Rainy Day Reading
Arizona has been blessed with several consecutive days of rainy weather, and aside from the hardships of fallen trees and flooded streets, it has been a welcome change for many of us. Such days are also a wonderful invitation to immerse yourself in an activity far too few of us are able to make time for on a regular basis: reading. This week, whether the rain continues or not, make some time to read, and make it a family activity!
The benefits of reading are quite compelling: it literally makes you healthier, from strengthening your brain, to increasing empathy, to alleviating depression. When kids read, it increases their vocabulary and cognitive abilities, and even raises their self esteem!
Reading WITH the kids in your life has the added benefit of providing quality time while also lovingly encouraging them to do something you already want them to do. Plus, it forces you to slow down as well. So instead of telling them to read and then doing laundry, or vacuuming, or doing yard work, give yourself permission to read with them – the chores will wait until you’re done! Here are two possibilities for your rainy day reading:
Option 1: Pick out something to read together. Younger kids are used to reading collaboratively, but it can also be a nice treat for older kids who have “grown out of” being read to. You can even take turns being the reader and the listener. Take your time, pausing to notice things in the pictures or to ask questions and make predictions. Here are some great questions to ask as you read (they’re labeled for ages 8-10 but with some small adjustments they can age up or down nicely).
Option 2: Each person picks out their own book, and you read in parallel. Sit next to each other on the couch, or near each other in the backyard (out of the rain, of course), and just read at the same time. Take advantage of your proximity and speak up to share exciting things that happen, or new things you’ve learned. This is an innovative way to turn an individual activity into a family activity – just be aware that if you have any serious readers in your family, you might be shushed if you speak up too often.
Whichever option you choose, don’t forget that your Bible is always available as reading material. In fact, if you have a children’s Bible AND a standard one, you can even combine the two options and read the same story as your kids, then talk about it together after you’re done.
Finally, remember that reading like this is perfect for rainy days but available ALWAYS – so don’t worry if the sun is out when you wake up tomorrow!
What is your family reading? Share with us on our Facebook page.
