readers – Jean's Writing

Do you struggle with a little reader?

Published on July 22, 2019 by Jean M. Cogdell5 Comments

Want to turn your little one into a book lover?

Everyone struggles with getting a kid to read. But once you get them hooked, they are hooked for life.

My daughter is a third-grade teacher and she says the students who struggle the most, in all subjects, are the ones who struggle with reading.

Everyone agrees how important it is to get a kid to not only read, but enjoy what they are reading.

Reading is the gateway to success.

Although summer is almost over, it’s not too late to inspire your kiddo.

Dr. Seuss quote, The more that you read... — Dr. Seuss

Here are a few tips to help turn your kid into an avid reader:

Kids love to imitate, so let them witness you reading.
Find out what type of books their classmates or playmates enjoy.
Gear the books you choose with your kid’s interest.
Read to them every night.
Introduce early reader chapter books around age 6. Reading a few pages a night will add anticipation for the next night.
Let your kid know reading is not an option. Do whatever necessary to get your kid to read just 15 minutes a day. (I’m not above a bribe.)
Get your kid their own library card. (Makes them feel important.) And yes even toddlers.
Search Amazon for books on things they like to play with or ask your local librarian for suggestions.
Let them pick out a book, even if it’s not your cup of tea. What they read is not as important as getting them to read. One may prefer funny books such as Diary of a Whimpy Kid, your other kid might prefer mysteries, letting them explore the library or local bookstore empowers them.
If your kid picks a book you think is too hard for them to read, read it together. You’ll be surprised at how much they will learn.
Don’t give up! Eventually, reading will click if you don’t quit.

For the gamer in your house try Minecraft Books: Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 1: A Scare of a Dare by Zack Zombie. There are 18 books in the series. That should keep them busy for a while. Or how about Trapped in a Video Game by Dustin Brady

Have a little princess in the family? Then you’re very lucky because there are dozens of books to choose from, click here to get started. Books for a Princess.

Budding sports star? How about Goodnight Baseball by Michael Dahl or any of the other many books from baseball, soccer, football, or hockey.

Everyone wants their kid to succeed, so remember…

Do you have a tip for turning a reluctant reader into a bookworm?

How important do you think reading is for a kid?

What age did you start reading to your kids?

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For more reading tips, click on the links below.

12 Ways to Motivate Reluctant Readers by Laura Candler

How can I encourage a reluctant reader?

Do you want to encourage passion in a reluctant reader?

Published on July 18, 2018July 18, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Do you have a young reluctant reader at home?

The lazy hazy days of summer are here and many of you are trying to encourage your kids to read. Maybe their teacher gave them a reading list, but it’s a struggle to comply. Ready to try something new?

Reading is fundamental. We’ve heard that time and time again, but why? What makes it so important for our kids to find a passion for reading?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines fundamental “as serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function.”

Reading is paramount to understanding everything from math, politics to recipes. If we can read well, we can understand the world around us.

Without a passion for reading, a person does not read.

However, I bet you know a kid who hates to read. Why? Because they haven’t found a book that captures their imagination.

All kids have big imaginations. All that is necessary is to find a book that taps into their creativity. So don’t give up and keep putting book after book in front of them until one clicks unlocking their potential.

My daughter is a third-grade teacher and she sees this reluctance in kids every day. Recently she told me about a book that has NEVER failed to hook a reluctant reader. Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans. This is book one of seven. But once a kid starts book one, they want to read the second, third and then keep going until they finish the series. For a kid that hates to read, this book flips a switch changing what they think about reading. On a personal note, my five grandchildren agree with her.

Books by Richard Paul Evans appeals to all ages, from kid to adult, boys and girls alike. Click the image below to check out number one in the series.

Writing a review would be easy but over 1400 readers beat me to it. Check out what these readers had to say. Customer Reviews. And don’t forget the Editorial Reviews!

Do you have a book recommendation for reluctant readers?

How have you encouraged reading in kids?

Add your book recommendations for young readers in the comments section.

Want to read more about reading for kids? Here are more websites.

Nurture a Love of Reading and Learning

Learning How to Read: 10 Ways to Help a Reluctant Reader

How can I encourage a reluctant reader?

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Are you writing hyphens in the wrong way?

Published on February 16, 2018February 15, 2018 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

Writing with hyphens can be tricky business.

As with the word was, hyphens is another Achilles heel. Sometimes I sprinkle hyphens about like scattering rose petals at a wedding. Too many!

Even some of the grammar programs disagree. But if you’ve ever published an ebook you’ll see what I mean. And a strayed hyphen can get left behind in print books too.

Hyphens can throw off the formatting until the reader becomes confused as to the meaning of the word. Don’t make the reader turn back pages to figure out what’s happening.

So what to do with compound words?

Hyphen or not to hyphen that is the question.

And the answer can be found in a terrific article by Connie J. Jasperson which is filled with lots of do’s, don’ts and tips. Plus, she provides extensive words to remember. This is a definite bookmark.

What did I learn about using hyphens?

Even when using “made up” words, tread carefully.
- Don’t use unless your make-believe world will explode without it. (Oops)
Single words and don’t need a hyphen.
- I have started checking the Urban Dictionary for help on some words.
Only use a hyphen to ensure the meaning of a word.
- Like, roundup as in a rodeo, or round up as in a review or the next highest round number
Some compounds are improvised to fulfill a specific need.
There are permanent compounds and temporary compounds. (Who knew.)
When in doubt leave it out. Unless…
- Your intended meaning is clear without the hyphen, leave it out.
Add special words and names to your manuscript style sheet.
- Especially made up words.
- This will help ensure consistency in your manuscript.
Oh, and a hyphen is not an En dash or an Em dash.

So much is packed in her article, I encourage you to click on her link and read the entire thing.

Hyphens #amwriting By Connie J. Jasperson

Do you use hyphens Willie-Nillie?

What do you think?

Is this all old stuff to you?

Keep reading, here is another article on using this little devil.

The Punctuation Guide, Hyphen

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Is Amazon’s new policy meant to be a fake-out for buyers?

Published on May 15, 2017May 12, 2017 by Jean M. Cogdell7 Comments

The Independent Book Publishers Association thinks it will hurt writers and publishers. And I think it will confuse buyers.

The Texas Association of Authors keeps us pretty well-informed in the professional world of writers and publishers. Thank the good Lord!

So for all my friends out there who aren’t in Texas, or aren’t members of the IBPA, I wanted to pass on the information. It appears that Amazon will be giving priority to third-party sellers! Yep, you heard that right.

Click this link to read the whole story and tell me what you think.

Amazon “Buy Button” Policy Change.

How do you think this will change the face of self-publishing?

Do you think buyers will notice before or after they hit “buy?”

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

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