We've had gotten into the practise of reading one chapter a night at the supper table. I would read a chapter ahead as well and then tell the kids, "I knew what was going to happen" or ask them "what do you think comes next". Of late, I've missed doing that and want to once again start. Even though they've gotten older, they still love to have me read.

We now have also started reading from 8 - 9:30 every night gathered in our living room, each with their own book. Its wonderful to hear dd laugh out loud, or hear ds#1 chuckle over something they are reading. I often hear dh laughing and wonder whats happening in his westerns he read.

Reading is a wonderful thing and when we make it a practise of being a family tradition, it can even be more enjoyable.

This is a wonderful tradition! It's not only great to read, but the time the family spends together doing this is priceless. I think that reading helps us practice concentraion as well. Especially when someone is reading to us. I've often listened to "Books on Tape" on long rides. I love to listen and imagine in my mind.

Susie in MN

I love to read and always read to my children when they were young. Last summer my son and I took turns reading to each other all summer. We read several of the Foxfire books and 4 young adventurer/survival type books he chose. I love these books myself but it's especially nice to hear his thoughts about the things we read. It took all summer because there was alot of "what would you do if it were you" and "well if it was me..." going on. I learned alot about how he thinks, and he learned things about me he never knew too. It brought up all sorts of things that otherwise would have never came up. I'm gonna make sure we do that more often.
What a great family tradition you have. I love this board, and I'm going to the library in the morning :wink:

What good family time you all have. I too read to my girls and encouraged their enjoyment of books. Now they read to their own little boys who are 1year old and 7 months. The little ones get so excited about the books. It's a wonderful practice. I always think that if someone is a reader, they will never be bored.
I am just back from a "sale" at our local Library. They sell off some of the surplus/older books regularly. It's a lovely "bun-fight" for the best books, but I have it down to a fine art now! I rush around and gather all the books I might be remotely interested in (OK...I'll admit it's more of a grab session really!), and then I can check them more thoroughly and return those I don't want to the table. Sure beats the laborious techniques of some people and that way I don't miss out on any "possibles"! LOL Today I got a lovely goat book for 50c and a book about vintage farm machinery for 20c. Nothing like a good book bargain to lift the spirits! :)

I too think reading is a wonderful thing. CJ, your children are blessed to have such an imaginative mom who makes sure there are wonderful family times reading together. It's an excellent idea. My dd still has her books from when she was a baby and will not let me get rid of them. She finds great comfort in looking back over those books and remembering. Warms my heart too.