I am not much for New Year’s Resolutions. The truth is, I will probably still have the extra 10 pounds (if not more) when December rolls around and it is unlikely that I will take that girl’s trip to Italy. However, there is one resolution that I really want to keep. I am calling it “Reading Resolution” – pretty catchy huh?
Not only do I want to add more to my personal reading list than soup labels and Pier One catalogs, I am also committed to reading more with my children. Our reading routine is inconsistent and sometimes sacrificed for sports, homework, and yes – T.V. Frankly, it had not been a big priority and I had done a lousy job leading by example (putting a television in my bedroom was a BIG mistake). However, someone once wrote, “The failure to read good books both enfeebles the vision and strengthens our most fatal tendency – the belief that the here and now is all there is” – Alan Bloom. The best way to get kids outside of their little worlds is through reading and I hope to provide the following structure to begin this process.
Book Hunt
It is off the library!! Now that my oldest is a proud owner of his first library card, he joins me in browsing for interesting books. In addition, talking to other moms or reading book reviews is a great way to build your child’s personal library.
Family Reading Time
Having scheduled time for reading is an excellent way to incorporate books into your daily routine. Bedtime is an obvious option. However, for older kids, having time for family members to read on their own emphasizes the importance of reading while, at the same time, provides much-needed quiet time for mom or dad.
Read to me
As painful as it is to sit with your child as he struggles through “The Hungry Caterpillar” for one millionth time – it is a wonderful exercise to prepare your child for reading out loud in other environments (like in front of Sassy Susie who is in the Red Robin Reading Group). One way to make reading out loud a little less painful is to offer to alternate reading every other page or every other chapter.
Talk About It
Once you’ve finished the book, it is time to talk. This allows for greater reading retention and provides an avenue of sharing. Warning: Asking Yes or No questions will likely result in a shrug or one word answer. Instead, find a way for the story to relate to your life or your family’s experiences.
