Novel reading is an excellent strategy to encourage reluctant Grade 2 readers. When children hear stories it increases their appetites to read that book or others like it for themselves. For younger children, novel reading is a marvellous opportunity to introduce wonderful stories that may in time become a treasured part of family history. I can still recall myself and my sisters huddled around my mother as she read aloud many of the classics such as Treasure Island . As a general rule, children at this age still enjoy some pictures along with the text.
Pictures draw the children into the story, facilitate meaning, and maintain interest level.
A favorite author in our house is Dick King-Smith. We have read many of his novels and there hasn't been one we haven't enjoyed. Kids and adults of all ages will love this story. It is important for parents to read to their children. It is also important for parents to spend play time with children.