Summer Reading

Ever since John was in first grade we've done his summer reading together.  He's never been a lover of books, especially when he's not in charge of what he's reading.  There are ALWAYS complaints and no doubt a google search to see if there's a movie.  

The only exception I can think of is the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series which he really enjoyed and read for pure enjoyment!  That was a happy day when I came into the kitchen and saw him sitting at the table reading.  He read all the books on his own, but once he was done, so was his desire to read. 

I've always tried to set a good example for him as Rob and I are both avid readers.  I wish he would only give himself a chance to have that feeling of being lost in a book.  The feeling like you don't want to put it down and once you do...the only thing you can think about is picking it up again.  It's something TV or movies can't do because the world created is in your own imagination.  "Is there a movie?" he asks again... sigh. 

Because of his lack of desire to read, I've always read the books with him.  We read out loud to each other, taking turns. I want to be sure that he's actually reading and not leaving it until the last week of summer vacation. And also because normally they are very good stories that we can talk about. It's always a struggle to get started, but once we do we're off and running!  Some of our favorites over the last few years have been Wonder, Mrs. Bixby's Last Day, and Ghost.  All excellent books that we both enjoyed and had very good discussions about.

This year he has to read 3 books.  We started the first one the other night.  I was surprised John wanted to start so soon into summer vacation but he urged me to get the books so we could get started.  I took the list to the bookstore (which was open!!) to collect what we needed.  We started the first book the other night.  I'm realizing that as John is getting older he's enjoying our reading sessions more and more.  I am too.  And not because of the books.  Don't get me wrong, the books are great, but what's even better is the time we get to spend together reading. We set aside an hour every day (usually after dinner) to read.  In between chapters we recap and discuss what's happened.  It's fun to read with him and get his perspective.  There's no TV or electronics on.  It's just him and me....and a book. 

I hope one day I'll walk in his room to find him nose deep in a book all on his own.  One can only hope.  But until then I'll cherish this special time we have together reading. It's not a chore.  It's a privilege.  

By the way, the book we are reading is called I Will Always Write Back and it's wonderful!