Monday, March 8, 2010

Writing About Reading: Day 1

In case you had not yet heard, this week we are celebrating all things literacy with Share-a-Story, Shape-a-Future!!  This is the second annual blog tour event, and it is one of my all-time favorites of all things book blogs.  A new feature has been implemented this year where participants are given writing prompts.  We can then choose to participate in one or all of those provided.  I think this is a great idea . . . literacy in action!!  :)

For the first day of the event, I have decided to participate in all three questions provided!!  Sit back, enjoy my answers, and then share your own!!

What is the book from your childhood you can't wait to share with a child and why?

I really have books from both my childhood and adult life that I cannot wait to share with my kids!!  I think my favorite childhood book is The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner.  I remember playing "boxcar children" with my friends growing up, pretending to live on our own and finding treasures in the littlest everyday items!  They are very good memories, and I hope to see my children doing the same someday!!  And, of course, the books that I cannot wait to share with my kids that I read as an adult are those in the Harry Potter series!  I want to see them discover Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the first time and see the magic in their eyes as they imagine the adventures!

Who is the person who influenced you most as a reader?
I wrote a good long post a while back about my large literary influence in one of my Literary Locals posts.  Though I highly recommend you click on over to read the full post (if not for at least a look at the two-story outhouse!), I will share my influence in a couple of words here . . . My Grandfather!!

Do you have any special reading-time rituals for reading aloud with kids?
This question is probably the most difficult for me because I wouldn't say that we have specific or consistent rituals.  I typically read every night with my children, unless they are completely zonked from a hard day of play and learning and they cannot keep their eyes open.  However, I will share with you the routine of late.

I first read with my daughter, a toddler.  She gets to pick out a book of her choice and we actively read the book together, whether it may be her helping me by naming the animals, making the animal sounds, or talking about the pictures.  Then, we interact by "reading" a book without actually using the book.  Yep, we have the book memorized and we just cuddle and share our story.  What book do you ask?  Moo, Baa, La La La by Sandra Boynton . . . one of the best books for toddlers in my opinion!!

Once my daughter is down, then I move to my son, a preschooler.  We are currently reading The Magic Tree House series.  We read a minimum of a chapter a night, sometimes two.  Then, we cuddle to talk about the story, share our favorites of the day, and talk about what is on tap for the next day.

This is my all-time favorite part of the day!  It is so relaxing and helps me to personally remember the important things in life.  Even after a hard day, this little story time routine helps me to re-group and I get special alone time with each child!  A win-win situation!!

[image credit: Share a Story Logo created by author/illustrator Elizabeth Dulemba.]

8 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading your post for Share a Story. Moo Baa La La La is awesome for little ones. They can learn to read it sooo fast!

    I never thought that reading chapter books to my daughter as being relaxing for me, but now that I think of it - I totally agree. I guess that is why I look forward to it every day.

    Thank you for sharing.

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  2. We never did Moo Baa La La La, the favorite in our house was Pajama Time. We have a little dance that goes with Jama-Jama-Jama - P-Js.

    That is a great story about your grandfather, too. What a wonderful way to give roots to your children and expand their worlds. Very cool.

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  3. My daughter loves the Boxcar Children. I don't think I ever read them as a child. She loved the Magic tree House series too, and even though she's getting a little old for it now, she still read them occasionally.

    We loved Boynton when my daughter was little.

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  4. Not really from my childhood, but I think the wonders of harry Potter were so magical for me and my own kids, I cant wait to share them with the next generation.

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  5. My "child" is 22, but I am eagerly anticipating grandchildren to share with!

    I have a million picture books I want to share, but will pick Owl Babies for now. It is just a great book to read aloud. I have the voices down pat, and love the way it helps kids understand they are not alone with some of their fears.

    Loved reading your bedtime ritual, Tif!

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  6. Happy Birthday Author . . . Thank you so much for stopping by! And, I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that reads chapter books to my youngin's!! I truly do find it relaxing and I feel so rejuvenated after this time with my kids!!

    Terry Doherty . . . I have been eyeing Pajama Time for some time now!! I really just need to cave and pick it up!! We love Boynton!! And, I am glad you enjoyed my story about my grandfather! Thank you!!

    carolsnotebook . . . I read The Boxcar Children even when I was older too! It is one of those refreshing reads, one that brings me comfort!! You know how some people eat their comfort food, I read my comfort books!! :)

    Sheila (Bookjourney) . . . We will never get to read Harry Potter again for the first time, but it will be just as fun to experience it vicariously through the next generations!! :)

    The Book Chook . . . I have not seen Owl Babies and am now thinking I need to check that out!! It can be so fun to change the voices, get into character, and just have fun with the books!! I'm getting better at it every day!! :)

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  7. I love your "ritual" with your preschooler! That's quite impressive for that young! I hope I can think of something like that when I have kids :)

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  8. Elisabeth Marie . . . I am sure you will develop your own ritual someday and your child will love it!! However, if you ever want ideas, never hesitate to ask!! I always do!! :)

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