One of the most surprising parts of starting this blog has been the interest that my own children have in reading my writing. All of them ask me daily if I have written another post. They laugh and relish figuring out which kid I am writing about.
In particular my son (8 years old) will read my posts, give me feedback, and offer suggestions. One post is never enough, he is always begging me to post something else. So in his honor, this is a post about some of the things we have done that I think have helped inspire our kids to become readers.
1-We are readers. We read nonfiction, fiction, magazines, social media, and our Bibles daily.
2-We read to the kids. From the time they were newborns we have been reading to the kids. We read poetry, old books, new books, books with pictures, books without pictures. Right now our favorites are the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. They are learning so much history and culture from these older books. Its so fun to discuss a time from 100 years ago with them.
3-We tell stories. We make up stories about things we see happening in the world. We also take books we’ve read many times and pretend the pictures are telling a different story altogether. We insert their names into favorite stories letting them take on the characters.
4-We use voices. When we read short stories we love making up accents, reading slowly, reading quickly, reading softly, reading loudly. Its an event!
5-We make reading a privilege. Reading is an excuse to stay up past bedtime, reading means spending extra family time together. Books are a special treat.
And now I can add to the list that, because of this blog, we read to them about themselves. I cherish the blog my mom kept toward the end of her life; it helps keep her memory alive. I hope someday my kids can reread my thoughts and remember the story of their lives.
Happy Reading!
Newborn Love 
So great! Can’t wait to read with our son. We’ve already bought books like Peter Pan, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and The Story of King Arthur and his Knights. 🙂
I love it! Sounds like adventureland!!
Ah, making up stories and reading with other voices–that rings a bell! Dad
🙂 Learned from the best in the business!
I love these tips. I’ve been reading a great book called The Read-Aloud Handbook and he talks a lot about the things you mentioned. I need more suggestions on books to read with the boys… The 3 yo is the hardest to keep “engaged.”
Have you seen the Elephant and Piggie books, by Mo Willems? Really funny for older kids, but short and sweet for younger kids! They are written a little more like a play or a dialogue.
I haven’t! Gonna check them out 🙂
I totally agree with this. My husband and I are avid readers too, and we’re doing similar things with our daughter. These are great tips. I should make up more accents. 😉
So funny to hear them start using accents of their own.