I am not much for New Year’s Resolutions. Last year, I took the time to list out specific resolutions for 2006. However, I made my list while sitting in traffic where the only paper I could scrounge up was a receipt and the only pen available was my eyeliner. I kept it in my purse for several months until, during a routine cleaning, I threw it out along with gum wrappers and old parking tickets. I have a vague idea what was on the original list considering my 2006 resolutions are probably not much different than 2007 resolutions.

The truth is, I will probably still have the extra 10 pounds (if not more) when December rolls around and it is unlikely that will take that girl’s trip to Italy. However, I have one resolution that I hope to fulfill. I am calling it “Reading Resolution”.

My resolution is on a number of levels. For instance, I want to add more to my personal reading list than soup labels and Pier One catalogs. I also want to commit to reading more with my children. Our reading routine is inconsistent and sometimes is sacrificed for sports, homework, and yes – T.V. Frankly, it has not been a big priority and I have done a lousy job leading by example (putting a television in my bedroom was a BIG mistake). However, someone once wrote, “The failure to read good books both enfeebles the vision and strengthens our most fatal tendency – the belief that the here and now is all there is” - Alan Bloom. The best way to get kids outside of their little worlds is through reading and I hope to provide the following structure to begin this process.

1. Book Hunt
It is off the library!! Now that my oldest is a proud owner of his first library card, he joins me in browsing for interesting books. In addition, talking to other moms or reading book reviews is a great way to build your child’s personal library.

2. Family Reading Time
Having scheduled time for reading is an excellent way to incorporate books into your daily routine. Bedtime is an obvious option. However, for older kids, scheduling 30 minutes for family members to read on their own emphasizes the importance of reading while, at the same time, provides much-needed quiet time for mom or dad.

3. Read to me
As painful as it is to sit with your child as he struggles through “Go Dog Go” for the one millionth time – it is a wonderful exercise to prepare your child for reading out loud in other environments (like in front of classmates as he tries to move from the Blue Bird reading group to the coveted Red Robin group). One way to make reading out loud a little less painful is to alternate reading every other page or every other chapter with Mom or Dad.

4. Talk About It
Once you’ve finished the book, it is time to talk. This allows for greater reading retention and provides an avenue of sharing. Warning: Asking Yes or No questions will likely result in a shrug or one word answer. Instead, find a way for the story to relate to your life or your family’s experiences.

5. Start a Knee-High Book Club
A Knee-High Book Club is just like a grown-up book club with this exception. Book reviews are not done with lectures or discussions. Instead, the kids perform scenes or play characters from the book for the grown-ups.

To jump-start my Reading Resolution, I am reading “The Read Aloud Handbook” by Jim Trelease. In it, he explains how reading aloud improves language skills and kindles children’s imaginations. In addition, he suggests ways to create a “reader-friendly home” and offers specific book titles that are great for reading aloud.

I have included some of the titles below and organized according to age group:

Preschool – 2nd Grade
“Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault

“I’m Not Going to Get Up Today” by Dr. Seuss

“Snip Snap What’s That” by Mara Bergman

“Kitten’s First Full Moon” by Kevin Henkes

2nd Grade – 5th Grade
“ Mighty Jackie” by Marissa Moss

“Bridget and the Gray Wolves” by Pija Lindenbaum

“Amelia Bedelia: Under Construction” by Herman Parish

“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White

6th Grade and Up
“Maximum Ride” by James Patterson

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” by J.K. Rowling

“Salem Witch – My Side of the Story” by Patricia Hermes

Reality Check: While writing this article, my 7-year-old emerged from a tiring game of Smash Brothers in which he defeated Captain Falcon in a fierce video battle. I told him of our plan to incorporate family reading time into our daily routine. His response…”How about we put a TV in my room and have Family TV Time?”

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