Don't you just love this nightstand? Sam keeps the bookcase close to his bed (for easy access) and lines the top with all of his treasures. He has such a sweet little boy heart!
Right now, Sam and I are reading "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis every night. When I was a young mom to my two oldest sons and a new teacher, I poured my heart into the roles by researching and reading everything related to early childhood education. I owned a book called "The Read Aloud Handbook", and the author made the case for parents reading to their children, even long after the kids can read by themselves.
I remember reading the Narnia books to Luke and John Ryan, with all three of us curled up in Luke's little twin bed. When Aslan, the king, sacrificed himself for Edmund, it was a lightbulb moment for my boys. "Hey! That's just like Jesus!" they exclaimed, surprised. Yes, I said, wiping the tears from my cheeks, yes it is.
Last night, Sam read to me from his new library book, and I'm proud to say that he is an excellent reader. His test scores are well in the advanced range. Of course, that's not a big surprise. Would you look at all the books bulging out of his bookcase? We can't help ourselves. We're a family that loves reading.
Yesterday, Sam made himself a little book (similar to the one I'd made for my book journal), and instead of using background papers, he made his own.
I love the title. "Art and Writting for boys". Isn't that precious? And here's the back:
So creative! Sam is participating in Illustrator's Club after school, exploring new books and favorite illustrators, and learning their art techniques. He loves it. He's only eight, but he already has an appreciation for great illustrators like Eric Carle, Jan Brett, Lois Ehlert, and Mark Teague.
Tell me, who are your favorite illustrators or children's authors?
It's so crucial to read to your children and let them read to you, especially boys, who otherwise only read the instruction manual that comes with their Nintendo! The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has strong memories for me as a child. I can remember thinking, 'Why is he going on about Son of Adam and Daughter of Eve?' and then read them again when I was 18 and had that 'lightbulb moment' and cried and cried! Of course, I knew the Lord by then. I still read them every few years. One particular passage in The Voyage of the Dawntreader reduces me to tears every time I read it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post....I am reading to my 18-month-old, when she sits still! She LOVES her board books and she "reads" them to me too! As a child, I read all the Nancy Drew series, Mrs Pigglewiggle, lots & lots of others. I loved to read!!! Still do!
ReplyDelete