Raising
Lisa Gipson
Avid Readers
If you have concerns about your child’s language development, see your child’s pediatrician as soon as possible—early intervention is critical since 90 percent of a child’s brain develops by age 5. For more information on this topic, read our article Early Childhood Red Flags at www.sandiegofamily.com/ parenting/i-think-my-childis-different or get in touch with First 5 San Diego.
Read Across America Day is March 2
Raising readers offers a host of
cognitive, behavioral and socialemotional benefits, including language development, increased vocabulary and improved attention span as children learn to process emotions, gain a broader understanding of the world, and develop empathy and imagination. Reading also provides priceless bonding time with parents and caregivers when they are patient and allow children to lead. Start reading to kids when they are babies, but note that it’s never too late to start! Create cozy, comfortable reading “nooks” at home to make reading inviting and fun. Here are more resources and tips on how to raise avid readers.
Look for (or Build) a Little Free Library Get a Library Card Support early literacy development and a lifelong love of reading by getting kids a library card and taking them to the library frequently. Children under age 5 can now receive “My First Library Card,” featuring Odi the Coyote, San Diego Public Library’s mascot. Learn more at www.sandiego.gov/publiclibrary/services/lending/librarycard.
Little Free Library (LFL) is a worldwide book-sharing movement that anyone can participate in. There are dozens and dozens of LFLs throughout San Diego County, adorable and often creative “book cupboards” around the neighborhood that invite people to take a book or share a book. Find the LFLs closest to you by visiting the world map at www.littlefreelibrary.org and putting San Diego in the search bar. Cont. on p. 22
20 • SanDiegofamily.com • March 2022
