Get Free Books by Attending Active Reading Workshop

Four picture books explored in Active Reading Workshops

Did you know that only 40 percent of third-graders in Mecklenburg County are reading on grade level? Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has teamed up with Read Charlotte to help improve children’s literacy by offering Active Reading interactive workshops that are designed for caregivers with children ages 2-5.

In these workshops, participants learn how to read with their child instead of to their child. This evidence-based model has been proven to strengthen reading comprehension, as well as language and vocabulary skills. Each workshop focuses on the ABC’s of Active Reading:

A. Ask questions
B. Build vocabulary
C. Connect to the child’s world.

The picture books below are titles currently used in workshops around Charlotte to teach and demonstrate active reading with ideas for how incorporate active reading with each book. Workshop attendees each get copies of the four books below to take home.

"Flower Garden" by Eve Bunting
With the help of her father, a young girl buys, plants and displays a beautiful flower garden in an apartment window box as a surprise for her mother.
A – Why are they buying flowers?  
B – What is a jamboree? A jamboree is a party!
C – What do you buy when you go to the grocery store? Has your child ever ridden the bus? Do you have any plants or flowers in or around your home? 

"Lola at the Library" by Anna McQuinn
Tuesday is Lola’s favorite day because that is the day they visit the library. See everything they do at the library and follow them on their fun after-storytime ritual.
A – Why does Lola love Tuesdays?
B – What is foam? Foam is the yummy bubbles on top of some drinks!
C – Have you ever been to a library storytime? How did you get there? Did you sing songs? Did you read books? 

"I Stink" by Jim McMullan and Kate McMullan
Garbage trucks eat your trash and are very stinky. Learn all about them and the many types of items they consume in this fun and engaging picture book.
A – Why does the trash truck smell bad?
B – What is a curb? A curb is the edge of the street. 
C – Do you have trash at your house? Have you ever seen a trash truck? Where does it go? 
 

"The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend" by Dan Santat
Beekle is an imaginary friend but hasn’t been assigned a friend yet. Find out what happens when he meets his perfect friend match.
A – Why hasn’t Beekle been picked yet? 
B – What is courage? Courage means to be brave!
C – Do you have an imaginary friend? What makes a good friend? Do you have a friend like this? 

Sign up today to attend an active reading workshop.
 

Lonna Vines is the children’s librarian at the Hickory Grove branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. She has a son Julian, age 4, who loves active reading.