November 17, 2009

the readers



They have always loved books.
Always.
Laura was an early reader. Three months into kindergarten I brought home a few learn-to-read books to practice with her... thinking that it would be a good start. She was thrilled... and proceeded to sit right down and read every word. The first time through. And there has been no stopping her since. My daughter would rather read a book then do anything else. If you see her without a book in tow, please let me know... because there is likely to be something really wrong!
Camden started slowly. He wasn't too interested in the words... or even the letters. He just really loved the books themselves. He would lay on the floor for hours (yes, hours... even at two and three years old!) amidst a shelf's worth of books, turning page after page. In first grade he was still struggling...and I truly believe that if not for his love of books themselves, he might have given up on reading. But that summer... someone gave him a stack of Garfield comic books. I will never forget the day... we were driving along and a shout of glee-filled laughter filtered up to the front. What are you doing back there? And he replied... I'm reading. And I could not stop those tears from falling.
Saturday morning we were making our way to Gramma's... and Laura had her nose in her current book. Camden was just watching the world fly by as we closed the distance between home and Gramma's. Looking up for a moment, she noticed that he wasn't really doing anything. No video game. No book. And she said I have another book with me if you want to read it. Igiggled to myself... not surprised at all! She went on to explain the plot and added in that she thought he would enjoy it.
And so... those readers of mine... they read.

I love to seek the beauty in the ordinary... and I love Tuesdays at Chatting at the Sky!

19 comments :

Graceful said...

Children of my own heart! There's nothing I like more than reading. So glad your children have discovered the beauty and joy of the written word...I pray mine do, too (one is one his way...the other, not so sure!)

Busy Bee Suz said...

There is nothing more wonderful than getting lost in a story..using your imagination. Love this...love those kids of yours!

dawn said...

what a great gift to unwrap, Dawn! I must admit a little envy--my daughter was an early reader--and still is an excellent sight reader. But she doesn't like to do it. Is it the ADD? Is it her small imagination? not sure. she never reads a book unless she has to. :(

my son loves books, but is struggling to read on grade level in third grade. he reads s.l.o.w.l.y.--too slow for his quick mind and avid imagination. so it's hard for him to stick with it.

i hold out hope that one day they will get lost in a book...in the meantime, I commend and celebrate their efforts and try to provide them with books they can't put down. :)

that was long...I'm wordy this morning...yikes!

Kat said...

My comment not so much about this post, but that little jewel I see in your left side bar...your very own little Beyond Grace button!! Let me go now snag that up and put it on my blog =)

Kat said...

Oops. Apparently I don't know my left from my right. That jewel would be on the RIGHT side of my computer.

A Little Of This And That said...

What a blessing to have readers in your midst.

Beth said...

My sister and I sound much like your two children. :) As a teacher, I worry about kids and reading, because so many of mine (I teach high school) haven't read a book that wasn't required in YEARS. Literally. I almost feel bad telling kids to put books away in class since it's so amazing that they're reading.... so I'm glad to know there are two more kids in the world who are loving the worlds that reading open up. :)

Boy Crazy said...

I love your stories.

K said...

A love of reading is one of my most important goals as a mom.

So far the little one loves books and I really hope it continues.

Richella said...

I'm with them. There's nothing I'd rather do than read. I think that's one of the reasons I like our blogging community so much--we get to READ one another's words!

I love your back seat photos. Those are cool. They grow up too fast, don't they?

imoomie said...

Cheers to those who love to read and just can't stop themselves!
I love to read and it delighted me too when me kids embraced reading. Read on!

Corinne said...

There is SO much to be said for book lovers! You can never start too young :)

Kimberly said...

That makes my heart smile. There is NOTHING like a good book! So pleased that your kids, as well as mine, have learned that early on:)

Kelli said...

Reading opens so many doors for our imaginations. It's awesome that they BOTH love to read!

Dale said...

I saw something recently (movie? sitcom? I don't remember) where someone suggests a teenage boy go to a public library and the boy is absolutely astonished to learn that the libary will let him take all.the.books.he.wants.for.FREE. It was meant to be funny, but I think it was also a rather pointed commentary about our society's lack of appreciation for books.

PS I was delighted to hear that you enjoyed the meteor shower also. :)

jenn said...

Your book lovers are so sweet to share! ;)

togetherforgood said...

My first grader's reading has just suddenly taken off in the last month or so-- he is devouring books, reads the Magic Tree House books in an hour-- walks around bumping into furniture because his nose is in a book-- woke up early this morning because he just had a couple chapters left and he really wanted to finish them. He is a little copy of who I was at that age. Love it. :)

Sharon said...

I am smiling because I've got book lovers too!

Chrissy said...

Hello! I just wanted to say thanks for visiting my blog yesterday! I hope you'll come back to see me again sometime! Have a great rest of the day! :]

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