The Boxcar Children

Last night Alex came to me and told me that he could read The Boxcar Children books. So I had him read the first page to me and sure enough he read it quite well. He then got the first book in the series and read two chapters before going to bed. This morning he spent a lot of time reading and then not long after lunch he finished the book. He is my Kindergartner with whom I have not really spent much time school wise. My older two books read this series the summer between first grade and second grade. After he finished reading the book, he came and told me about some of the things he had read in the book. It is exciting to see a child move into chapter books. Welcome to the world of reading! Today I found a post that relates to this post but is said in oh so much better a way than I have done. Take some time to read this post. It is "Goodbye Dr. Seuss."

Memories through Literature

Not much was accomplished today in the way of checking off our checklists. But many memories were made in the sharing of poetry, the singing together of songs and hymns, and the reading of storybooks. For reviews of good children's literature visit Children's Book Monday at A Path Made Straight.

Girls Coloring Easter Eggs

My little ragmuffin.

Julissa

Julissa only colored one egg but she was absolutely enthralled with it.

Briana Reading

Briana "reading" a book I found at the Goodwill. I remember as a child going to my Aunt's and sprawling on her bed looking at her copy of this book.

Samuel's Thoughts

After reading this book, "Meet the North American Indians" Samuel said, "I guess Briana is a Creek Indian because the Creek Indians fought others for no reason." I think this thought came about due to the injury Sam received the other night from Briana for no apparent reason.

Our Girls "Reading"

Have you ever seen those big reading pillows that some people have for their kids? Well, here are my girls with their own specially handcrafted reading bed.

The Enjoyment of Reading Aloud

The Boys Reading!








I just thought I would post a few of the books we have enjoyed reading together along with a poem about reading aloud. A few, for the younger children, that I have enjoyed reading are Make Way for Ducklings, Goodnight Moon, Guess How Much I Love You, Blueberries for Sal, The Little House, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Katy and the Big Snow, Lentil, Cranberry Thanksgiving, and The Complete Adventures of Curious George. A few selections from each of the kids - Curtis has enjoyed Our Island Story, Mary Poppins and The Burgess Bird Book for Children. A couple from Samuel - The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter and The Little House Series. On to Alexander's choices - The Adventures of Peter Cottontail and The Ugly Duckling and Other Fairy Tales. Last but not least of the children capable of giving me an opinion is Briana and her favorite is The Lion Storyteller Bedtime Book. And a book one must not forget The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh. This is the book that my Mom had my Dad read aloud back when they were dating.



When Mother Reads Aloud

When Mother reads aloud, the past
Seems real as every day;
I hear the tramp of armies vast,
I see the spears and lances cast,
I join the thrilling fray;
Brave knights and ladies fair and proud
I meet when Mother reads aloud.
When Mother reads aloud, far lands
Seem very near and true;
I cross the deserts’ gleaming sands,
Or hunt the jungle’s prowling bands,
Or sail the ocean blue.
Far heights, whose peaks the cold mists shroud,
I scale, when Mother reads aloud.

When Mother reads aloud, I long
For noble deeds to do...
To help the right, redress the wrong;
It seems so easy to be strong,
So simple to be true.
Oh, thick and fast the visions crowd
My eyes, when Mother reads aloud.

- Author Unknown