When my son was little he always wanted me to read the same book, over and over and over again, until I couldn't take it anymore. At the time I would make other suggestions. I would think to myself, please anything but Goodnight Moon AGAIN! But he always won, and we would read it again.
Fastforward nine years to when my second child was a year old. I was older now, and having a child changed me, so I was a different person. I thought it was fun to read the same book over and over and over again. Only this time it was any book by Sandra Boynton. My daughter loved these books and we would read them for hours. We would look and talk about the pictures. It didn't take long for us to memorize those books.
Since that time another 8 years has passed, and now I have a 2 year old who loves to listen to stories and look at books. I find it funny that after almost 18 years I can still recite Goodnight Moon from memory. But, as I read this book to my daughter recently, it got me thinking. Reading builds language skills. It also opens a doorway to literacy. But, I think, most importantly it builds a bond between you and your child. It shows them you know just how important reading is.
2 comments:
It's funny how children want the same books read over and over again. It does develop their language. I loved it when my children memorized books and "read" them to me. I agree with how it creates a bond. My three children all know the same books we read over.
I think all parents face this! But, you're right. It's the perfect opportunity to develop a love of reading with your child.
We wrote about a similar experience on our blog too. http://blog.kabongo.com/the-reading-ritual/
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