Read

I love to read. For so many reasons, I love to read. I have always read to my children and reading is a part of our school time daily. Since a lot of us are staying home during this time, I wanted to share some of the ways we enjoy reading.

1. You need a bookmark. I have 3 books started for myself, one read aloud, and each kid has a book started. It didn’t take long until we were all looking around for a bookmark. Instead of using an index card or a scrap of paper, I started looking for bookmarks I could print and even color. I found these cute kitty bookmarks that the kids love and these geometric designs we could color. I printed the bookmarks out on cardstock and then cut them apart with scissors. For more bookmark options check out this site: Book Riot.
2. Finding a good book. Every person is different so a “good book” like “good art” is different for everyone. If you are looking for a good elementary age book first look at reading level, then look at topic. If the book is too hard for the child to consume they will give up even if the topic is something they are interested in. My daughter (age 5) loves picture books. She will pick 3-5, we will snuggle up and read each one together. For some I will point at the words she knows so she can read too. Other books we just enjoy the story. My two older children like to listen to chapter books. Often after I finish one chapter they beg for another. Currently we are reading the Little House series. Previously this year we have read the Boxcar Children, Henry Huggins, Shiloh.
   You can keep up with the books we read on our Things We Love Page!

3. Discuss what you are reading. When we read together I will talk to my kids about their favorite part in the chapter or something that stuck out to them. I love finding out what they find interesting, funny or worrisome. This is also when I find out what they may not have understood. This way I can clear up any confusion before we move on so we can all enjoy the book.
For books that we are readying on our own I will ask what is happening in the book. It’s fun to hear my children’s version of the story.

4. Have fun! I like to plan fun activities inspired by the book we are reading. Little House has been awesome for this. My kids are learning about what it was like to live before there was television, internet, cars, indoor plumbing… We have pretended to live like Laura and her family, made the same food, tried to have a “no work” Sunday, etc. Other ideas are creating art inspired by the book, create a soundtrack for the book, or write and illustrate your own book.

I hope this inspires you to connect and have more fun with the books and people in your lives.