So, today I concentrate on reading with my children. The library is right down the street. Their little, upturned faces are even closer. What a day it will be!
Of course, I remember my parents reading to me. They were essential in the formation of my love of books. But one other person stands out--my fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Brown. She read Roald Dahl to us. (I posted about him here a while back.) I had never heard such words! Such worlds! That was the first year of reading contests and Scholastic book stacks to rival any library in-box.
Do you remember anyone significant reading to you as a child? To whom do you read now?
I read to my two daughters for ten years and they read to me. We headed to the library once a week to pick out about fourteen picture books. We loved Roald Dahl and his amazing way with words. The children were always the heroes over the bumbling adult perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI don't have children, but I hope to pass my love of books onto my young cousins. Our local libraries do a summer reading program every year and I remember that was a highlight of my summers when I was in grade school. Libraries are a great place to visit with your children. Have a fun day.
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Thoughts in Progress
Michele - Reading with a child is one of the most important things that we can do. Children can develop a lifelong passion for reading if they have someone in their lives who shares with them. My husband and I read to (and later with) our daughter throughout her childhood, and I'm glad we did...
ReplyDeleteI don't remember anyone reading to me, but somewhere, somehow, I developed a love of reading early on. As a kid, I always had my nose buried in a book.
ReplyDeletePaul- I remember that about Dahl, too, Paul. It really does appeal to a child, doesn't it? My son loves 'The BFG,' and he is 4 now. I have never read 'The Witches,' but we have that to tackle in the future.
ReplyDeleteMason- I've thought about being a storytime reader at a local library. I think I'd be good at it. It's fun to watch young faces light up at a story! Good for you for passing on your love of books.
Margot- You are so right. It is a precious time of bonding for the parent, too. The child doesn't realize who much we get out of it as well! I get to relive all the old stories I loved.
Jill- I am glad that it can be developed even if the reader isn't there. I suppose that is the magic of books! Good for you for finding your own way into a book.
I know my mother read to us. It was important to her and all of us are readers to this day. That's wonderful what you're doing.
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I remember grade school teachers reading to our class. And sorry, no one I read to now!
ReplyDeleteMy third grade teacher read the Henry Huggins series to us.
ReplyDeleteDahl was my fave as a child, and I recently discovered his adults short stories. They're amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThe Kiddo hates giving away books, even those she's outgrown. I shall reframe this by stealing your words -- sharing the love of books!
ReplyDeleteI read to my grandchildren. My partner used to read to his kids every night til they got to old. Then he stopped for about a year and I made him start it up again. He got through 'His Dark Materials' - The Golden Compass and so on before they got 'too old' again. I loved listening to him. My dad used to read to us when we were little. One night he threw a Bobbsey Twins across the room and said "this is rubbish - I can do better". That brought on the heavenly period of him telling us 'Sunbeam Stories'. Sunbeam was a little girl who when she got into too much excitement fell asleep providing even more excitement. I loved those stories....
ReplyDeleteAnother favorite of mine was 'A Wrinkle in Time.' I just can't express what an amazing book that was.
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Oh- and we made a HAUL at the library!
ReplyDeleteI read to both my kids when they were younger - kept it up for years and years. Now I read to my classroom everyday. I actually don't remember anyone ever reading aloud to me. I know my mom did, but sadly my memoires of childhood are pretty limited.
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how life depletes us of certain memories, isn't it, Jemi? But we keep refilling with other memories, thank goodness. I have a feeling you have created many more book addicts!
ReplyDeleteMy mum was definitely the significant reader in my life.
ReplyDeleteWhen my little brother struggled to learn to read mum threw away our TV. Sitting around as a family while mum read to us became an institution.
Reading aloud was something we did with our kids. We read everything from picture books and Winnie the Pooh to LOTR to them as they grew up. It's kind of sad they have grown up and read to themselves now.
What a brave and strong decision by your mother! I know what you mean about them growing up. This is one reason I don't like the automated reading systems. Kids need a human voice teaching them the love of words...But when there is no one, any way to get them to love books will work! Your mom obviously new the value of the written word.
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