Invest in our future…
READ to a CHILD today! ~ Bette A. Stevens, Maine author/illustrator http://www.4writersandreaders.com
My son, Matt, reading to my four grandchildren.
Reading aloud to my four children is one of the fondest memories I have of their growing up years. They are all adults now with their own families and busy lives, but I have wonderful memories of cuddling on the couch with them, reading stories together, watching their eyes light up as we traveled to other lands and other times through story.
As a teacher, reading to my children seemed a natural part of the parenting process. Even when they were babies, they would sit on my lap as we enjoyed books like Pat the Bunny. As they grew older, we graduated to story books. Some were fairy tales, some were Bible stories, but all were chances to bond together over printed word. They had their favorites that they asked to be read to them over and over and over. We went…
View original post 535 more words
Bette A. Stevens, Maine Author 
Comments on: "Thank You, Jim Trelease! – The Power of Reading Aloud to Children" (16)
So true! We love reading together! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
LikeLike
Delighted to share and appreciate the opportunity to do so on Mommynificent. Happy reading! ❤
LikeLike
A wonderful post. Though my mother seldom read to us, I remember how she would set the stage with dimmed lights, snuggles, and cozy blankets as she would start her storytelling.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your story, Michelle. Oh, the magic of books and stories… Setting the stage is a sure way to get kids hooked on books. Happy reading, my friend! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have read to my own children and my grandchildren–one of my favorite things. I love that picture. I should have thought of a blanket and flashlight too–might have gotten the little imps to fal asleep—or scare them to death. As a writer I always encourage my kids, grand kids to write stories and essays and keep journals.
LikeLike
Me too, Micki! Reading with the kids is magical… ❤
LikeLike
I recently offered to read to children at my local library – twice! I have yet to receive a response. As a child, I loved being read to. I only hope I will be permitted to return the favor.
LikeLike
Hi, Joe. Don’t get discouraged. I’ve donated all of my books to three local (very small) libraries and offered to read there several times as well. No takers, leaving me feeling rejected. Went to local elementary schools with fantastic results. Not only have I been invited again and again and the reward of reading to the kids and talking about books, reading and writing is well worth it. The children love having guest readers and so do the teachers. I visit three times a year, returning to read a few of my favorites by Dr. Seuss. This has been a welcome tradition for four years now. Right now I’m preparing for Indie Author Day (October 8th)–invited to participate by the Waterville Public Library, where I’ll have the opportunity to talk books (and even sign them) with grown up readers. Here’s a link to the event (open to everyone online as well). https://www.facebook.com/events/318569995201348/ Kids count, so don’t give up! 🙂 Bette
LikeLike
Takes me back to when my father would read to us. I try to do the same as often as possible with my kids as well! Great post!
LikeLike
Thanks! And, Happy Reading! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always thought I would read to children in the library when I retired from teaching English but instead I became a writer of books. These days I read to adults. One group told me they could listen to me read the whole book so I produced an audiobook. Nothing like hearing the spoken word when the mind can paint its own wonderful images. Such power! Great post!
LikeLike
Hi, Elaine. Thanks so much for sharing. Young or old, books are magical and listening seems to make it even more so. I love reading aloud to kids at the local library and elementary school too. Watching the kids eyes light up is a true gift for the reader, as I’m sure your listeners are to you. What a fantastic opportunity to produce an audio book. I’ve been bouncing that idea around for a while. How much more exciting it would be to read to an entranced audience. Have fun and capture the magic! Keep us posted too… ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Bette!
LikeLike
Great post. I love that photo too. Reading with the flashlight (?) makes it seem all the more magical and special. I’m going to do that with my grandson 🙂
LikeLike
Magical, indeed, Diana! The kids are sure to fall in love with reading… Blessings to you and yours. My grands are grown and great-grands far away, but I love reading at our local elementary schools and library too. I think it would be perfect to bring a flashlight and blanket to my next read-aloud! Hugs. 🙂 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
We make blanket tents anyway so a book and flashlight is the logical next step. 🙂
LikeLike