Dear Parents,

You have heard again and again about the importance of reading to your children. Sharing a book is a special pleasure more personal than watching television. There is a time to linger over a favorite part or to reread a phrase or sentence that is particularly meaningful. Children who have been introduced to books at an early age have significantly larger vocabularies than do nonreaders.

Much of the value in this reading activity is the opportunity you will have to help your young person develop thinking skills. A pause in the reading to discuss what might happen next or to talk about why a character acted in a certain way encourages the habit of “reading between the lines” and making inferences. As you read aloud, you can use a tone of voice to emphasize a dramatic or mysterious moment-or one that is happy or sad. You can help your child to sense the rich meanings of the words an author has chosen. Occasionally, ask your child to retell a favorite part of the story, and he/she will gain experience in organizing facts and selecting important details.

Use a variety of books to appeal to children’s special interests and also to broaden their horizons, but above all, make reading time fun. Let your own pleasure in books be contagious. You are not only building valuable educational skills in your youngster, but you are building precious memories of shared pleasure. Through books, you and your child can travel the world, have exciting adventures, and experience the joys and sorrows of your favorite book characters.

May Christ our Lord guard and protect us through every age and forever.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Mark J. Monnerat
Principal