After going through the 10 simple questions I asked myself regarding 2009 – I’m making some course corrections.
#7 got to me – “What books have I read this year and how have they impacted me?”
In pondering this question, I came to the painful realization that I’ve ‘fallen off the wagon’ with reading chapter books aloud to my younger ones (ages 9 and 7). In today’s high-tech world there’s less time for ‘one on one’ attention at home, but not in OUR house. I know better than that! How did I get off course and let the culture pull me its direction?
For my own reading I had considered taking a challenge, along with other blogger/moms, to read 52 books in 52 weeks. But,I realized that would seriously cut into my blog and news reading. So, I took this concept and committed to reading aloud 1 chapter book a week for 52 weeks to the little boys. That’ll be 52 books in 2010. Can you tell I sort of have an ‘all or nothin‘ thing going on? There are so many books on my ‘long list’ and now I can get to them!
I can’t go wrong with this commitment because:
- They need to be read aloud to (for a myriad of reasons)
- We enjoy the snuggle time – usually by the fire – a great way to spend cold, winter afternoons
- I know the older ones will wonder in the room and listen to the books they love because – I’ve been here before
A motivating factor in making this decision was when I realized we haven’t even read the Little House on The Prairie series to them aloud! All of our older kids have enjoyed this series, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder (not the imitation versions), and it’s been a part of our culture as a family. I bought the books in hardback years ago after we wore out the paper backs.
I don’t want to miss this opportunity with the younger boys. I started right away and we’re half-way through Little House in the Big Woods already. After this series we’ll probably head to Narnia and who knows where from there. I’m so glad the Lord brought this to my attention. It feels good to get a fresh start on an old discipline.
There’s not really space to record the other areas I’m making course corrections on. I remember promising not to bore you with endless details about my day. Plus, I’ve found that changing one aspect of living has a way of pulling the others in the right direction.
Anybody want to join me? I’ll keep you updated on my journey. The boys are liking it already – and so am I.
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I usually read chapter books to my younger two before bed (separate from school reading). We finished the Narnia series in December, then did Alice in Wonderland, and are now working on Little Pilgrim’s Progress. It usually takes us two or more weeks for us to finish a book though, so there’s no way we could do 52 books this year. : ) But I’m certainly looking forward to hearing what you read — maybe I’ll get some more ideas for future read-alouds.
Kellie,
You’re right – Alice in Wonderland is pretty long – we’ll stick to simpler books for now. I find myself in a different place than when my other kids were this age. These little ones have too much time on their hands! Our 9 yr old is an avid reader and has devoured everything I’ve OK’d – the youngerst – well, he’s the ‘baby’ and not quite ready for allegories. (turned 7 this week) I don’t have little girls anymore – so the books will be all ‘guy’ reading material.
Thanks for checking in.
Blessings to the Blue House- from Texas.
Oh! I think I may join you in this! I started reading the Elsie Dinsmore: A Life of Faith series to the girls at the beginning of the school year and slowly Elisa and I have just read it on our own. I’ve been keeping up with her so we can discuss the books but, we’re not readying them together anymore. Guess I need to make it a point to do that again. Thanks for the idea and challenge!
Debi!
Love your course correction and all of the reasons it is so necessary and important! Truly miss those days of reading great books together!
Reading aloud has enriched our lives just over the past week. I hope to develop a strong culture of this so I can’t be so easily distracted again! Don’t wana miss this window of time in their lives – plus, I’M LEARNING A LOT!
Welcome back!