Professional Series - Love of Reading with Becca Gasiewicz Thiemann

Becca has a Communication Arts degree from Allegheny College, a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Xavier University, and a Phd in Educational Studies with a focus in Literacy from the University of Cincinnati. She started her career in the 2nd grade classroom and went on to teach at the university level.
In 2016, Becca founded Becca’s Book Box & Tutoring Services where she serves children through tutoring, storytimes, and she connects with you through parent education. Since its birth, it has morphed and evolved into more than she could have ever imagined.
When she is not doing all things Becca’s Book Box, Becca is spending time with her husband, son, and daughter. You can find them at a park, a playground, a bookstore, or running around and having fun somewhere.

 

What inspired you to become a literacy expert and share your reading tips with the world?

When I taught second grade, I loved watching children’s eyes light up as they read. They got so excited when they would learn new things as they read. I decided I wanted to dedicate my life’s work to sharing the love of reading with all kids. I have been lucky enough to create a career that does just that. Through K-12 tutoring, storytimes, parent and teacher education, and more, I get to show children the magical world of reading and watch their imaginations come alive!

What are some of your favorite books to read with babies and toddlers, and why?

There are so many wonderful books, it is hard to narrow it down. One thing I look for in a good book is a book that will grow with your child. For example, is the board book a good one with high-contrast illustrations to stand up for babies to look at during tummy time? As a young baby, will it be a story that is fun to read for you and for them? When they get a little older, will they enjoy looking at the pictures themselves? I want books to withstand the test of time through ages and stages at least for a little while. I did curate a list of some favorites HERE.

How can parents make reading time more interactive and enjoyable for their little ones?

As a literacy expert, I had this image of what I thought our reading time would look like. As a parent, I now realize how different it actually looks! Children need to move, often don’t finish the whole book, have favorite books they want to read a million times over, and it just doesn’t quite usually go as expected. My suggestion to you is to find books you love, be flexible with how reading time goes, and be open to reading at different times like breakfast. Don’t be afraid to get silly, use funny voices, and sing. Children enjoy this immensely and their language can grow through song. It is also helpful to take time to regularly peruse bookstores and the library so you can see what books they are drawn to as well.

How can parents involve older siblings in the reading process with their baby brothers or sisters?

Children become what they see and want to participate in what they enjoy. If reading becomes part of your family culture, older siblings will innately want to read with their younger siblings. It is amazing to watch how they mimic what you have done with them as they read with their little sibling. Reading has never just been about academics and learning, it has always been and should be more about connecting and bonding with caregivers. Reading can be a really wonderful way for siblings to bond too!

How can parents use books to introduce new concepts or experiences to their toddlers, such as potty training or starting preschool?

One thing I have always loved about reading is the way it takes abstract concepts and makes them more concrete for children. For example, scientific concepts might be hard to actually see but books help to make those concepts come alive. Many children can feel overwhelmed or anxious with big transitions and changes because they cannot imagine what it might be like or if they will feel safe. Seeing what a preschool looks like, learning about the potty, reading about big feelings, grieving the loss of a grandparent, or understanding a new sibling can all be helped through reading. Not only do they see images that help with the process, but it can also start conversations between you and your child. We live during an amazing time for picture books and there are books on every topic! No matter what your family is experiencing, you can find a good book to help. 

What's the one piece of advice you'd give to parents to foster a lifelong love of reading in their children?

The best piece of advice I can offer is to make reading enjoyable and consistently share new books with your child. If you love reading and are enthusiastic about it, your child will likely love reading. If you make an effort to go to the library and make books and reading a treat, your child will view it as a treat instead of a chore. To grow a lifelong learner, we want children to truly enjoy reading and learning and for it to be a positive experience and we get the amazing opportunity to control that association. 

What are your favorite products at Copper Pearl?

I love the plush bath toys, the cute crew sweatshirts, and the adorable baby rompers and dresses!