Reading Aloud

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement
Reading Aloud

The children had been running, jumping, and making lots of joyful, childish noise all day long. They needed to quiet down for bedtime. Reading a story aloud worked wonders. Most parents recognize the benefits of reading aloud. We know that our libraries and stores are full of delightful bedtime reading material, but it’s often hard to find time or persuade a group of children to settle down and listen. The benefits are worth the effort to make a way.

1. A shared story builds bonds. Hearing stories read aloud fosters interest in learning to read for oneself. Taking time for quieting physical movement helps prepare a child for going to sleep. It may take a prayer to bring the quiet, the winding down of the whirlwind of young bodies. A lively book with intriguing action and lovely illustrations is a good place to start. Schedule the time. A pleasant story can take a lot of the fight out of bedtime while you reinforce your family values with the stories you select. Cuddling together to listen reinforces love and reinforces a close loving family.