BookFlix Is a Great Resource to Excite First-Time Readers

August 02, 2012

It's almost time to go back to school. And for some little students, school will start for the first time.

In the coming weeks, many first-timers will take their first serious try at reading. Some will jump in with both feet. Others won't be quite so enthusiastic to take the plunge.

No matter which group you find your beginning readers, BookFlix is a great resource not only to get them reading, but to get them to see reading as a fun way to learn more about their world.

BookFlix pairs classic video storybooks with a nonfiction book on a related subject, like Bark, George by Jules Feiffer and Pets at the Vet by Pam Zollman. Kids start by watching the storybook - without or without the read-along option. Then, they move on to the nonfiction book, where they can read-along or read the simple text on their own with highlighted, read-aloud pronouncers and definitions for the more difficult words. When they're done with the books, they can go to the puzzler section to play games such as Word Match, Fact or Fiction, and Which Came First? They can also learn more about the author and explore websites related to the subject.

BookFlix offers dozens of books in several categories that will interest most kids, including Animals and Nature, Earth and Sky, and People and Places.

Just one warning, BookFlix is just as about as much fun for adults as it is for kids.

Sara PD
Kearney Branch