http://www.wowbooks4boys.com/
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Visit our website!
Our books have now arrived and we would love you to visit our website. There you can find out all about hooking young boys into reading with our tips for parents and teachers. This blog will now be updated on our website so we hope to see you there.
http://www.wowbooks4boys.com/
http://www.wowbooks4boys.com/
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
WOW books 4 boys about to blast off!
Hello again! I must apologise for being a bit quiet on the blogging and tweeting front recently. I've been consumed by all things to do with publishing, printing and promotion. You see, our first series of books for boys learning to read are just about to hit the shelves, and there's a few things to get organised ;-)
The Scratch and Patch series featuring our two loveable and cheeky monsters (above) will be ready for schools and parents in just a few months - mid August we hope. Our talented team has worked hard to produce the most fabulous books for young boys. They look absolutely terrific. The characters are adorable, the storylines are action packed, and the illustrations literally jump out of the page. We can't wait to get them into the hands of boys everywhere.
Our books will be available in bookstores around the country and directly through our website. We hope your boys love Scratch and Patch as much as we do!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Handy to know
Here’s another quick idea you might find helpful. Using your son’s hand point to each finger to remind him of 5 good strategies when reading.
1. Look at the picture.
2. Look at the starting letter.
3. Reread and make your best guess.
4. Stretch the word like a piece of chewing gum.
5. Read on.
1. Look at the picture.
2. Look at the starting letter.
3. Reread and make your best guess.
4. Stretch the word like a piece of chewing gum.
5. Read on.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Mind your Ps please
With so much information around about how parents can help their child with reading, wading through the myriad of ideas and strategies can feel a little overwhelming. Like anything, picking out the little gems that are quick and helpful, is the best way to make use of such ideas.
That’s why I love the Pause, Prompt, Praise idea as it’s easy to understand and a very helpful strategy for parents. Try it next time you’re reading with your child.
Pause – Before blurting out the correct word, give your child a chance to work it out. Even counting to 5 in your head can remind you to give him a go before jumping in.
Prompt – If your child is still struggling, give him a clue as to what the word might be. You might give him a beginning sound, ask what word would make sense, remind him that he has seen this word before, or show him a smaller word in the bigger word.
Praise – Remember to finish with words of praise, a hug, a head rub, or a cuddle. Genuine words of encouragement breed enthusiasm to keep on reading. Reading is about having fun in a safe environment; it should never be stressful or arduous.
That’s why I love the Pause, Prompt, Praise idea as it’s easy to understand and a very helpful strategy for parents. Try it next time you’re reading with your child.
Pause – Before blurting out the correct word, give your child a chance to work it out. Even counting to 5 in your head can remind you to give him a go before jumping in.
Prompt – If your child is still struggling, give him a clue as to what the word might be. You might give him a beginning sound, ask what word would make sense, remind him that he has seen this word before, or show him a smaller word in the bigger word.
Praise – Remember to finish with words of praise, a hug, a head rub, or a cuddle. Genuine words of encouragement breed enthusiasm to keep on reading. Reading is about having fun in a safe environment; it should never be stressful or arduous.
Monday, February 8, 2010
WOWsers
Q. How do you find the inspiration to write the most deliciously wicked books for boys learning to read?
A. Spend time at a beautiful resort on the Sunshine Coast with a talented writer and friend, eat great food, take a walk on the beach, watch the storms blow in and the rain bucket down, and just sit.
A. Spend time at a beautiful resort on the Sunshine Coast with a talented writer and friend, eat great food, take a walk on the beach, watch the storms blow in and the rain bucket down, and just sit.
A magic reading moment
Last night while engaged in the nightly routine of reading with our eldest son Oscar, he had a “light bulb” moment. It was one of those fantastically magical moments where all the past persistence, patience and love pays off in one glorious instant. The light went on for Oscar!
For the last couple of years our nightly ritual is to struggle through the school reader and then for me (or his dad) to read something enjoyable of Oscar’s choosing. (I know it’s bribery, but hey, we do what we have to to keep him interested.) Last night, without a reader in the school bag we picked a favourite off the bookshelf which we hadn’t read in years - The Cat in the Hat, by Dr Seuss. Oscar was relieved that it didn’t require him to read. He could sit back, relax and enjoy the story.
As I prepared to read, Oscar said, “I reckon I could read this.” Before I knew it he had the book in his hands and started reading. “I really CAN read this,” he exclaimed with a hint of disbelief and a whole heap of enthusiasm. He continued to read, stumbling over a few words which I quickly helped him with so as not to quash his enjoyment and excitement. He was totally absorbed in the words, pages, pictures and story. There was nothing that could have stopped him from continuing to read page after page.
I have never seen Oscar read something he thoroughly enjoyed before. It was fabulous to watch. He was reading a “real” book and not a reader. It was the first sign of him developing a love of reading, and that’s because he was experiencing two main things - success and enjoyment. Never had he experienced these two things at the same time.
He was very proud of himself and so was I. Let’s crank up that dimmer switch to 10 and leave it there permanently I say!
For the last couple of years our nightly ritual is to struggle through the school reader and then for me (or his dad) to read something enjoyable of Oscar’s choosing. (I know it’s bribery, but hey, we do what we have to to keep him interested.) Last night, without a reader in the school bag we picked a favourite off the bookshelf which we hadn’t read in years - The Cat in the Hat, by Dr Seuss. Oscar was relieved that it didn’t require him to read. He could sit back, relax and enjoy the story.
As I prepared to read, Oscar said, “I reckon I could read this.” Before I knew it he had the book in his hands and started reading. “I really CAN read this,” he exclaimed with a hint of disbelief and a whole heap of enthusiasm. He continued to read, stumbling over a few words which I quickly helped him with so as not to quash his enjoyment and excitement. He was totally absorbed in the words, pages, pictures and story. There was nothing that could have stopped him from continuing to read page after page.
I have never seen Oscar read something he thoroughly enjoyed before. It was fabulous to watch. He was reading a “real” book and not a reader. It was the first sign of him developing a love of reading, and that’s because he was experiencing two main things - success and enjoyment. Never had he experienced these two things at the same time.
He was very proud of himself and so was I. Let’s crank up that dimmer switch to 10 and leave it there permanently I say!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Great books for YOUR boy
When looking for great books for our boys recommended reading lists can be helpful, but beware. It’s how we use these reading lists that determines their helpfulness. Some recommended books will be just perfect for your boy, and others may be not to his liking.
We can generalise and say that there are specific topics and themes that interest boys more than others, but within this vast arena we need to remind ourselves that individual reading tastes and abilities can vary greatly.
Also, what is “cool” or “sweet” (as in the new vernacular of my 7 year-old), may become “babyish” or “boring” as your boy grows older.
I think it’s helpful to consult recommended reading lists, but to then help your child choose something that will be just right for him. It goes without saying that your child should be involved in choosing his own books to read.
To choose a great book quickly and easily we apply two simple rules:
The book must be:
1. really, really, really exciting.
2. at the appropriate reading level.
The first rule is easy. Watching your boy’s reaction when he picks up a book and flicks through it will determine his level of interest. If I hear him say “cool”, “wow”, “awesome” and “sweet” I know it will be a winner.
The second rule requires some more input from you. As a parent you would be aware of your son’s reading ability given that you listen to him read school readers and other books at home. By checking the amount of text, the complexity of the text, the length of the book, the basic storyline and the degree of supporting visuals you can make a pretty accurate judgement as to whether your child will achieve reading success.
We have found that in most cases where our sons’ don’t like a book it’s because of one (or both) of these two rules has been broken. So, armed with your two simple rules, have fun next time you visit the local library, bookshop, on-line bookstore, or your own bookshelf.
We can generalise and say that there are specific topics and themes that interest boys more than others, but within this vast arena we need to remind ourselves that individual reading tastes and abilities can vary greatly.
Also, what is “cool” or “sweet” (as in the new vernacular of my 7 year-old), may become “babyish” or “boring” as your boy grows older.
I think it’s helpful to consult recommended reading lists, but to then help your child choose something that will be just right for him. It goes without saying that your child should be involved in choosing his own books to read.
To choose a great book quickly and easily we apply two simple rules:
The book must be:
1. really, really, really exciting.
2. at the appropriate reading level.
The first rule is easy. Watching your boy’s reaction when he picks up a book and flicks through it will determine his level of interest. If I hear him say “cool”, “wow”, “awesome” and “sweet” I know it will be a winner.
The second rule requires some more input from you. As a parent you would be aware of your son’s reading ability given that you listen to him read school readers and other books at home. By checking the amount of text, the complexity of the text, the length of the book, the basic storyline and the degree of supporting visuals you can make a pretty accurate judgement as to whether your child will achieve reading success.
We have found that in most cases where our sons’ don’t like a book it’s because of one (or both) of these two rules has been broken. So, armed with your two simple rules, have fun next time you visit the local library, bookshop, on-line bookstore, or your own bookshelf.
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