Monday, May 18, 2009

Read Aloud - Creating Special Times

Although read aloud is a common format in our home for History and Science, which include all ages together, I began to see the benefit of creating special reading times with the "younger" and the "older" groups as well.






Not only were the younger girls (ages 4 and 7) missing out on some of our "team jones" favorites, but the olders (ages 10 and 12) weren't covering some books that we were ready to cover~ without littler ears.

It is interesting how setting up these different groupings changes the dynamic; creating opportunities for diverse conversations and prayer requests within each group. It mixes things up.

Because my husband works nights, I have slipped this time into our evening schedule, planning for sometime between 30-60 minutes with each group. That means we started getting ready for bed earlier. While I am reading with the younger girls, the older girls do a quick clean of the kitchen and family room.

Tonight Lydia (age 4) chose Adam Raccoon and the Flying Machine and Adam Raccoon and the Race to Victory Mountain. Long time family favorites that teach biblical truths. These were handed down from our sweet Aunt Holly. The younger children always love these and they make great gifts too.





Sarah (age 7) is really enjoying the Five Little Peppers and How They Grew. It was previously a book read to the older girls, so that makes it special. A little editing of attitudes, but not much.




I just finished Ivan and the Hidden Bible with the older girls (ages 10 and 12) and we decided to purchase the entire Ivan set from Grace and Truth Books. If you can only get one Ivan book, I would recommend the Hidden Bible.

We are currently reading Ivan and the Moscow Circus. Set in the context of a Christian family in communist Russia, it sparks interesting conversation. A great adventure series for boys as well.






Blessings to you as you lead little hearts home!
Rebecca


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Photo: Sweet Lydia on Mother's Day. A quiet afternoon at home; a new address marker put together by husband and wife and a lively game of Uno with the whole family on the front porch well into the night. Sweet day...

My new marker (with numbers edited out for the web):

8 comments:

  1. Rebecca -
    One thing I love about your blog is your pictures. What kind of camera do you use?

    Blessings!

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  2. Hi Iowa Birdie,

    I was just thinking about you! I am planning to e-mail you tonight after the babes are in bed.

    Thank you. I shoot with a Nikon D70.

    Blessings!
    Rebecca

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  3. Dear Rebecca,

    We have so many fond memories of our outloud reading times! I am enjoying a special time each morning with the little girls, and am still trying to fit in some outloud reading with my older boys though that is sometimes a challenge to fit in now. Often, which is second best, we do listen to an audiobook together while working on necessary household chores, which still gives us the comraderie of enjoying the story while allowing us to accomplish the tasks at hand! Blessings to you, have a wonderful day!

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  4. Great thoughts Lisa!

    It is interesting to see things like read aloud time progress and change as the kids get older, isn't it?

    Blessings!
    Rebecca

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  5. Dear Iowa Birdie,


    I realized that I don't have your e-mail address, so I cannot mail you. : )

    Mine is: rebecca.teamjnz@gmail.com

    Talk to you soon!
    Rebecca

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  6. I am so thankful to have found your blog. It is so encouraging, and I just love it!!

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  7. Thank you hestermom. You bless. : )

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  8. Your blog made me more excited to become a mother. Thank you for sharing. It's so good of you to read with your children, I know that is very important. I think time is the most important thing to give children too. If you ever need to get a cute little gift for one of your girls there is a sweet innocent site www.thecrazydazy.com that has some fun stuff. Thanks for your good example.

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