HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS! {read aloud time}

Who doesn't love reading aloud as a part of their Language Arts program?  While you could certainly find the research to prove the benefits of reading aloud-- such as increased vocabulary, increased attention span and child to parent bonding the truth is, it's also just plain fun. 

The shared experience of reading aloud allows parents to help their child grapple with difficult issues in an engaging and meaningful way.  I mean you could lecture someone on peer pressure or you could share a story that demonstrates the consequences of peer pressure and talk it through.  Of course, parents are the best judges of when and what content is appropriate for their child so please filter any book recommendation (here or anywhere) through your own grid of what is right for you. 

One of our most recent read alouds was
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell.  It's a fun story about a group of boys that come up with a bet that puts Billy in the uncomfortable position of having to eat fifteen worms in fifteen days (yuck!).  The worms are supplied by his opponent, whose motto is "The bigger and juicier, the better!" At first Billy's problem is whether or not he can swallow the worm placed before him, but later when it looks as if Billy will win, his opponents try to utilize other tactics to keep Billy from success.  You are in suspense until the end, never knowing if Billy will make it through this gastronomical ordeal!   

Some of the topics the story brought up:  Telling your parents when you are in a tough spot, peer pressure and making bets, fairness, cheating and more.   

And I just couldn't resist feeding the girls "dirt and worms" while we read this one!  Too fun.     

What are some of your favorite read alouds?


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Rebecca Jones is a believer on Christ, passionate about God's Word and applying it to life.  She and her High School sweetheart have been married for 25 years and have 5 daughters (yes 5!).  Rebecca has a degree in Marketing, has been home educating for 15 years and writing since 2008.  Her oldest daughter is presently attending a Christian college while the other 4 daughters continue to school at home.