I tend to think so, especially when one uses children's books to be an effective parent. One can choose great stories rich with application and relevance to things going on in his/her child's life, but if that child has no comprehension skills, said application and relevance are often missed.
A couple of weeks ago, I read a review of of Sourpuss and Sweetie Pie by Norman Juster that made me think, "Hmmmm.....sounds like a good one for the kids." So I reserved it from our library and when it came in, whilst we were off school for snow last week, I took it home and read it with both Punkinhead and LMNOB. As I was hoping to make an impression with this book (since both kiddos are prone to weird, 0-60 in no time flat, baby-anticipating mood swings right now), I did what any teacher worth their salt would do to boost comprehension: I asked a lot of questions and stimulated a lot of discussion with the kids about just what the meaning of the parts of the story entailed.
Later that night, when Daddy got home, we continued driving the lesson home at the dinner table. LMNOB gleefully gave Daddy the plot synopsis with an interjection here or there from Punkinhead with a missing detail.
Charlie Brown eventually asked, with the intent of some soulful introspection from the kids, "Well, who do you know that can be a real Sourpuss at times then?"
LMNOB began pointing to herself and Punkinhead with a sheepish frown on her face, while Punkinhead, disappointed, said, "Jay Cutler."
**ETA** Since writing this yesterday, the news broke a story about how the Bronco's QB was indeed a sourpuss and deals to trade him are now being officially negotiated. I thought it highly ironic that I posted this yesterday and later that night this was the top story.
Comprehension, check.
Self-awareness and/or personal responsibility? Still working on that.
© 2008 Ramblings of a Red-Headed Step-Child. All Rights Reserved
Bwahahahaha!!!
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