While on vacation last week, I noticed a huge stack of board books in my sister-in-law's room. She has a 3.5 month old, and reading is already part of the bedtime routine. I am not surprised as my dear SIL is also an educator and amazing, natural mother. She claims that reading soothes her baby to sleep. She said she only reads 1-2 books a night, but the main purpose of the reading at this point is the soothing! Smart Mommy!!!
Throughout the week I noticed that Patrick gravitated toward the newborn and his mommy. One night while I was cooking dinner Patrick "disappeared" into their room. I could hear faint voices and laughter, and after about 15 minutes I peeked my head in to see Patrick "reading" to the 3.5 month old baby. While I was in the room they were reading a Phillies Baseball book. In just a few short years instead of reading about baseball they will be outside playing it together. But for now, what a perfect bonding experience for Patrick and his new baby cousin. Books can bring people together. Books lead to conversations. Schools are encouraging students to discuss books through book clubs, conferences, and partner reading. Why not start at an even younger age and have siblings or cousins read to each other? Step back and watch the dialogue unfold.
Your challenge - Find your child a reading partner...a sibling, cousin, friend. Encourage them to read a favorite book to one another. Just this morning Patrick & Shannon read The Little Engine that Could together. Shannon pointed to objects, Patrick named them. I read the entire story to both of them.
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