New Book Debunks Myth That Teaching Children To Become Skilled, Enthusiastic Readers Is Impossible In Today's World

NEW YORK, Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In the 1980s, scientists cracked many of the mysteries behind literacy and how we learn to read. They also pinpointed simple steps that parents could take to help their children become first-rate readers. Tragically, this information still hasn't reached parents, leaving many of them profoundly anxious about their children's reading ability and future, with no idea how to address the problem.

It is for them that Nancy Newman has written "Raising Passionate Readers: 5 Easy Steps to Success in School and Life," a breezy, accessible, joyful approach that makes learning to read a treat for children of all ages and abilities.

Using simple, everyday language and a format that makes liberal use of bolded section headings, lists and recaps, Newman weaves together humor, real-world examples and the science behind learning and literacy. The result? Practical tips that even the busiest parents can use to strengthen their children's language skills and instill a love of reading that will help pave the way for success in school and in life.

Newman sheds light on how children process information, explains why raising readers is easier than people realize, and presents five fun and easy-to-do steps that families can adapt to their specific needs—without spending any extra time or money. Along the way, she talks about what does and doesn't work, and debunks the myth that technology is the culprit behind children's disinterest in reading.

Among the experts praising "Raising Passionate Readers" are Martin T. Stein, MD, editor of "Dr. Spock's The First Two Years: The Emotional and Physical Needs of Children from Birth to Age 2" ("The content and writing style make it immediately accessible to parents, teachers and pediatricians") and Jonathan Cohen, president of the National School Climate Center ("Clear, simple and powerful steps that promote a love of reading").

Newman's expertise comes from her experience as a teacher of Remedial English in NYC public schools and at a community college. After seeing the effects that early reading problems had on students' lives, she developed a classroom approach that bolstered students' self-confidence and motivated them to improve their literacy skills. When she became a mother, she used the same approach with her three sons, two of whom are dyslexic and all of whom became skilled, avid readers.

SOURCE Nancy Newman