change will be good

So I think that I have heard now from all of the other participants in the mother-daughter book club. (And I think we need a cool name for ourselves, instead of forever typing out mother-daughter book club!) I think everyone is in agreement that we should do the book discussion all together and not let the kids separate out for their own discussion. This will keep them on task and give us moms a chance to hear the kids answers and feelings about the book. Every mom is reading the books along with their daughter so it just makes sense that we do this part together. looking back, I would not have given M the option of going off with her friends. But that is how we learn! (and it will be good for M to see that even moms make mistakes sometimes, and how easy it can be to change something to be able to do it better) It will be interesting for the girls as well, I think. They just may learn something about their moms too!

M and I have started Island of the Blue Dolphins. We are up to page 40. The last book selection I read entirely to her at bedtime over the course of 3 weeks. So this book is being read a little differently. I read the first chapter aloud and then M read Chapter 2 out loud, and now we are alternating. I like this way because I get to hear that my 8 year old second grader has no problem reading a fifth grade level book. That makes me proud even though it isn't really necessary that she be that far above her grade level. As a former teacher/reading specialist, I am just glad that she will not have trouble with the actual reading of material so she can learn and focus on the information in the book and not just on the words that make up the book.

Every moment I had to myself today, I picked up a book and read. I hope my kids see that in me and absorb a little of that into their own personalities. I love to read! So far, they love to hear stories. M reads whole chapter books in 2 or 3 days on the bus to school. S is starting to take some books in her backpack too now. I am glad that they see how interesting and fun books can be. I hope I can continue to find books that interest them and keep them loving to read.

If you have any great ideas on how to make summer reading more fun, let me know.