Christmas is the Perfect Time for Reading Aloud
As an educator, I know the value of reading aloud to children, and as a parent, I know you do as well! I have read several books that speak to this important daily ritual. Here are a few of those: The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease, Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt, and The Read Aloud Family by Sarah Mackenzie, just to name a few. Recently, Miss Kerri dropped another in my lap – The Enchanted Hour – The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction by Meghan Cox Gurdon, and I wondered what I might learn further about the subject.
I curiously opened the first page and read the chapter titles. I was hooked. Chapter 1 – What Reading to Children Does to Their Brains – The new science of storybooks, why printed books trump the screen, and why all children need and deserve the cognitive boost now. Pages 7-14 share results of the latest brain research showing neural connections being made because of reading aloud. Then, as a child watches a video, the brain stops doing anything. The author goes on to address reading from a tablet versus reading from an actual book. I particularly love her answer on page 199 whereby this question was asked, “Are you saying I can’t read aloud to my children from my tablet?” Her answer is thoughtful.
I imagine you are wanting to ask the author, “Was reading time always enchanted?” She responds, “Certainly not. Reading aloud is often a sacrifice and sometimes a nuisance. It’s not always easy to find the time or patience. There were nights I felt half frantic with wanting to get everyone settled and nights when the books they choose didn’t satisfy anyone.” And she said she read through head colds and sore throats. And you’ll love to know that just as we do, she also shortened paragraphs! And yes, there were times when she and her five children cried together as the storyline unfolded with sadness. Incidentally, her husband worked long hours and came home many nights after the children were in bed, so the author was the primary read-aloud parent, but she was okay with that.
As you consider your Christmas read-aloud books, here are a few of my favorites:
This Is Christmas – Our Daily Bread for Little Hearts – a rhyming board book for ages 1-3
The Christmas Promise for ages 3-6
The Story Behind the Song – The Real Twelve Days of Christmas by Helen Haidle for ages 5-10
The Very First Christmas by Paul L. Maier for ages 5-10
The Christmas Lizard by Cory Edwards for ages 2-10 (perhaps in more than one setting for your littles)
What Nick & Holly Found in Grandpa’s Attic by Melody Carlson (this goes along with the Adorenaments, but it can be read separately. Ages 5-10
If You’re Missing Baby Jesus by Jean Gietzen – heartwarming and based on a true story – all ages.
One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham – gorgeously illustrated; a family treasure to be read often – it’s lengthy, so it’ll need to be read in several sittings. The Christmas story begins with creation and ends with the resurrection.
My Favorite Christmas Songs by Dalmatian Press. This book comprises ten carols, hymns, and favorites with musical notes, lyrics, and illustrations.
If you add any of these to your collection, I would love to hear about it!
