Saturday, February 7, 2009

How to Choose Stories for Children

How to Choose Stories for Children

Children love stories! They simply can’t resist listening to stories especially during their free time or before they go to bed. Stories help awaken the imagination of children and teach them good manners and right conduct. In addition, stories expose them to varied experiences and broaden their vocabulary at the same time.
Parents, especially mothers, often find difficulty with regard to choosing stories for their children. With all the story books out in the market today, one is easily confused with which to buy. Here are some considerations on how to choose stories for children.
· Know your child’s reading interest
Do fairy tales appeal to your child? Or does he or she find stories of
adventure and mystery more indulging? Before you buy a book for your son or daughter, familiarize yourself with his or her reading interests. Ask your child what kinds of stories does he or she like best? This way, you don’t go on buying the wrong book and disappoint your child.
· Look for appropriate stories
It is crucial to read stories to children which are appropriate for them. If you’re
child is only three years old, don’t burden him by reading stories for older children. Kids have very short attention span and they are easily distracted too. Choose a book that suits your child’s age and one which he can easily relates to.
· Evaluate the reading material
Teachers are not the only ones who have to criticize books for their pupils but
parents should also do the same for their children at home. Read the story first before reading it to your children. Try to find out if the story line does not expose your child to violence, sexuality, or discrimination. Stories for children should be wholesome and entertaining.
· Go for trade books
Fairytales and nursery rhymes have been around for quite a long time already.
Although they have that lasting appeal to children, parents should try other reading materials as well. Trade books offer varied real-life stories and experiences for children. In addition, they present stories to children in a more natural way because the plots and settings are familiar to them. Moreover, they also provide children with lessons on values which they can apply in their everyday lives.
· Consider the illustrations
You can easily attract your child’s attention when you read stories accompanied
with pictures. Print alone does not appeal to children but once you read stories with pictures, you’ll have their eyes and ears on you. Story books with colorful and realistic illustrations can help children comprehend and imagine what are happening in the story. In addition, they expose children to different art forms and develop their creativity.

It is indeed very important to know how to choose stories for children. So before you buy or read a story to your kids make sure you know their reading interests, see if the story is appropriate for their age, evaluate the story yourself, try different reading materials, and look for well-illustrated books. By doing so, you will surely have a great time reading with your children.

How to Have a Grand Beach Vacation

How to Have a Grand Beach Vacation


We all look forward to summer vacation. Just the mere thought of weeks without meeting deadlines and overtime work can already give one a feeling of being on cloud nine.
Nothing is more refreshing and exciting than spending vacation amidst crystal clear waters, cool sea breeze, and exotic food. So how can you have a grand beach vacation? Here are some useful and practical tips to help you out.
· Surf the web
The internet is the best p to start. Most resorts advertise their services in the web.
Surf and look for resorts which interest you and visit their sites. The websites can provide you with many information about the resort and gives you a bird’s eye view of what they offer including amenities, transportation, hotel rates, recreation, and tourist destinations. Furthermore, you can also avail of promos and other great deals from the resorts.
· Try something different
Do you always spend your vacation at the same place? Are you bored of the usual
places you go to? Well, now is the best time to try something different. Summer opens opportunities for people to travel far and wide. Go somewhere else and discover the wonders of other local destinations or visit beaches in other countries. Aside from the shift in the environment, you can also meet new friends and be exposed to a different culture. By doing so, you can add more spice to your vacation.
· Plan with your friends
Summer is the best time to bond with your friends. By planning your beach
vacation together, you can agree on a place to go, hotel to stay in, activities to do, and get major savings. Avail of group packages and have fun together without damaging your pockets.
· Spend vacation with your family
Tighten family ties this summer vacation by spending a few days with your
family at a beach resort. Go swimming or snorkeling together with your kin. Have a beach barbecue or a campfire and party the night away with people who love you the most.
· Go on a cruise
Haven’t tried it yet? Well, this time indulge yourself on a cruise for a few
days. Although you have to pay more than usual, the benefits are great. There’s no need to worry about hotel reservations or transportation. Plus, you get to meet other people and visit places you’ve never been to. In addition, you have more sufficient time to relax and enjoy your vacation.
We are living in a fast paced world we often neglect our body’s cry for rest. Summer is fast approaching and with weeks of free time on your hands, treat your mind and body by spending your vacation at the beach. Rejuvenate yourself by being close to nature and having a wonderful time as well.
There are many beaches to choose from. If you want to have a grand beach
vacation, now is the time to start planning and looking for possible destinations. Surf the web, go somewhere else, try something different and plan with your friends or family for memorable grand beach vacation.