Love of reading

In homeschooling her three children, one of my mom's main goals was to inspire within each of us a love of reading. She succeeded, and I am grateful that she did! The love of reading opens up SO many doors of learning which might otherwise remain closed forever. When a person reads for their own pleasure, when they devour every good book they can get their hands on, then they are exposed to much more than they ever could have been without this. Their minds are given thoughts, ideas, situations, stories; different cultures, experiences, and perspectives to chew on and consider. All these books the person has experienced gives them much knowledge to draw on, it expands their imaginations and nourishes that hunger.

Of course, there are many books in print today which are complete garbage; but it is the good books of which I speak.

One of my favorite childhood memories was when we would all gather together for read-alouds after dinner. Cozy in the living room, sometimes with warmth and dancing flames coming from the fireplace... my dad would read out loud to us. The Chronicles of Narnia - The Hobbit - Lord of the Rings - The Lost Prince (a revised version) - etc. etc. Childhood imagination soared, we hung on every word... enjoying good stories, enjoying the time together as a family. Sometimes we'd sketch scenes from the books while we were listening, and sometimes we would be still. Also, my mom would read to us as we homeschooled in the day. I have great memories of cuddling up on the couch with her while she read The Little House books to me, or drawing at the table while she read historical fiction or other good books to my siblings and I.

Children thrive on good stories read aloud to them! Before they are able to read for themselves it is especially important, but even after they're devouring books on their own - still, the read-aloud time is not to be abandoned

Narrating back what they have heard is also a great part of the read-aloud sessions. After each chapter, the reading can be paused so that one of the children can tell back in their own words what has transpired. It helps them to know that they understand what's going on, and, as I remember it was described in For the Children's Sake, the story becomes part of the child, once they have put it in their own words they own it. They can appreciate it more. Also, if they have any questions, they can ask. If there's anything that strikes up a discussion, then what a wonderful learning opportunity! And just the act of putting what they've heard into words is greatly educational on its own. Their communication and storytelling skills grow through this. If there are two or more children being read too, they can take turns narrating chapter by chapter, or perhaps each could narrate part of the chapter.

Another great thing about reading lots of books - and rereading our favorites again and again! - is that they show us how to write. Indeed, the love of writing is so often inspired by the love of reading. There are few writers who were not first bookworms! ;)

Reading is one of the most crucial parts to a solid educations. Books can take us anywhere!