Maybe an hour. Maybe two. Everyone in the family gathers in the living room, picks a book, and reads. If the kids are too young to read, then an adult reads aloud to them. There could even be family discussions on a book that everyone reads.
I grew up reading. That was before online games, Wii, texting, and cable television, though. I’m guessing here, but I don’t think there’s as much reading for pleasure anymore.
There are benefits to reading. You learn. You can experience other cultures and other viewpoints and learn about history through compelling characters. Your vocabulary increases. Your spelling improves. I dare say reading makes you smarter. Plus, if you do it as a family, even though you’re reading silently to yourself, your family ties are closer than if everyone’s off doing his or her own thing.
So, I’m calling for a Sunday Family Reading Hour. It might just give a whole new meaning to “time out” -- for the kids and for the parents.
That is such a brilliant suggestion, Helen. I'm going to try implementing it at home right away.
ReplyDeleteIn our own ways, all of us like books (I don't say reading, because the three year old is just starting to sight read), but doing it together as a family beats watching the telly together.
Great idea. I've got lots of books to choose from. I hope the idea catches on!
ReplyDeleteMy DH and I usually sit in the living room most mornings and talk and read before the sun comes up and the day starts.
ReplyDeleteI've implemented this for myself - since I read and write for work (as you do!) I give my working eyes Sundays off and only read for sheer pleasure. My kids are in high school and have so much assigned reading I am hard-pressed to get them to read when they don't have to -- but at least they are reading!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea, Helen. I also heard that my son's Jr. high school has one class, on Friday, devoted to quietly reading a book of thier choice.
ReplyDeleteMy high school (back in the 70's) had a similar program in place called 'reading break'. As you noted, their are definate advantaages to reading and I think schools, and families, should jump at the opportunity to benefit.
I do tend to take more time to relax on Sundays and reading is usually part of the R&R. I like the idea of "time outs" including reading for kids, but only if they have already had a love of reading instilled in them. The negative association of the time out coupled with forced reading (yuk, right?) could turn kids off to reading for life.
ReplyDeleteBut yeah - the reading hour - I like. :)
Marvin D Wilson
That is a wonderful idea, Helen!
ReplyDeleteI will admit, it would have to be slid in somewhere between the football games though. LOL
AND, I have given you the Heart of a Dragon Award at my blog today, because your blog is such an inspiration to me. Plus you've also the Dragon's Loyalty Award for your consistent comments on my blog.
Boo-yah!
Sounds good to me. Although it always feels weird being in the same room as someone else reading. It feels like you should be talking or something!
ReplyDeleteIt would take some getting used to, Stephanie. And, yeah, Marvin, you'd have to make it a nice time, not a punishment.
ReplyDeleteThank you Diane. I've not heard of the Dragon Award. I'll zip over to check it out.
What a great idea! I need some more time to read (and my kids do, too.)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
It's a brilliant idea, Helen! I read every evening, usually right before I turn out the light. My teenage daughter has the same habit. My teenage son is NOT a reader. He was when he was younger, and I have hopes for later on, but right now no. My youngest daughter isn't either. Her school has a certain period of time every morning set aside for reading and that's when it happens for her. Ah well.
ReplyDeleteElspeth
That's a wonderful idea. It would be nice to see reading become a regular activity with children again.
ReplyDeleteI've always read too. I don't know what I'd do if books weren't in my life. Such a glorious escape. There have been books that were so good I'd want to call into work sick. And the characters would be in my head all day. Books are blessings.
ReplyDeleteI love that term, Lisa: blessings. That's a good way to describe books.
ReplyDeleteI think it would work for me. My husband goes out for meditation for an hour on Sundays and I could use that time to read with my daughter. I would like to have a ritual like that.
ReplyDeleteSunday is my siesta time!
ReplyDeleteBargain with the Devil
That is a cool idea to promote readin. I never had to make a reading hour for my kids as they were all voracious readers, as are their children. Even now we love to talk about the books we've read and I love to read to the young grandchildren. Although now they can all read for themselves, but sometimes they like Grandma to read because I do voices. :-)
ReplyDeleteI was brought up reading on a Sunday afternoon. Church then our meal, then reading until the radio was put on in the evening. No TV or games on a Sunday. I am only 51 so not ancient ;0
ReplyDelete