Interviewing Meghan Cox Gurdon is an opportunity to engage with one of the most respected voices in literary criticism and children’s literature. As the Wall Street Journal’s children’s book reviewer, Gurdon has shaped the literary landscape for young readers and parents alike. With her keen insights and thoughtful analysis, she has become a trusted guide for navigating the world of literature for children. Join me as we delve into her journey, perspectives, and experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of the power of storytelling and its impact on young minds.
Meghan Cox Gurdon is an acclaimed writer, book critic, and commentator known for her insightful analysis of children’s literature. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to quality, Gurdon has established herself as a reliable authority in the field. Over the years, she has gained a large following of readers and enthusiasts who appreciate her thought-provoking reviews and incisive observations on the literary world. By providing a fresh and engaging perspective, Gurdon has made a significant impact in shaping the discourse around children’s books and their cultural significance. Her distinctive voice and unwavering dedication to excellence have solidified her position as a respected figure in the literary community.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with Meghan Cox Gurdon
1. Can you provide ten The Enchanted Hour by Meghan Cox Gurdon quotes to our readers?
The Enchanted Hour quotes as follows:
a. “The act of a parent reading to a child, with no other agenda than the experience itself, has immense power to shape that child’s life: for the better in every imaginable way.”
b. “What makes reading aloud an enchanted hour is the way that shared language and story intermingle with the feelings and thoughts of the heart and mind.”
c. “Reading bedtime stories to your children is not just about bringing calm and joy to your family; it’s about getting them ready for life.”
d. “The stories we hear and read out loud tell us not only about the world as it is, but also about the world as it could be.”
e. “Reading is a privilege — as vital to survival, growth, and the thriving of the imagination as clean air and water are to the health of the body.”
f. “The Enchanted Hour— that time set aside by caring adults to read something wonderful to children — is hugely important to the human race.”
g. “The art of reading aloud has survived every sort of technological challenge throughout millennia for a simple reason: it matters.”
h. “The Enchanted Hour also brings an incredible sense of peace, calm, and security to a child’s hypersensitized world.”
i. “Hearing stories read aloud helps children to confront their own struggles and transform them into adventures of the imagination.”
j. “Reading is water to the soul — the source of sustenance, understanding, and enrichment that shapes us as individuals and as a society.”
2.What inspired you to write “The Enchanted Hour”? Can you share the story behind the book and explain why you felt compelled to explore the importance of reading aloud to children?
“The Enchanted Hour” is a labor of love that was inspired by my own experiences as a mother and a book critic for the Wall Street Journal. As a parent, I witnessed the magical moments that unfolded when I read aloud to my children. It was a time when we would escape into other worlds, explore new ideas, and bond over a shared love of stories.
As a book critic, I often encountered studies and research highlighting the benefits of reading aloud to children. This led me to delve deeper into the subject, exploring the science behind the practice and its impact on a child’s development. I discovered that reading aloud not only fosters literacy skills but also enhances cognitive development, strengthens parent-child relationships, empathy, and nurtures a love for books.
Fuelled by this personal and professional journey, I felt compelled to share my findings and experiences in “The Enchanted Hour”. I wanted to celebrate the power of reading aloud and encourage parents and caregivers to make it a priority in their lives. In a fast-paced digital world, where screens often dominate our attention, I hope to illuminate the enduring importance of this simple, yet profound, act of sharing stories.
3.Your book highlights the transformative power of reading aloud. Can you discuss some of the key benefits and insights you offer for parents and caregivers who want to make reading a meaningful part of a child’s life?
In my book, I emphasize the profound impact that reading aloud can have on a child’s life and development. Firstly, it is a powerful bonding experience between parents or caregivers and the child, creating a strong emotional connection and fostering a love for books and storytelling. Reading aloud also helps to strengthen language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension, as children are exposed to a variety of words and sentence structures.
Furthermore, it stimulates imagination, creativity, and critical thinking, as children engage with the stories, characters, and themes. Reading aloud also cultivates empathy and social awareness, as children explore different perspectives and emotions through literature.
I offer practical insights and suggestions for parents and caregivers to make reading a meaningful part of a child’s life. These include setting aside dedicated reading time, creating a cozy and inviting reading environment, choosing age-appropriate and engaging books, and incorporating interactive elements such as asking questions, making connections, and encouraging discussions. Ultimately, I highlight the transformative power of reading aloud in shaping a child’s character, curiosity, and lifelong love for reading.
4.”The Enchanted Hour” delves into the science of storytelling and its impact on child development. How can parents and caregivers use this knowledge to foster a love of reading and literacy in children, as discussed in your book?
In “The Enchanted Hour,” I explore the invaluable benefits of storytelling and how it positively influences child development. To foster a love of reading and literacy in children, parents and caregivers can utilize the knowledge presented in the book in several ways.
First and foremost, carving out regular time for shared reading creates a special bond and provides an opportunity for children to experience the magic of storytelling. By engaging children in narrative conversations and encouraging them to share their thoughts and emotions, caregivers foster critical thinking, empathy, and imagination.
Moreover, it is vital for adults to be avid readers themselves, acting as positive role models. Displaying enthusiasm for books and reading, and making reading a pleasurable and purposeful activity, helps children associate reading with joy and discovery.
Finally, providing a diverse range of literature that reflects different cultures, experiences, and genres allows children to explore various perspectives and interests. This broadens their horizons, enhances empathy, and encourages a genuine love of learning.
By incorporating these practices, parents and caregivers can harness the power of storytelling to cultivate a lifelong love of reading and literacy in children.
5.Can you provide insights into the role of shared reading in building strong parent-child bonds and communication, as presented in your book?
Shared reading is an invaluable tool for building strong parent-child bonds and enhancing communication. In my book, I delve into the power of reading together and how it fosters connection on multiple levels. First and foremost, the act of shared reading creates a shared experience, a special time set aside for parent and child to engage in a meaningful activity together. This devoted time strengthens the bond between them.
Additionally, shared reading provides an opportunity for open communication. As parents and children read together, they can discuss the story, characters, and themes, thereby promoting dialogue and understanding. Through these discussions, children learn to express their thoughts and feelings, while parents gain insights into their child’s experiences and perspectives.
Moreover, shared reading allows parents to model important skills such as empathy, active listening, and attentiveness. By engaging in the story alongside their child, parents show interest and involvement, which contributes to a sense of closeness and trust.
Overall, shared reading creates a space for parents and children to connect, communicate, and foster a deep and lasting bond.
6.Your work draws from scientific research and personal anecdotes. How do these perspectives inform your teachings in the book, and how can readers incorporate your recommendations into their family routines?
In my book, I aim to provide a balanced approach by drawing from both scientific research and personal anecdotes. The inclusion of scientific research allows me to present evidence-based perspectives and insights into child development and the effects of various media on children. This ensures that my teachings are rooted in a solid foundation of knowledge and are not purely based on personal opinions or anecdotes.
However, personal anecdotes and experiences also play a crucial role in my work. These anecdotes serve to humanize the information presented, making it relatable to readers who may be navigating similar challenges in their own family routines. They help illustrate real-life examples and practical applications of the principles discussed in the book.
Readers can incorporate my recommendations into their family routines by considering the scientific findings and examples shared, and then adapt them to their own unique situations. It is important for parents to reflect on their own family values, needs, and circumstances when implementing any recommendations. By doing so, readers can create a customized approach that aligns with their family’s specific dynamics while also incorporating evidence-based strategies for positive child development and media usage.
7.In “The Enchanted Hour,” you emphasize the importance of cultivating a culture of reading within the family. What practical advice do you offer to help families create a reading-friendly environment and routines?
In “The Enchanted Hour,” I stress the significance of fostering a reading culture within families to encourage a love for books and storytelling. To create a reading-friendly environment, I offer practical advice for families to follow.
Firstly, designate a comfortable and inviting reading space in your home. Create a cozy reading nook with soft blankets, pillows, and a bookshelf stocked with a wide variety of books suitable for different ages and interests.
Establish a daily reading routine. Set aside a specific time each day when the whole family can gather and dedicate themselves to reading. This special “enchanted hour” can be a treasured time for everyone to share stories and foster a sense of togetherness.
Encourage parental involvement by reading aloud to children regularly. This not only aids in language development but also allows parents to model proper reading habits and engage in discussions about the story.
Minimize screen time to free up more time for reading. Encourage the habit of choosing books over digital devices by creating device-free zones or implementing screen time limits.
Lastly, make regular visits to libraries or bookstores a family tradition. Providing access to a constant influx of new books helps keep reading material fresh and exciting.
By implementing these practical strategies, families can cultivate an environment where reading is a cherished and integral part of daily life.
8.The book discusses the role of imagination and empathy in reading aloud. How can parents and caregivers encourage children to engage deeply with stories and characters, and how does this benefit their emotional development?
Engaging children deeply with stories and characters begins with the cultivation of imagination and empathy. Parents and caregivers can encourage this by creating a conducive reading environment that allows for active participation. By asking open-ended questions, they can spark children’s curiosity and encourage them to think critically about the stories and characters. Such interactions foster a connection between young readers and the narratives they encounter.
When children engage deeply with stories, they develop a greater understanding of the world and the people in it. They learn to see things from different perspectives, understand emotions, and practice empathy. By identifying with characters and their experiences, children gain insight into their own emotions and develop the ability to relate to others in a more compassionate way. This process of emotional development is integral for forming healthy relationships and navigating the complexities of life.
Through engaging deeply with stories and characters, children expand their imagination, strengthen their empathy, and enhance their emotional development. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role by cultivating this engagement and creating a nurturing space for reading and discussing stories.
9.How has your own experience as a parent and your passion for literature influenced your approach to writing “The Enchanted Hour” and advocating for the power of reading aloud to children?
My own experience as a parent and my passion for literature have profoundly influenced my approach to writing “The Enchanted Hour” and advocating for the power of reading aloud to children. As a mother and an avid reader, I witnessed firsthand the powerful impact that reading aloud had on my own children. It not only fostered a deep love for books and storytelling but also served as a gateway to meaningful communication and connection.
Through “The Enchanted Hour,” I aim to share my personal journey and offer a practical guide for parents, caregivers, and educators on the transformative power of reading aloud. Drawing on both my experiences and extensive research in child development and literacy, I seek to empower adults to navigate the digital age and reclaim the lost art of reading aloud.
My passion for literature fuels my belief in the profound and lasting influence that books can have on young minds. By reading aloud to children, we not only expose them to the wonders of language and imagination but also help them develop important cognitive and emotional skills. Through my writing and advocacy, I strive to inspire others to prioritize this magical and transformative practice, helping to shape a generation of engaged and empathetic readers.
10. Can you recommend more books like The Enchanted Hour?
A) “The Read-Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease – This classic book offers practical tips and guidance on the importance of reading aloud to children, along with an extensive list of suggested books for different age groups.
B) “The Book Whisperer” by Donalyn Miller – In this inspiring book, Miller shares her experiences as a reading teacher and offers strategies to foster a love for reading in children, emphasizing the power of choice and independence.
C) “The Language of Kindness” by Christie Watson – While not focused solely on reading aloud, this memoir by a nurse explores the healing power of words and compassion, reminding readers of the transformative impact that both reading and storytelling can have on individuals.
D) “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson – This book delves into the science and psychology behind child development, providing practical techniques for nurturing a child’s emotional and intellectual growth, which can be enhanced through shared reading experiences.
E) “Mind in the Making” by Ellen Galinsky – Galinsky examines the seven essential life skills that children need to thrive and succeed and offers research-based insights on how these skills can be developed through various activities, including reading aloud.