One of our most popular handouts at conferences and meetings has always been Dean Schneider and Robin Smith’s brilliant, biting “Unlucky Arithmetic: Thirteen Ways to Raise a Nonreader“(from the March/April 2001 issue of The Horn Book Magazine).
Times may have changed somewhat — “#2. Put a TV or computer in every room. Don’t neglect the bedrooms and kitchen” would probably include something about smartphones; and “#11. Never allow your child to listen to books on tape; that’s cheating” (tapes? what are those?). But all of the points remain just as relevant — and we could all use a reminder sometimes. You don’t have to correct every mispronunciation. You should check the wattage on your light bulbs. If you need a break from adulting to go sit and read, it’s not necessarily neglectful. Though, okay, who reading this blog would actually do this? “#5. Once your child can read independently, throw out the picture books. They’re for babies.” NO ONE, right?
Click here to print out your own version of “Unlucky Arithmetic.”
