2, we asked three local authors how parents can inspire their kids to love reading.

Editor’s note: Our panel of authors included Tammi Sauer, a full-time children’s book author who has written 29 books and presents at schools and conferences across the nation; Mary Nhin, an entrepreneur who launched her writing career in 2019 and has already written 20 children’s books, several in conjunction with her middle son; and Kristin Williamson, children’s services manager for the Metropolitan Library System and author of Our Day at the Zoo.

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

How can parents best inspire their kids to read? Sauer: When kids see their parents reading for pleasure they are more likely to be readers themselves. Have all sorts of reading material in the home - novels, picture books, comic books and cookbooks. I always have books in my car and bag. Make trips to the library or bookstore feel like an event. There’s nothing like the connection of sharing a book with a kid. It’s a great time to engage, ask questions and get kids to share. Nhin: Even though I’m an avid reader, my three boys don’t always gravitate to it. But in my experience, if you can find a subject they are interested in and get them hooked, that’s the best motivator. Once they delve into a subject they really like then that love of reading can grow. You’ve planted the seed.

What about kids who just don’t want to sit still for a story? Williamson: It’s more important that reading interactions are positive than that they are long. If your toddler is not having it, put the book away and come back to it later. The more you practice those behaviors, the longer they will be able to sit and the more they will associate those interactions of reading and snuggling and sharing books together as part of the love between a parent and a child.

STUDENTS WELCOME AUTHOR TAMMI SAUER READING A COLLECTION OF HER 29 BOOKS.

MOM MARY AND SON KOBE NHIN AT A BOOK READING FOR THEIR GROW GRIT BOOK SERIES.

When it comes to filling out reading charts and keeping track of reading minutes for school, how can parents still make reading fun? Nhin: I remember those years of logging minutes! Books with dialogue help, and reading books with subjects important to the parent and child or practical to the child’s life can be another way to make reading fun. Sauer: When my son was in first grade he was not into reading and it about broke my heart. He discovered the My Weird School series and he loved it because it was really funny and he related to the main character. Give them choices above or below their reading level so they’re exposed to all kinds of material.

As kids learn to read themselves, how can parents still encourage and engage with them when it comes to reading? Williamson: Read a chapter book together as a family after dinner or before bed. My parents still read to me when I was in high school. Nhin: One of the most difficult goals an author has is to write a book in a way that not only engages and entertains but leaves questions lingering. My goal with my books is that they inspire questions and thoughts so families can delve into deeper subjects, maybe the next day at dinner or when being tucked in a child asks those questions. That’s what a good book does. Sauer: Through middle school, my sister and her kids would end their day by sharing a book together. It’s a great way to expose kids to a better vocabulary and different experiences. Parents’ days are so busy that it’s easy for reading to get overlooked. But make it a priority, just like brushing your teeth.

For kids who struggle with reading, how can parents encourage them? Williamson: Many of our libraries have children reading to dogs programs. At our Midwest City library, we had a child who had a stutter and was really self-conscious about reading out loud, but the dogs are nonjudgmental. He came to the program every other week for almost two years. I ran into his mom who told me they didn’t need to come anymore because his reading had improved so much he’d increased his reading level at school, improved his self-confidence and gotten involved in other after-school activities. People also forget that audio books are really great resources. It uses the same parts of your brain as when you are reading. It’s not like you are cheating! And it’s a good way for families to share books together, in the car or at home while cooking dinner. The library has apps where you can download ebooks and audio books.

How can books be a good way to inspire conversation, especially among harder-to-reach teens? Sauer: When my daughter was in seventh grade she was really busy with other things and I was sad she wasn’t showing a love of reading like she previously had. I knew I just had to find the right book for her, so I gave her The Hunger Games and told her just to read the first chapter. She was back to being hooked on reading! She wanted to read the others, then other books like it. Her friends saw her reading them and she shared the books with them. If you’re reading the same book, too, later on you get to talk about it. It’s just like when you’re watching a TV series separately and you have that built-in conversation piece.

For our authors’ favorite books for little ones, elementary kids and tweens and teens, visit metrofamilymagazine.com/lets-read.

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ONE OF AUTHOR TAMMI SAUER’S FAVORITE PARTS OF HER JOB IS VISITING SCHOOLS TO READ TO KIDS.

Save the Date for Read Across Oklahoma! April 7, Oklahoma City Zoo & Botanical Garden

Read Across Oklahoma is held each year to celebrate literacy and encourage reading, thanks to a collaboration between the Oklahoma Department of Libraries and the OKC Zoo. This year’s theme, Wordy Wise, is inspired by Tammi Sauer’s book Wordy Birdy, and Sauer will be on hand to read the tale of a very chatty bird who learns the importance of listening and discovers that good friends stick with you through thick and thin. The event will feature special activity stations and performances throughout the zoo, and the first 1,000 children through the gate will receive a free book. Read Across Oklahoma is free with zoo admission.

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supports STUDENT ATHLETE SUCCESS 2020 Redbud

The Redbud Classic is an Oklahoma City institution, but beyond offering family fitness fun, the event has raised more than half a million dollars for local nonprofit organizations since 1983. Each year the fitness event funds a different nonprofit and this year the benefactor will be the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League (OKC PAL).

BY ERIN PAGE. PHOTOS PROVIDED.

What is OKC PAL? In partnership with the Oklahoma City Police Department, OKC PAL provides athletic programs, leadership skills training and service opportunities to Oklahoma City Public Schools students. Nationally, PAL began in New York City and now has several hundred chapters throughout the country. “When PAL started in 1915, a police officer said we need a program that provides a safe place for kids to play and creates a good relationship between police and youth,” said Peter Evans, executive director of OKC PAL. “When kids are part of a team, they are held to higher standards of accountability, improving grades and actions and putting them on track to graduate.” OKC PAL operates in 13 OKCPS middle schools, offering basketball, cheer, football, volleyball and soccer, plus providing martial arts to middle school and elementary students at eight additional schools. Students practice at their respective schools after school and play games at the high schools they will eventually attend to ease transportation needs, cultivate school spirit and give students a glimpse of their futures playing high school sports. In addition to Evans, OKC PAL employs four full-time police officers who serve as mentors, visiting program schools, ensuring student athletes’ grades and behaviors meet program standards and serving as a source of affirmation and encouragement. “Our officers and coaches come in and help

kids with accountability, [encouraging them to] engage with their teachers,” said Evans. Knowing coaches and teammates are counting on them, student athletes often take the initiative to discuss with teachers how they can improve their grades. Evans says it’s not uncommon for students to turn Ds into Bs or Cs into As. “Some of our kids get a bad rap,” said Evans. “But we have fantastic kids who will absolutely run through a wall for you if you just show up and show them you care.” About five years ago, Evans says program leaders noticed participation in OKCPS athletics was in the 30th percentile, while the national participation rate was 55 percent. After an evaluation with district leaders, the team identified three key factors: facilities were in need of repair, the majority of kids in OKCPS didn’t have access to sports equipment and students had little to no foundation for sports. “Seventy to 90 percent of our kids are playing organized sports for the first time,” said Evans. By reevaluating its programs and developing its own sports leagues, OKC PAL can focus on teaching athletic fundamentals and building character among its students, with every adult involved, from referees to teachers in the classroom to concession stand volunteers, reinforcing those values. “Everyone is wrapping around to make sure these kids are getting the message consistently,” said Evans. “Sports is our fun

OKLAHOMA CITY POLICE OFFICERS PARTICIPATE IN THE REDBUD.

vehicle to teach life lessons, establish character and help kids succeed.” Around 450 volunteers, including teachers, police officers and community members, serve as coaches and mentors to students on more than 260 teams across all sports. The program has become so popular that last year OKC PAL had to turn away more than 1,000 student athlete hopefuls. “We get to our capacity but the need is still out there,” said Evans. OKC PAL works closely with metro nonprofit organizations Fields & Futures, which builds and maintains school athletic fields, and Cleats for Kids, providing sports equipment and gear to under-served athletes. A partnership with Feed the Children provides snacks and meals for student athletes. “When we all looked at each other and realized we met needs of the others, the programs completely transformed and exploded,” said Evans. “When we collaborate, focus on what we each do well and make programs more efficient, those resources go so much further.” OKC PAL relies solely on donations and grants, which made their selection as the Redbud’s 2020 benefactor especially sweet. Evans said the support and affirmation of the longstanding Oklahoma City institution means much more than the money itself ever could, both to him and the students he serves. “For us to be able to show [our students] that groups like this that don’t even know them care about their success goes a really long way with our students,” said Evans. “It warms your heart but also makes you realize this may be the first time that kid has heard [that message].” For more information about OKC PAL, including how to become a volunteer coach or mentor, visit okcpal.org.

2020 Redbud Events Saturday, April 4 Family Fun Events 1-mile Fun Run, 11 a.m.

Nichols Hills Plaza, N Western Ave. & Avondale Dr. Perfect for kids ages 1-12, activities begin at 11 a.m. and the fun run begins at noon. $15 registration includes a shirt and medal, plus all participants will enjoy pizza and refreshments from Little Caesar’s Pizza. PAL will provide pre- and post-race activities and entertainment. 1-mile Woof Walk, after 1-mile fun run Enjoy a stroll with your dog in this NEW event! $15 registration includes a bandanna and treats for the dog and medal for the human.

Sunday, April 5 Family Fun Events 5k, 1:30 p.m.

West entrance to Waterford Blvd. on Pennsylvania Ave. $25-$40 registration fee per participant 2-mile Walk and Stroller Derby, 1:45 p.m. West entrance to Waterford Blvd. on Pennsylvania Ave. Decorate your stroller for a chance to win the “Best Decorated Stroller” prize! $25-$40 registration fee per participant; children in strollers do not have to be registered. Redbud Bash, 1 p.m.

Nichols Hills Plaza, N Western Ave. & Avondale Dr. Enjoy food trucks, free family-friendly games and activities and entertainment. The bash is open to the community. Registration prices increase March 30. For information on all events, to register or to volunteer, visit redbud.org.

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