It was almost this time last year I wrote about how my boys would rather go outside, or play on the Wii, or sweep instead of reading a book. Please, don't get me wrong. They are highly intelligent kids who do very well in school. They just believe (as probably do many other kids) that the summer is a time to chill.
Well, the books are back. Due to higher grade levels, their books are becoming more complex in ideals, focusing on the author's purpose, allegories, and a whole bunch of other facets of literature that I don't need to get into now.
Each day, I've challenged my boys to read. They have to...and they don't want to. It can be a challenge in the house. Well, I had this challenge yet again today. My son had to read aloud to me. He read in the most dismal voice imaginable, inducing thoughts of wanting to consume raw red onions and chase them with garlic cloves and prune juice.
Then, brilliance came to mind.
'Dijon, why not read with him?', I thought. Aha! (Imagine a cute, tiny gold chime bell going off. Do you hear it?)
I sat beside him and read the next page of his book, Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis using inflections and emotions. As we turned the page, I said, 'It's your turn."
OM stinkin' G! He sat up and read with enthusiasm and flair. I heard inflections, tone control, pacing, and even laughter. Could this be my son? Could this be the answer I've been needing? Will this be the hook to get him reading with a desire and craving that is needed? I think so! In fact, I even got into the chapter. Reading the pages and watching them come alive, imagining you are there with the characters experiencing the same emotions they are...can be exhilarating.
Or at least that's what I want it to be for my little reader. This is going to take some effort, some physical energy, and even a little sacrifice. It just might mean turning off House of Cards for a while (I know, I know). I can honestly say this: he appreciated the bond shared as we read together. Even if your children are older and don't need you to read to them, there's still the opportunity to participate in their literature. Go to the library together and check out the same book. Your conversations will appear more mature and relevant to events of today.
I'm NOS. I need some water and lip balm from all this reading.
Question: What would be the obstacles of reading to/ with your child? Let's chat.
Well, the books are back. Due to higher grade levels, their books are becoming more complex in ideals, focusing on the author's purpose, allegories, and a whole bunch of other facets of literature that I don't need to get into now.
Each day, I've challenged my boys to read. They have to...and they don't want to. It can be a challenge in the house. Well, I had this challenge yet again today. My son had to read aloud to me. He read in the most dismal voice imaginable, inducing thoughts of wanting to consume raw red onions and chase them with garlic cloves and prune juice.
Then, brilliance came to mind.
'Dijon, why not read with him?', I thought. Aha! (Imagine a cute, tiny gold chime bell going off. Do you hear it?)
I sat beside him and read the next page of his book, Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis using inflections and emotions. As we turned the page, I said, 'It's your turn."
 |
| Together reading Bud, Not Buddy from his summer reading list. |
OM stinkin' G! He sat up and read with enthusiasm and flair. I heard inflections, tone control, pacing, and even laughter. Could this be my son? Could this be the answer I've been needing? Will this be the hook to get him reading with a desire and craving that is needed? I think so! In fact, I even got into the chapter. Reading the pages and watching them come alive, imagining you are there with the characters experiencing the same emotions they are...can be exhilarating.
Or at least that's what I want it to be for my little reader. This is going to take some effort, some physical energy, and even a little sacrifice. It just might mean turning off House of Cards for a while (I know, I know). I can honestly say this: he appreciated the bond shared as we read together. Even if your children are older and don't need you to read to them, there's still the opportunity to participate in their literature. Go to the library together and check out the same book. Your conversations will appear more mature and relevant to events of today.
I'm NOS. I need some water and lip balm from all this reading.
Question: What would be the obstacles of reading to/ with your child? Let's chat.
Comments
Post a Comment