My Harley
Discover Carol Porter Books
Naturally Curious
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr. Seuss
Welcome to Carol Porter Books
Thoughts. Experiences. Inspiration.
I’m so glad you’ve arrived. Carol Porter Books is where I hope to share my love of reading with you and ideas on how to help your children become good, thoughtful readers. I want to share great books and ideas that spark your excitement so that you can nurture your own passions and projects. I hope I can share the excitement and wonder of a great book with you, so you can share it with your children. Take time to read, listen, imagine, and dream. Create new ideas, paint new pictures, and share new stories. Most of all have fun reading and writing. We all need something to motivate us. Take a look around; perhaps you’ll discover what exhilarates you. Are you ready to be inspired?
About Me.
I am a mom, teacher, writer, and dog lover. I am a member of SCBWI and Storyteller Academy. I also work with many online writers' groups including Story Storm, NF Fest and 12x12 to improve my writing and illustration. I have a Master’s degree in reading and have taught at every level in elementary and middle school. I was also an adjunct professor of graduate reading at Canisius College. I have been a classroom teacher, a reading specialist, and a school literacy coach. Each new position taught me more about reading, what kids really need to succeed and what I needed to learn. Great experiences and great books inspired me.
I was honored to have been a finalist for the Excellence in Education Awards for 2020. My favorite time is reading a book to a class. I love to watch them laugh, their eyes light up with wonder, and the quizzical look on their faces when I challenge them to think. This is exactly what I want my books to do when reading with kids. Read. Laugh. Love. Wonder. Think.
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I started writing books in second grade and decided with 20 years as a reading teacher I should finally write a great picture book that would be fun and engaging for kids and also show parents how to help their children become good readers. I know many parents don't know how to help and wanted to empower them with easy strategies that are proven to work. I also wanted the book to be fun and let parents and kids enjoy reading, talking, and discovering together. Three years later I thought I was all set to self-publish. I did. Marketing was not my strong point. I had to learn more. My journey has continued now that I know what I didn't know then. It was and is a continuous journey, a true labor of love with some of the best people I have ever met. To write a great story is perhaps the most important work one can ever do.
Education and Awards
2001
Master's Degree Reading Education
Canisius College
Dual Certification in Elementary Education/Reading
1999
BS Psychology
State University of New York at Buffalo
Awards
I was honored to be a finalist for the Excellence in Education Awards in Buffalo 2020
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Reading with Your Kids
Parents who read to their kids every night make them, smarter, better in school, life-long readers, and kinder, more compassionate people.
Great Books to Share
Any book you share can be special
Classics and New Voices
The number of great books for kids is endless. I will share some favorites, from old classics to wonderful new creations. The book world is full of fresh voices, ideas, and adventures. Share them together!
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Read Read Read
As a reading teacher, I am well aware of the importance of reading every day, but I recently read some pointed articles illuminating how simply reading out loud to your children, of any age, has significant, life-long benefits. It put down in an organized way the effects of so many things reading research has long held true but in a way that really makes it clear and very powerful.
Vocabulary. Reading to your child fills them with wonderful words! Vocabulary knowledge is powerful. We know we all have a larger “listening” vocabulary, than reading vocabulary. As your child is exposed to more words, they will understand them when they find them in print, even if they need help decoding them. Active listening helps them learn sounds, and phonemic awareness is the first building block to phonics and decoding. Good phonemic awareness is one of the best predictors of reading and academic success. Vocabulary knowledge entering kindergarten is one of the best predictors of school success.
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Grow your child’s brain. Reading to your child connects neurons and literally grows their brain.
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Improved behavior is real. Reading to your child increases their focus and ability to pay attention. As you can imagine being able to focus and stay on task is essential to any ability to do well and learn in class. When students are unable to do this they often cover up their weaknesses by acting out, rather than allowing others to see what they cannot do.
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The simple truth is that to become a better reader, you must read. Reading to your child models the importance of reading, and your children will want to do it well. The time spent reading to them, instills an importance and love of reading. Once they have a love of reading, they have the tools that will make them lifelong learners.
Create a strong bond with your child. Kids love it when you read to them because of the physical closeness and emotional bonding it offers. Children often report one of their fondest memories is time spent listening to a parent snuggle up with them to read a book.
Increase your child’s capacity for empathy and kindness. Reading fiction to your child allows their brain to live vicariously through the characters at a neurobiological level. In other words, you’re exposing your child to different types of people giving them the chance to put themselves in others’ shoes while you read. They can learn how to do the right thing, be a good friend, and see someone else’s point of view. This can help teach them to be a compassionate person who helps others in need.
