Family Read Aloud

Over the years, I have realized that reading is not only educational, but it is quite pleasurable. It's a way to travel to new places (for free!), meet new people, learn about new cultures, find new interests, find out new recipes, tips, etc. So, why not share this with your family. A lot of people say that kids/teens should just read independently, and while this is important, it is equally important to read aloud as a family! What better way to spend time together?! Learning, exploring, laughing, and taking turns reading a good book or two. Fiction or non-fiction, my family has enjoyed numerous titles in the comfort of our living room, my bedroom, curled up on the couch with blankets and favorite stuffed animals, or around the kitchen table. We've even packed up the van with a picnic basket and a bag of books and headed to our local park to enjoy the scenery on a nice Spring or Autumn day and read out in nature! 
 During these years of reading, we have obtained quite a collection of books in our home library, which, by the way, is essential in every family's home I believe. It's become a hobby for us to peruse the isles of book stores looking for books we love and have read already to buy, or find new ones that we think look neat! I also enjoy visiting our local libraries for many of the titles that are expensive, out of print, or just to check them out before buying.
 I have taught my children to read this way too. By listening to me read and watching my fingers scan the words on the page of a book, and seeing how my lips form and sound out these words, naturally, they pick up on this. It's an amazing way to teach. You see, each child is ready to read at different times. HE will let you know when, and you will know when he's ready too! All of my children have learned at different ages. I don't push it, because there's no better way to discourage the love of reading, but when they show an interest, it's then time to pull out a poem, or Mother Goose book, picture books of your choice, or even a novel, and let them begin to slowly form the words, keeping the lessons short and remaining patient and encouraging. Praising the child for what they are accomplishing! 

 My children love read aloud time. You create life long readers by starting this tradition in your home! So why not start today. It doesn't take that long, and before long, your kiddos will be begging "just one more book, pleeaassee!".