Sometimes reading to your kids is boring. There, I said it. We like the idea of the day ending with all of the annoyances forgotten as we cuddle on the sofa with our precious children, sharing our favorite books as they listen with adoring expressions on their well-scrubbed faces. But I know the reality is just as often pushing the laundry aside to make room for you and two kids who are still arguing over who got the biggest slice of cake — which apparently one child rubbed in her hair — while handing you the one picture book you can’t stand as the cat vomits a hairball at your feet.
Charming, huh?
There are many motherly myths that make us feel like we’re Doing It Wrong. And the ones that produce the most guilt are the ones that tell us how we should feel. Maybe you’ve heard how you bond with your baby at birth? It’s true that you might surrender to a warm rush of instant love and pure joy. Or you might be like me at my first child’s birth, wondering what you are going to do with squalling mini-person now. (Love came later.)
Certainly nursing your child is a magical experience, connecting you to the spirit of womanhood through all time. That is, assuming that you figure out the latching-on thing and you don’t mind leaking at inopportune moments and you don’t get infections or chafing. And even then you spend this most beautiful experience watching Oprah, or get so blasé that you open the door to the UPS man because you are NOT going to miss out on your Buffy the Vampire Slayer DVD’s just because Little Miss Sucks-a-Lot won’t FINISH UP ALREADY!
And while I was moved by how much my girls looked like angels when they slept, it was generally not a respect for all that was holy that caused me to thank God. It was more likely relief that I wasn’t going to miss yet another episode of Survivor.
So — reading to your kids. It can be a wonderful experience, a chance to slow down in the busy day and share something together. I dare say that often you will find it a nice thing to do. My point isn’t to tell you that reading to your kids is boring, but instead to give you permission to sometimes feel like reading to your kids is boring. Because when we as mothers set ourselves up to a certain expectation to how something Should Be, we can fail to work with How It Is.
Think of reading to your child less as a bonding experience and more like dinner. It could be prime rib or Hamburger Helper, but either way it’s important to eat. At reading time, the stars may align to make it a cozy tradition, or the day’s drudgery may make it another chore. And that’s okay.
While my goal was simply to validate less-than-blissful feelings about reading time, it would be cruel to leave without a little advice on banishing the boredom. Think about varying the routine in terms of the five Ws — Who, What, Where, When, and Why.
Who — If you can switch off on the reading with Dad or an older sister, go for it. You can even have a reading time where Junior reads to the dog as you let your mind turn to thoughts of George Clooney. Ah, Clooney.
What — Just because your child wants to read the same book again doesn’t mean that you have to do so. On days when you are more patient, you’ll be happy to chug through Little Sparkly Fairy Princess again. But reserve the right to say, “Not today, honey.” Look for good book recommendations or ask at the library to add some fresh books to your mix. You’ll be happier for it, I promise.
Where — If you always read by your child’s bedside or on the couch, take it outside. Or stop at the library or bookstore and read there. Change your surroundings just because you can.
When — I am a personal fan of bedtime reading because in my unorganized world, it was hard to forget to do it. The pajamas tended to tip me off. But if you’ve always reached your limit at the end of the day, make reading time in the morning or after lunch or before nap or whenever works for you. Here’s a thought: You can even change it according to what works that day, week, month or year.
Why — Well, this whole post has been about the why. You can read to your child because it is a beautiful way to connect while instilling a valuable skill. But on days when you’re not feeling it, you can still read to your child because it’s just a good thing to do. I’m sure that all the “perfect moms” would agree.
Check out more on today’s Share a Story — Shape a Future topic, Reading for the Next Generation, with Jen Robinson.
Showing posts with label Share a Story. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Share a Story. Show all posts
Share a Story — Shape a Future continues today with a classics theme, which I’m taking over to Booklights with three classic classics. Come over and pick your favorite — if you can. And check out the linky goodness with Old Favorites, New Classics.
Keeping it short today so I can work on my own Share a Story post for tomorrow, “Reading is Boring (Sometimes).” Plus I’ve got to get outside and experience SPRING! I’m just going to stand on my lawn and watch that last bit of snow melt. I may bring champagne.
Keeping it short today so I can work on my own Share a Story post for tomorrow, “Reading is Boring (Sometimes).” Plus I’ve got to get outside and experience SPRING! I’m just going to stand on my lawn and watch that last bit of snow melt. I may bring champagne.
Thanks for the responses to yesterday’s question about calling your mother — and I’d still love to hear from you if you didn’t get a chance to comment. I’m finding the answers very interesting, with my favorite one coming in via Facebook: “Often enough to keep her happy, but infrequently enough to keep me sane.”
A few people mentioned calling or talking to their fathers, and it made we wonder if it is an entirely different thing with dads. See, while I feel obligated to talk to my mother every week and apologize if I don’t, I never have the same sense about my father. They are divorced, so the calls are separate entities and completely different. I might talk to Dad a couple times a week for ten minutes, or maybe a thirty-minute conversation on a weekend. It’s happened that we haven’t talked for a couple of weeks and will spend an hour on the phone catching up. He calls me more, but since I can’t always talk, I call him back much of the time. It’s a very organic thing, without any guilt, obligation, or specific time investment. How about for you?
Like yesterday, I’m keeping the reading light here so that you can give your attention to the wonders of the Share a Story — Shape a Future blog tour. And while my questions may not be book-related, think of what they may add as writing prompts and character development.
A few people mentioned calling or talking to their fathers, and it made we wonder if it is an entirely different thing with dads. See, while I feel obligated to talk to my mother every week and apologize if I don’t, I never have the same sense about my father. They are divorced, so the calls are separate entities and completely different. I might talk to Dad a couple times a week for ten minutes, or maybe a thirty-minute conversation on a weekend. It’s happened that we haven’t talked for a couple of weeks and will spend an hour on the phone catching up. He calls me more, but since I can’t always talk, I call him back much of the time. It’s a very organic thing, without any guilt, obligation, or specific time investment. How about for you?
Like yesterday, I’m keeping the reading light here so that you can give your attention to the wonders of the Share a Story — Shape a Future blog tour. And while my questions may not be book-related, think of what they may add as writing prompts and character development.
Question: How often do you call your mother?
Okay it has nothing to do with books, but I’m hoping that you’ll take the minute to answer the question. My friend was talking about her husband feeling the need to call his mother every week, and she thought that was too much. I admitted that I call my mom every weekend, and usually another day during the week as well. She was surprised I call so much, and yet I remember feeling like I was a bad daughter after talking to another friend who called her mom every day.
So now I’m curious: How often do you call your mother? Explanations are optional.
I’m also keeping today’s post short so that I can direct you to the beginning of the Share a Story — Shape a Future blog tour filled with interesting posts about reading, literacy, and beloved books. Check it out.
Okay it has nothing to do with books, but I’m hoping that you’ll take the minute to answer the question. My friend was talking about her husband feeling the need to call his mother every week, and she thought that was too much. I admitted that I call my mom every weekend, and usually another day during the week as well. She was surprised I call so much, and yet I remember feeling like I was a bad daughter after talking to another friend who called her mom every day.
So now I’m curious: How often do you call your mother? Explanations are optional.
I’m also keeping today’s post short so that I can direct you to the beginning of the Share a Story — Shape a Future blog tour filled with interesting posts about reading, literacy, and beloved books. Check it out.
It’s a pleasant surprise to find out that your favorite restaurant offers carry-out service. Sure, no one serves your meal, and you have to provide your own seasonings. But you can get a high-quality meal in the comfort of your home, where you can wear your sweatpants or even pajamas.
Well, the children’s department at your public library has been providing a similar service for years, and it’s often a pleasant surprise when parents realize it. The storytimes that you attend with your children aren’t one-time performances that can only be handled by a trained professional. They are models for your own reading times. Sure, no one serves up the stories, and you have to provide your own “seasonings.” But you get high-quality books and songs that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, where you can wear your sweatpants or even pajamas.
Like many restaurants that provide a take-home menu, the libraries will often have a program that lists the recommended books, songs, and fingerplays. If a handout isn’t available, you can write down book titles or song ideas for use at home. And just like you don’t need to order everything off the menu, the program also allows you to choose your favorite things. Maybe the cleverly written fingerplay about the little birdies didn’t do it for you, but the program may remind you to teach your child the “Two Little Dickie Birds” rhyme. You might not want the book about the wacky parrot, but you find that How to Heal a Broken Wing deserves closer inspection. (Yes, I am going to mention that book every chance I get.)
You can also learn tricks of the trade at storytime. Balance shorter books with longer ones. For the youngest readers, show that that every book has a title, an author, and words that tell the story. You don’t have to do special voices — though bonus points if you do — but modulate your voice. Read quieter, louder, faster, slower, or stop to make the point. If you have busy toddlers, leave some time to get those wiggles out with fingerplays or songs or a stand-up, shake-it-out minute. Be prepared to bail on a book if it isn’t holding their interest, and have a backup, never-fail book at hand. (Can you guess mine? Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! of course.)
If you can’t always get to storytime at the library or bookstore, here at MotherReader I’ve been sharing my own ABC Storytimes. Based on the letters of the alphabet, the program theme is simple, and has given me the chance to highlight some of my favorite picture books. I tend to select very simple rhymes and songs, believing more in the value of reinforcement of the basics. I’m about halfway through posting the programs, which can be used for home, preschool, or day care. As libraries lose staffing all across the country, they may even help out some librarians now tasked with storytime with no prep time.
Remember, bringing storytime home reinforces the new concepts and the old rhymes. It gives you books to find at the library, instead of always bringing home the latest Dora the Explorer. It can breathe new life into your reading routine. And best of all — and most unlike your favorite restaurant — it’s all free.
For more ideas on using your library, visit Share a Story – Shape a Future and the host of Day 4, Eva’s Book Addiction.
Well, the children’s department at your public library has been providing a similar service for years, and it’s often a pleasant surprise when parents realize it. The storytimes that you attend with your children aren’t one-time performances that can only be handled by a trained professional. They are models for your own reading times. Sure, no one serves up the stories, and you have to provide your own “seasonings.” But you get high-quality books and songs that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, where you can wear your sweatpants or even pajamas.
Like many restaurants that provide a take-home menu, the libraries will often have a program that lists the recommended books, songs, and fingerplays. If a handout isn’t available, you can write down book titles or song ideas for use at home. And just like you don’t need to order everything off the menu, the program also allows you to choose your favorite things. Maybe the cleverly written fingerplay about the little birdies didn’t do it for you, but the program may remind you to teach your child the “Two Little Dickie Birds” rhyme. You might not want the book about the wacky parrot, but you find that How to Heal a Broken Wing deserves closer inspection. (Yes, I am going to mention that book every chance I get.)
You can also learn tricks of the trade at storytime. Balance shorter books with longer ones. For the youngest readers, show that that every book has a title, an author, and words that tell the story. You don’t have to do special voices — though bonus points if you do — but modulate your voice. Read quieter, louder, faster, slower, or stop to make the point. If you have busy toddlers, leave some time to get those wiggles out with fingerplays or songs or a stand-up, shake-it-out minute. Be prepared to bail on a book if it isn’t holding their interest, and have a backup, never-fail book at hand. (Can you guess mine? Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! of course.)
If you can’t always get to storytime at the library or bookstore, here at MotherReader I’ve been sharing my own ABC Storytimes. Based on the letters of the alphabet, the program theme is simple, and has given me the chance to highlight some of my favorite picture books. I tend to select very simple rhymes and songs, believing more in the value of reinforcement of the basics. I’m about halfway through posting the programs, which can be used for home, preschool, or day care. As libraries lose staffing all across the country, they may even help out some librarians now tasked with storytime with no prep time.
Remember, bringing storytime home reinforces the new concepts and the old rhymes. It gives you books to find at the library, instead of always bringing home the latest Dora the Explorer. It can breathe new life into your reading routine. And best of all — and most unlike your favorite restaurant — it’s all free.
For more ideas on using your library, visit Share a Story – Shape a Future and the host of Day 4, Eva’s Book Addiction.
For today’s topic for Share a Story – Shape a Future, I’m going to let you in on my secret of great read-aloud success: Reading Picture Books until the kids actually roll their eyes and walk away.
Now they may roll their eyes and yet sit down. Why? Because they want to read these books, but are afraid that they’re too old. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen an excited kid pulling out picture books at the library only to hear a parent yell, “Those are baby books! Look for a real book to read.” When I can intervene, I share that I love picture books myself and one is never too old to enjoy them. And then I whack the parent on the head with Knuffle Bunny Too.
It’s great to also read longer books to children, though I do believe that there are parents who use books that are too big with kids that are too young. But there’s room for both types of books, and they each add different elements to reading growth. Picture Books offer short stories and/or concepts that help kids build their comprehension skills. They offer practice in finding connections to other books or their own lives. Picture Books have become a source of some amazing artwork, a subject that receives little attention in schools. They reinforce the concepts of good storytelling or voice or imagery. And if the book happens to be bad at storytelling, voice, or imagery, then that’s a good lesson for why one book works better than another.
When I read a book to a class, I take questions or responses at the end. At the beginning of kindergarten, most of the kids only reply that they liked the book. I gently push back with questions. What part? Why? How did it connect? Which book did you like better? By the end of that year, some will be ready to answer these questions, and with each grade it’s a few more kids. By third grade, I had my pinnacle moment when a boy connected the book Clancy the Courageous Cow — where the Belted Galloways can’t eat in the same field as the bossy Herefords — to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. My work there was done.
Picture books offer the perfect opportunity, in a classroom or one-on-one, to practice comprehension and connection, to experience art and imagery, to learn analysis and comparison. My own experience shows that the kids are only getting good at these skills in third grade (and that was a gifted class), but people are pushing these books out by first grade. It’s especially bad when parents become obsessed with the Reading Game, where one’s self-worth or the self-worth of one’s child is determined by his impressive Reading Level. (Don’t play this game. There are no winners.)
Picture Books come in many forms, and there’s something for everybody. There are ones that are more directed to toddlers, preschoolers, or school-age kids. There are Picture Books that are collections of poems or biographies or informational books. There are fairy tale and folk tale and religious picture books. There are amazing new books and timeless classics. Make them part of your read-aloud sessions, and if the kids eventually roll their eyes and walk away, enjoy them yourself.
Find more posts on reading aloud at Share a Story – Shape a Future and today’s host, Book Chook.
Now they may roll their eyes and yet sit down. Why? Because they want to read these books, but are afraid that they’re too old. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen an excited kid pulling out picture books at the library only to hear a parent yell, “Those are baby books! Look for a real book to read.” When I can intervene, I share that I love picture books myself and one is never too old to enjoy them. And then I whack the parent on the head with Knuffle Bunny Too.
It’s great to also read longer books to children, though I do believe that there are parents who use books that are too big with kids that are too young. But there’s room for both types of books, and they each add different elements to reading growth. Picture Books offer short stories and/or concepts that help kids build their comprehension skills. They offer practice in finding connections to other books or their own lives. Picture Books have become a source of some amazing artwork, a subject that receives little attention in schools. They reinforce the concepts of good storytelling or voice or imagery. And if the book happens to be bad at storytelling, voice, or imagery, then that’s a good lesson for why one book works better than another.
When I read a book to a class, I take questions or responses at the end. At the beginning of kindergarten, most of the kids only reply that they liked the book. I gently push back with questions. What part? Why? How did it connect? Which book did you like better? By the end of that year, some will be ready to answer these questions, and with each grade it’s a few more kids. By third grade, I had my pinnacle moment when a boy connected the book Clancy the Courageous Cow — where the Belted Galloways can’t eat in the same field as the bossy Herefords — to Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. My work there was done.
Picture books offer the perfect opportunity, in a classroom or one-on-one, to practice comprehension and connection, to experience art and imagery, to learn analysis and comparison. My own experience shows that the kids are only getting good at these skills in third grade (and that was a gifted class), but people are pushing these books out by first grade. It’s especially bad when parents become obsessed with the Reading Game, where one’s self-worth or the self-worth of one’s child is determined by his impressive Reading Level. (Don’t play this game. There are no winners.)
Picture Books come in many forms, and there’s something for everybody. There are ones that are more directed to toddlers, preschoolers, or school-age kids. There are Picture Books that are collections of poems or biographies or informational books. There are fairy tale and folk tale and religious picture books. There are amazing new books and timeless classics. Make them part of your read-aloud sessions, and if the kids eventually roll their eyes and walk away, enjoy them yourself.
Find more posts on reading aloud at Share a Story – Shape a Future and today’s host, Book Chook.
This week Share a Story – Shape a Future is rounding up posts about literacy and reading promotion. The first day was on the topic of Raising Readers. I missed contributing to that day of posts because I spent the day driving back from the beach, taking my Girl Scouts roller skating, and grumbling about my headache while watching Season 4 episodes of Lost. (Almost caught up!). If I had participated, I would have shared a true story about raising readers in my house. It goes like this:
Today’s topic is Selecting Reading Material, and while I don’t have the perfect post for that topic, I do have a related one. Fuse#8 is working on a very ambitious project of finding the Top 100 Picture Books of All Time. You — and I — can contribute by submitting to her our favorite picture books of all time by March 31, listed in order of preference. When completed, this list will be another incredible resource for parents, teachers, and librarians in selecting reading material.
For my contribution, I looked to books that came top-of-mind quickly. Each also represents a connection to my life when I first read the book. So I have my own favorites as a child, my first favorites to read to my kids, and my first favorites as a librarian. There are hundreds of picture books I have loved and do love, but these are the ones that I won’t ever give away from my own collection. So don’t even ask.
When my oldest daughter was five, she asked me to play house. “I’ll be the mommy and you’ll be the little girl,” she said. I agreed and prepared myself for my role. Meanwhile, she sat down on the couch, opened a book to read, and looking over the top said, “Go play with your sister.”Never have I felt so much angst and pride at the same time. Of course, my mother guilt kicked in. Did she think that all I did was read? Did she feel so neglected? What kind of mom was I? But at the same time, I felt proud of the lesson she had picked up from me, namely that Moms read and reading is important. That’s how I raised readers.
Today’s topic is Selecting Reading Material, and while I don’t have the perfect post for that topic, I do have a related one. Fuse#8 is working on a very ambitious project of finding the Top 100 Picture Books of All Time. You — and I — can contribute by submitting to her our favorite picture books of all time by March 31, listed in order of preference. When completed, this list will be another incredible resource for parents, teachers, and librarians in selecting reading material.
For my contribution, I looked to books that came top-of-mind quickly. Each also represents a connection to my life when I first read the book. So I have my own favorites as a child, my first favorites to read to my kids, and my first favorites as a librarian. There are hundreds of picture books I have loved and do love, but these are the ones that I won’t ever give away from my own collection. So don’t even ask.
- The King, by Dick Bruna
The king was sad because all he wanted was a friend, not a crown. I drew teardrops all over this book, bless my heart. - Bread and Jam for Frances, by Russell Hoban
Picky eaters unite! I loved all the Frances books and can only choose this as a favorite by a slight margin. - The Monster At The End Of This Book
Grover talking directly to the reader made this book absolute genius. - The Grouchy Ladybug, by Eric Carle
It’s hard to pick one Eric Carle book, but I really like doing the grouchy voice while reading this aloud. - On the Day You Were Born, by Debra Frasier
I never get through this book without tearing up. It’s a great baby shower gift. - Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney
This book does a wonderful job of reflecting the love and relationship between parent and child. - Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, by Bill Martin
If you think this book is fun to read, watch the video or listen to the CD of the music. Catchy. - Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
Funny, clever, and the perfect read-aloud. Mo-tastic. - Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale, by Mo Willems
Again — funny, clever, and the perfect read-aloud, but with the bonus of being feeling familiar to moms and dads. - How to Heal a Broken Wing, by Bob Graham
This book may be top of my list because I’ve read it recently and can’t get it out of my mind, but I’ll stand by this year’s Cybils winner as being an outstanding book about courage, kindness, and love.
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