A New York Times article by KJ Dell’Antonia looks at the pros and cons of bribing your children to read.
Everyone agrees that it’s essential that all children be encouraged to read. When reading is difficult for them, so is almost everything else. As kids get to be better readers, every subject from math to history becomes more accessible – and practice is the only way to get there.
So how to make that happen?
Many parents fall back on bribery, paying per book, minute or page in currencies ranging from toys to screen time to cash. But many studies show that paying kids to do things they once enjoyed for free can backfire; many kids stop reading when the rewards dry up, while those who aren’t rewarded carry on reading just for fun.
But some experts actually agree that rewards can be useful, especially for younger learners who may benefit from a jump start or a short-term intervention. The rewards don’t have to be money or things. Dr. Rahil Briggs, director of pediatric behavioral health at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx says, “It could be that it’s a special treat to go to the library with Dad, and that alone time is part of what’s rewarding about it.”
Dr. Edward L. Deci, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester agrees, saying nonmaterial rewards may be the most effective. An excursion with a parent to the library, or a special time reading together and discussing books, convey the importance of reading because your valuable time has become the currency.
“Money may be motivating,” concludes Dell’Antonia, “but so is living in a home where books and reading are part of family life.” As Dr. Briggs notes, reading together, choosing books, talking about words and stories, even going to the library, is a lot harder than taking a dollar out of our wallets. And probably more valuable in the long run.
Your library offers lots of opportunities for you to make reading rewarding for your youngsters. We hope you’ll bring them to one or more of the many library programs created especially for various young age groups by Josie, our early literacy librarian. You’ll find them listed every week in this Library News column.
Two library closures
Your library will be closed on Monday, February 21 for Presidents’ Day and Friday, February 25 for staff education.
Deadline tomorrow for T-shirt contest
We’re looking for creative help in designing a t-shirt for this year’s Summer Reading Program – but tomorrow, February 18, is the deadline for submissions. The theme is “oceans of possibilities.” Pick up a flyer at the library or go online to our website at https://pagosalibrary.org for details. The winner will receive a free t-shirt with their design. The winning t-shirt will be worn by staff during the Summer Reading Program and a limited number will be available for purchase. This contest is open to all ages.
Teen advisory board virtual this month
Next Wednesday, February 23 the teen advisory board meets from 4-5 p.m. on GoogleMeet. Sixth-12th graders are invited to bring your fun and innovative ideas to help us plan teen programs.
Spanish conversation
Next Thursday, February 24 from 6-7 p.m. we will gather in person at the library to practice speaking and listening skills together. Note new day and time. There is no minimum skill level required to attend. As an alternative, you can learn Spanish and many other languages using the Transparent Language Learning database available at https:pagosalibrary.org/online-resources/
Dungeons & Dragons
Join us every other Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. for our in-person Dungeons & Dragons game free for teens and young adults. The next one is Tuesday, February 22.
Family storytimes
Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. join us for free in-person children’s stories, games and plenty of reasons to get up and move. The February 23 storytime will feature guest Kathy Carter with great stories and learning fun. Discovery Time takes place Saturday, February 19 on Facebook at 2:30 p.m.
Writing challenge
A new all-ages writing challenge was posted February 14 on the library’s Facebook page. We hope you will challenge your creativity by participating in this free all-ages activity.
Nonfiction
“Chasing History” by Carl Bernstein is a memoir of this Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist famous for his work on Watergate which tells of his early years as a reporter. “How We Can Win” by Kimberly Jones looks at the effects of systemic racism and reveals how her formative years in Chicago created her lifelong devotion to justice. “My Money My Way” by Kumiko Love details how a poor single woman in debt changed her life and became known as The Budget Mom.
Books on CD
“Invisible” by Danielle Steel features a gifted young woman who grew up in an isolated family environment. “End of Days” by Brad Taylor is a Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill thriller. “The Horsewoman” by James Patterson and Mike Lupice is a romantic thriller featuring mother and daughter riders. “Quick Silver” by Dean Koontz is a sci-fi story featuring a man abandoned a three days old on an Arizona desert highway.
DVDs
“Dune” is the new version of this epic sci-fi film. “Dear Evan Hansen” about an isolated teen is the film made based on the award-winning Broadway musical hit. “Blue Bayou,” an R-rated story of a Korean man about to be separated from his family and deported, is inspired by true events. “Born in the Rockies” is a two-part Nature mini-series about Rocky Mountain wildlife.
Mysteries and thrillers
“Shadow Ridge” by M.E. Browning centers on an internet stalker in a small Colorado town. “Devil House” by John Darnielle follows a true crime writer whose research into two notorious murders leads him to a place he never expected.
Spanish-language novels
“Malibu Renace” (“Malibu Rising”) by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the story of a family’s secrets that takes place at an end-of-summer party. “El Regreso” (“The Return”) by Nicholas Sparks is a romance features a Navy doctor injured in Afghanistan. “Aqui Estuvimos” (“We Were Here”) by Matt de la Pena follows the journey of self-discovery by a boy trying to get back to Mexico.
Other novels
“The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan follows a woman who may be sent to a state-tun institution to teach her to be a perfect mother. “A Small World” by Jonathan Evison chronicles 170 years of American history from the varied characters’ point of view. “Other People’s Pets” by R.L. Maizes features a woman who robs homes while caring for their pets.
Donations
Many thanks to Janice Clinkenbeard and Elaine Lundergan for their generous monetary donations, and to Rosalea Connor, Alice Farley and our anonymous donors for their materials donations. Please put your materials donations into the dropbox at the library – not at City Market, which is reserved for returns.
Quotable Quote
“I cannot stress enough that the answer to a lot of your life’s questions is often in someone else’s face. Try putting your iPhones down every once in a while and look at people’s faces. People’s faces will tell you amazing things. Like if they are angry or nauseous, or asleep.” – Advice to the Harvard graduating class of 2011 from Amy Poehler, American actress, comedian, writer, producer and director.
Website
For more information on library books, services and programs – and to reserve books, e-books, books on CD and DVDs from the comfort of your home – please visit our website at https://pagosalibrary.org.
The Ruby Sisson Memorial Library has been located at 811 San Juan Street (corner of S. 8th and Hwy 160) since 1989. The library is overseen by the Upper San Juan Library District, a tax-funded special district in Archuleta County.