Once a month, I meet with my homeschooling friends for Mom's Night Out. We meet to discuss a book, homeschooling, parenting, and life in general. Add in a treat and it makes for a delightful evening. This month, we were lucky enough to listen to our brilliant, book-enthused friend, Shauna, practice her presentation for an upcoming conference. She shared a lot of great insights into how to get your children reading but it was one small idea that totally changed things for me.
I've really struggled with finding a regular time to read out loud to my children. I've tried the afternoon, but once school time is over they are ready to be off doing their own thing. I've tried bedtime, but I am usually ready to be off duty by then. When Shauna shared how she reads her kids out of bed each morning, it was major light-bulb moment for me.
I immediately put the idea into use and it has been wonderful. I read to Emma first in her room. We're reading The Secret Garden. Then I get Slade out of bed and we go sit on the playroom couch. He is quite interested in Greek mythology so we first read D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths and are now reading The Golden Fleece. Then Nathan comes out to the couch. Our current read is Indian in the Cupboard. After that, I head upstairs to make breakfast while they get dressed and tidy up the rooms.
My plan is to read to Anne and Sawyer in the afternoon. I haven't been as successful in getting that implemented but I am still hopeful it will happen.
I'm thrilled with how a small change in our schedule can make such a difference. Thanks, Shauna!
1 comment:
I'd never heard of that idea, and it's a good one. Does it make the kids jump eagerly out of bed in the morning? Does it do it for you? :-)
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