Gift Books: "Practical" Literacy Meets Holiday Need
If you're looking for a way for your kids or students to get involved in holiday gift-giving - but don't want to break the bank - consider helping them conceive and create "gift books" for the special people in their lives.
For example, a "gift book" for Grandma might include a list of what makes Grandma special to the child (acrostic poems are good for this), a drawing and description of a special memory with Grandma, and a story or poem about grandmothers that you can find at the library. Brainstorm how to tailor each gift book to a child's special someones, and go to the library to find appropriate excerpts! (Librarians love to help with this kind of discovery search.)
This is an excellent opportunity to combine an everyday need (giving holiday gifts) with reading and writing skills your child or student needs to practice. In Raising Kids Who Read, psychologist Daniel T. Willingham calls this "practical literacy." He recommends that parents and teacher look for these kinds of natural ways for children to read and write.
The bonus is that the people who are important to your child will receive a handmade item that they will treasure!
- Laura Raphael, Children's Services Coordinator, Tulsa City-County Library