From: David Richardson <rich5568_at_hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:13:12 -0400

"The time we spend reading with little ones who can't yet read alone is invaluable for many reasons. Only one of the reasons is that the child can't read alone. Once a child begins to read independently, all the other reasons... including bonding time, ritual and tradition, emotional connection, modeling fluency and expression, broadening vocabulary, sharing experiences, creating a sense of safety, appreciating art together, inviting intimate dialogue, scaffolding to higher level thinking, understanding your child's point of view, etc.... still exist. I think it is rare that a transitional reader... newly independent... has no desire to continue reading as a family, if that option is offered. This is not to replace independent reading time. That is so important for children to develop their reading skill. But hearing great books read aloud can be at least as important."

Angie, Beautiful words and so well put. I continued to read to my kids long afte r they were reading to me. One such time has become a tradition with us. Each Christmas as the kids and my wife decorate the tree, I read The Mo dern Magi aloud. And each Christmas morning, my tattered copy of The Velv eteen Rabbit always finds its way into my hands. A few years ago, I while the tree was being assembled, I asked my kids (then in their mid teens) if they really wanted me to continue reading this story. The looks on their faces were priceless. You'd have thought I asked them if we should stop ce lebrating Christmas all together. Yes, reading aloud to them (even as older kids) was important to them. And as you said, on more levels than just learning. That's why it's so important to urge parents and teachers to continue rea ding to kids long after they can read independently. We often don't realize we're developing more than just their minds.

Dave Richardson who is reading Hourglass.
Received on Tue 12 Apr 2011 06:13:12 PM CDT