Weather Forecast


Bonding over books

Can you read on a train? Can you read on a plane? Can you read in a car? Can you read at home? The answer to all of these questions is yes.

A new year is the perfect time to create new reading habits with your family. Reading benefits all ages and is a great way to spend quality time together.

By developing reading time at home, children see reading as a fun and enjoyable way to spend time. A child's first and best role model is a caring adult and whether that is mom, dad, grandma or grandpa, the more a child sees that adult reading, alone and with them, the more likely children will be to develop their own reading habits.

Worried about not having the time to read together? Don't stress! As little as ten or fifteen minutes spent reading with an adult creates a bond with a child and reinforces an appreciation for books. Make it part of a morning or nighttime routine. Soon, children will be clamoring for more book time.

This same practice extends to older kids too! A nine-year-old may stress about reading if they are forced to stick to an assigned level or letter at school. Take that stress away by letting your children choose the books they want to read. No one forces adults to read certain books so the question is, why do we put this burden on kids who are just learning? Make it fun and they will stick with reading and hopefully make it a lifelong habit. And don't forget, it's great to read aloud together as a family even when children are older. Vocabulary and comprehension continue to grow in older children.

Worried about sticker shock with reading? Visit the Douglas County Library and check out unlimited books for free. There is a great variety for all level of readers. First-time library cards are free for everyone five years and older. Make a reading memory in 2018 with your family and friends. Share stories and recommendations and grow a family of readers.