From the time my first child was probably 9 months old, or at least old enough to enjoy looking at pictures in books, I have taken my kids often to the library. It was the source of our reading together. I didn’t love reading the same picture books over and over, so we would fill a canvas bag with books till it hurt my shoulders to carry. I liked finding ones with illustrations that I enjoyed looking at, too. Any time of the day is a great time to cuddle with young ones on the couch and read picture books.
I have fond memories of taking my kids to a weekly show for children in the summer that the library would sponsor. We listened to amazing story tellers and children’s singers, saw puppeteers, balloon artists, the Reptile Man, and more. After the show was a perfect time to get new books! We would also participate in the library’s summer reading program for kids. There were fun prizes that they looked forward to earning by reading a certain number of hours.
Bedtime is a favorite time to read to my kids. I typically read to them at night till they turn 8 or 9, but I have no plans of stopping soon with my youngest! I sit on or next to the bed, or when there was more than one room of kids who wanted to listen, I’d sit in between the rooms. Picture books were fun to read when the kids were young, but as they grew, we switched to chapter books. My older boys remember when I read The Chronicles of Narnia to them. We loved those books! I can’t wait to finish the series I’m reading with my youngest so we can start on those again.
We also have enjoyed listening to audiobooks together on long car rides. Of course we get them at the library! They make the time go by so much faster. One favorite was The Mark of Zorro by Johnston McCulley. We all talked with a Spanish accent and pretended to sword fight for a while after that. Just be careful if you are the driver . . . don’t get so engrossed that you miss the exit you need!
My children’s school often participated in a reading program with incentives that my kids loved. One that my first two boys still remember was Book It, sponsored by Pizza Hut. If they read a certain amount each month, they could earn their very own yummy Personal Pan Pizza—what’s better than that? Then, after earning their pizza every month, at the end of the school year they received a medal.
Another reading program incentive was a coveted ticket to a nearby amusement park! These were a great motivation for the kids to read on their own.
After high school and college, I gave up reading for enjoyment. I think all the required reading assignments turned me off. I read for religious study, but that was about it for several years. Reading with my kids, especially chapter books, got me interested in reading for enjoyment again. I think the Harry Potter Series was my first venture, which got me hooked on reading again!
Thanks, Nitza
My older sister Nitza is a songbird. She is extremely talented in music, has a great sense of humor, enjoys playing sports and working out. She has five children, ages 8 to 24. Each one is caring, smart, and adventurous. I look up to Nitza in so many ways, but would most like to emulate her qualities as a mother. Thank you for sharing what reading looks like in your home, Nitza!
tawny ember
AS THE FATHER OF SHAWN….I HAVE ENJOYED THE GROWTH OF THEIR FAMILY THROUGH THE YEARS. SHAWN CHOSE WELL AND NEEDS TO BE PROUD OF DIRECTION THEIR FAMILY HAS CHOSEN TO FOLLOW. THIS STORY NEEDS VERY MUCH TO BE AMONG ANY JOURNALS OR FAMILY LIFE HISTORY ON-GOING DOCUMENTS REGARDING THEIR FAMILY.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THESE SPECIAL COMMENTS…..
RICHARD BROOKS
I so agree, Richard! And what a great idea to put these memories in their family history!
Nitza. I love your pizza reward for book reading. Sounds yummy. Thanks for sharing your ideas. 😉