Parents want their children to grow up to be decent human beings. We hope our children will give back to the community, be productive citizens, get along with others and be knowledgeable and kind. Many of us also hope that our children will gain a love of learning and continue to seek knowledge throughout their lives. We basically just want them to grow up to be intelligent, well-educated, mighty mensches. Is that so much to ask? A mensch, as defined by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, is a person with integrity and honor. The task of parenting has become increasingly difficult. Young parents are constantly bombarded with messages about what they should be doing for their child. Buy this brainy toy! This app will teach your child to read! Buy that food to help your child be an Olympian!
Let’s face it, parents today are under way too much pressure. We are overwhelmed, exhausted and confused about what we should be doing to raise an intelligent, well-educated, mighty mensch.
The good news is that raising a reader and a mighty mensch can be quite simple. Here are some fun, easy, back-to-basics tips that will not only set your child up for academic success, but will also help you build a home filled with strong Jewish traditions, ethics and values. Who knew? Raising a reader and a mensch is a piece of cake!
Five Tips on How to Raise a Reader and a Mensch
1. Create a Jewish reading ritual: Every week spend a few minutes reading a book about Jewish ethics and values to your child. Signing up for the PJ Library (pjlibrary.org) is an excellent way to get free, high-quality, Jewish themed literature. Reading to your child is the most important thing you can do to help her or him discover the joy of reading. Be sure to keep your reading ritual sacred and special. Find a comfortable spot in which to read. Invite your child to sit on your lap or cuddle up in pool of blankets on the floor. Encourage your child to invite a favorite stuffed animal to join the reading ritual.
2. Surround your child with Jewish print: Children begin to understand that the written word has meaning at a very young age. Begin by writing out the words of the items on your Shabbat table, for example challah, candles, wine, etc. Challenge your child to match the words to the items. Encourage your child to listen for the beginning sounds in each word and place the word next to the correct item. Repeat this activity every week and for every Jewish holiday.
3. Mitzvah makers: Challenge your children to do mitzvahs (good deeds) all week. Post a sign in a common area of your home labeled “Mitzvah Makers.” Every time you see your children doing a mitzvah, write it down on the paper. Say the words aloud as you write so your children can hear you positively reinforcing their behavior and also begin to make connections between the oral word and the written word. At the end of the week, celebrate all of the mitzvahs by reading the list and cheering on your mighty mensches.
4. Jewish cooking: Did you know that learning to follow a recipe teaches sequencing skills and concepts of print, and builds reading fluency and listening comprehension? Why not bake challah with your child on Shabbat? Write out the recipe on easy-to-read note cards large enough for your child to see the print and follow along with you step by step.
5. Get well cards for the sick: The commandment of visiting the sick (bikur cholim) is one of the noblest acts of kindness. Have your children make cards for people in the hospital or a nursing home and hand deliver them. Writing is an excellent tool to reinforce literacy skills and visiting the sick is an important way to nurture your little mensch in the making. Yasher koach, may you have strength in raising your reader and your mensch!
Jill Leshin, M. Ed., is a certified reading specialist, the founder of the Literacy Links program and the Pre-K Academy. Literacy Links teaches fundamental pre-reading skills while reinforcing Jewish ethics, values and traditions. The program is at the VOSJCC Early Childhood Center and Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center. Contact Jill at 480-227-9845, jill@pre-kacademy.com or visit Pre-kacademy.com.
