One of my biggest priorities in raising my children was to instill a love for reading. I don’t want it to seem like a chore. Instead, I want them to get excited about a new book or hear the excitement when they retell a story.
Each month I sit down with pen and paper and make a list of books that are centered around a theme, holiday, or special occasion. The two resources that we use are Amazon Unlimited (which is a subscription) and the CW/MARS system through our library. We love the convenience of free online reading, but there is nothing like holding a real book, looking at the artwork, and smelling the pages!
If you aren’t using your library, I highly recommend it. The resources and money savings that the library provides are fantastic. Here is a recent round-up of a few local libraries in Central MA.
And if you are new to the area, I suggest contacting your local library to set up a card that you can use digitally to request books. Any child ages five and up can get their very own library card. This is a great way to teach younger children responsibility, and it also gives them a sense of independence.
Last month our theme was winter, so we gathered books about snow and cold weather. February is a month with lots to celebrate because we have Black History Month, American Heart Month, and Valentine’s Day, so we decided this month’s theme is all about love.
Here are some of the books that we gathered this month:
Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine by Herman Parish and Lynne Avril
Little Critter: Happy Valentine’s Day, Little Critter! by Mercer Mayer
The Berenstain Bears Valentine Blessings by Mike Berenstain
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman
I am love: a book of compassion by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann
A Little SPOT of Love by Diane Alber
The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin
