We are big readers in my house. The truth is, it is the only way to get my kids to wind down in the evening. My son is a great reader but is still at the stage where he would prefer to read with someone than alone. This time spent with the kids opens up all sorts of opportunities for questions and dialogue.
When reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory we talked about poverty and social responsibility. When reading Harry Potter we talked about fantasy, natural ability, and hard work. We also talked about parenting and responsibility. My son is keen to pick up on little details and hypothesize. When reading Anne of Green Gables he pointed out very early on in the book that Matthew likely had a bad heart because he smoked (that message is obviously getting through) so we talked about that for a while.
My little one also loves to read and will often elaborate on the goings-on in her books. She tends to put herself into the story (she wouldn't want to miss out!) and we spend time talking about what she is going to do with Strawberry Shortcake in Holidayland or how she would take care of the Boo Hoo Baby.
I recently received an email from an urbanmoms.ca visitor, Angela, who wrote about her evolving relationship with reading and her 12 year old daughter. As her daughter began to read on her own and now often chooses her own books, Angela questioned how she would stay connected. She new she was going to miss the dialogue she and her daughter had always shared by reading together.
So, Angela decided to read her daughter's books too! She will often read them when her daughter is done or even get her hands on one before she has started. This enables her to understand what appeals to her daughter, what types of things are on her mind, and it creates an easy way to chat with an often independent pre-teen. I love this idea! Especially since Angela reassured me that there are lots of great books out there for teens and pre-teens like the one I previously featured, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
For now, I will enjoy reading with and to my children but, when the time comes, I will pick up their cast-offs and continue to enjoy our chats.
Please click the comments button below to share your ideas or send me an email!
Jen