May 21, 2009
-
One of my favorite things to do is read to my children. From the time Jacob was a baby (and we read the same books over and over) to now (12 years later), I’ve been reading to them all. One of my favorite memories is when I read Winnie the Pooh to just my David, every day at naptime. It was such a special cozy time for the two of us.
The books we’ve shared have become part of our family. When I think back to the various titles, I can almost feel the little warm bodies of my children leaning into me as they listened to my voice, reading.
Lately, I’ve been frustrated because we just haven’t been able to get those special reading times in.
That’s why I am so thankful for……….my IPOD!
Last week, I bought two unabridged books for my Ipod, read beautifully by two different men.
Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls
Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates, by Mary Mapes Dodge.
These two books are excellently written, quality books that will make you child’s mind GROW.
I hear just enough of the stories so that I can ask all kinds of questions to fill in the missing parts. It’s so good for the children to really think about what they’ve heard, and to tell it back to me. (official word for this is “NARRATION”)
Today is a slow day for Mama Schoolteacher, so my lovelies are currently outside enjoying the day. They’ve already gone on a walk and came back to tell me they saw 8 Jack-in-the-Pulpits, raccoon tracks, and yellow roots. They also reported that Ethan kept walking into spider webs.
Comments (3)
This blog is just so much fun to me!
Okay, reading to children – you’ve hit on one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE TOPICS.
You have given your children such a gift, having read to them all these years and fostered a love for reading and books. My mom had an established ritual of reading to us after lunch, before “naptime” each day, and I have so many warm, wonderful memories from that time together. I loved all the books she read us so much, that through the years I have put a great deal of effort into collecting all of them for my own children to have some day.
Thanks for all the great book recommendations you share. I have never heard of Hans Brinker/The Silver Skates and look forward to checking that one out!
I know what you mean when you say you remember those snuggly times, they are such wonderful times. I know your children will remember them too!
I love to read to them too! I find though that when there is a loud:) baby in the house (or toddler!) it’s harder to get all that reading in….like someone is always crying or fussing and making way too much noise!…it’s frustrating…..but once we are past that stage then reading will be a joy again! I can’t wait…..it’s a little better now with my baby being 10 months.