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Pam Allyn is founder and executive director of LitLife, an internationally recognized organization that trains hundreds of K-12 teachers each year, and the founding director of Books for Boys, an award-winning mentoring and reading initiative at The Children's Village. The recipient of a Points of näytä lisää Light/Disney award and two James Patterson PageTurner Awards for excellence in bringing literacy to underserved populations, Pam is the author of The Complete 4 for Literacy, a guide for educators, and coauthor of the six-book series The Complete Year in Reading and Writing. She lives with her husband and two children in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. näytä vähemmän

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This was an excellent book written to encourage parents to help develop their child's inner writer, with tips for every age from birth on up. It is very accessible, even to parents who don't feel they themselves know much about writing or children's educational development. Allyn gives a timeline for children from the first year on, explaining what writing-related activities children can and should do (stressing throughout, though, that every child is different and that these are just guidelines--readers shouldn't panic if their children aren't there yet) and how parents can help their children's development as writers, including recommended activities and books for each stage. In fact, nearly every section offers a selection of books that parents can read with their children to encourage their development as writers. One thing that Allyn stresses over and over--with good reason, I thought--is the idea that parents must be supportive and patient with their children's writing efforts. She points out that early crawling, walking, and speaking attempts are applauded, but when it comes to writing the same understanding is often missing--children are told that their early scribbles "aren't writing" and often incorrect spelling, grammar, and usage are focused on rather than the achievement of the story and its ideas. She really draws a parallel between all these achievements, showing how a baby's babbling and a toddler's scribbling are equally valid steps in his or her development and should be encouraged. Later chapters give dozens of ideas for encouraging young writers, from suggestions on how to take advantage of different situations (such as "what to write when you are musical" and "what to write when you are nosy") to suggestions on how to help children write for school assignments (without writing it for them, alleluia!). Definitely a keeper.… (lisätietoja)
 
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beckymmoe | 2 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Apr 3, 2013 |
Pam Allyn’s Best Books for Boys is an excellent resource for parents and educators who want to make reading an enjoyable experience for boys.

The book begins with an explanation of the different reading styles and tastes that boys may have, and the value of finding materials that are both age appropriate and at the right reading level. She gives a variety of suggestions of ways to encourage readers, including recognition of non-traditional book reading (such as comic books).

The bulk of the book is a reference guide of book lists that is divided by topic and then sub-divided by reading level. Some of the topics include: Action/Adventure, Biographies/Memoirs, Comic Books/Graphic Novels, History, How-to, Sports, and many more. Each section is broken down into books by reading level (Emerging, Developing, and Maturing).

The book lists include short plot summaries of the main titles that are recommended. Sometimes discussion questions are included, as well as lists of titles for further reading (e.g. if you like this book then you’ll also like…).

What I liked best about the book is that it was compiled from the recommendations and preferences of boys themselves. The true test though was whether or not I would find my own sons’ favorites on those lists, and I did find many books that my boys have read and loved. In fact there were only two series of books that my boys love that I couldn’t find in the book. Overall I was very impressed with what I found.

Not every boy is going to want to read “boyish” books, but this volume is an excellent reference book to go to as a starting place. I’ve already been able to make one recommendation to my nine year old that was received enthusiastically.
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akreese | Dec 21, 2012 |
I don't actually have any children at this time, nor do I plan to in the immediate future. I will someday though, so I accepted this request for review, especially since the subtitle says at any age. I can remember in school writing was a chore for me. I didn't enjoy it, and I know I used to when I was younger. I remember having a journal where I'd write stories that popped into my mind. And when that one became full my mom gave me another to start in. Somewhere along the way though I lost my passion for it. I want to rekindle that passion. Not only for myself, but for the sake of any future children I have.

What I love about this book is that the prompts Pam Allyn suggests for getting your kid started is writing about what you see, what you feel, which is also a great way to become aware of the world around you. If we get children passionate about writing when they're young, and being aware, they will grow up with that awareness and hopefully cherish it. They will see something and question why that is, and marvel at it. And then write about it. With awareness and literacy hand in hand, I think as children grow up, they would be less likely to take life for granted, because they'd have the skills they need to live life to it's fullest.

She also talks about the importance of reading. I've heard it said by many people over the years that reading helps you write better, and that is absolutely true. With all of the writing tips she gives the reader in her book she also mentions picture books and chapter books that fit whatever idea she's currently talking about. Examples for your child to see how poetry is written well, or humor. Anything. She also lists twenty books that are excellent at showing all the different writing styles there are, and how and why they work. And that while for writing there are some set rules, it's also a creative outlet for your child to express themselves, however they want to. It allows them to think outside the box.

The last chapter is a wonderful resource for anytime you or your child has writer's blocks. There are prompts about what to write when you're lonely, where you think up an imaginary friend and write about him or her, about who that person is, what makes them that person. And almost all prompts also have an offering of books that talk about that topic in some way.

This book also got me thinking about traditional writing as well as writing with all the new technology we've gained even in just the last ten years. In the beginning I think you should definitely stick to traditional materials like paper and pens, pencils, crayons and markers like she says. And when the child is older add in the computer. Be careful though about how much time the child spends on the computer, because I know from personal experience that it is very easy for a younger child to get addicted to everything the computer and internet can offer, which can be a detriment to child's development. Finding a balance between the mediums will allow him or her to get the best of both worlds.

This is definitely a book you'll want in personal library if you have children, or are planning on having them soon. All of the ideas in this book can only help enrich their lives, help them appreciate everything around them, and like Pam says, keep your family close throughout the years, because you are actively helping your child in this process, instead of being a bystander.
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pandaris | 2 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Nov 15, 2011 |
Every parent wants their child to be successful and happy. Reading and writing are essential to success in school and beyond. How can we as parents help our children to not only become good writers but to love it also? These are some of the issues that this book addresses. This book is written in a clear style with many easy to understand concepts to help your child grow in writing through all ages. Starting with scribbles as a toddler, helpful ideas are given to recognize different developmental stages in writing. Ways to make writing fun and rewarding for children are also included.

I found myself brimming with ideas after reading this book. The parts I found most helpful were the lists of books to cater to each developmental stage and the different prompts given. There were so many amazing ways to include writing in your everyday life. This can keep kids interested and help them see how important good writing skills are. I also love that the author embraces new technologies in helping kids learn to love writing. While it is important to learn to write letters and such, technology can help increase writing skills too. We would do well as parents to allow our children to discover what's comfortable for them.

I think that parents and even teachers could stand to learn a lot from this book. There are so many great ideas to not only help your child, but also to help you get involved in your child's writing. From whimsical fairy tales to serious essays, ideas to help children with expressing these thoughts are all covered in this book. I hope that I can take what I learned and help my child to become a confident writer as he grows.

Galley provided by publisher for review.
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l_manning | 2 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Aug 8, 2011 |

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Teokset
12
Jäseniä
219
Suosituimmuussija
#102,099
Arvio (tähdet)
4.0
Kirja-arvosteluja
6
ISBN:t
24

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