I have a new favorite time of the week: 2:00-2:15 on Thursday afternoons. That magic quarter of an hour is when I read to Ms. Bliss’s second grade class at the Wilson Elementary School. Fifteen little charmers sit “crisscross applesauce” on their classroom rug, while I perch on a chair, holding aloft books I have checked out from the Teton County Library. Reading aloud to children will always be one of the most magical interactions in which people of any age can participate. This class is a delight.
It’s been awhile since I read to a group this age. I’m still settling on the appropriate level of reading material. The first week, I wondered if the books recommended by the town librarian were a bit too young. My instincts were correct, though the seven-year-olds were generous in their acceptance of what I brought. As is often the case, they are much more capable and curious than they are “supposed” to be. It was quickly obvious that their teachers recognize their talents and have exposed them to a wide range of concepts and experiences. The students told me their names, and we discussed what they planned to be for Halloween, which was that night. When I asked what they thought Ishould be, they agreed “a principal” would be perfect. What about a costume? Straight hair, dark lipstick, and a dress. I allowed as how straight hair would be a challenge for me. The week later, one of the boys sat down and announced, “You straightened your hair.” These kiddos do not miss a trick.
Children may have changed in many ways over the years since I began teaching, however, they remain as eager to hear and are as receptive as ever to a good story. They respond to the rhythm and cadence of words carefully chosen by an author. Morris McGurk and the Grinch, the Sneetches and Thidwick convey messages as timely now as they ever were. Horton first heard that little Who in 1954. Flopsy and Mopsy and Peter have been joined by Juana and Luca, Clifford, Captain Underpants, and, of course, Harry Potter and that Wimpy Kid. The book review section of Sunday’s New York Times includes a special ten-page insert devoted solely to children’s books. Recommendations start with picture books and end with timely young adult choices. There is no excuse not to read to and share books with children of any age.
Research over many years consistently reinforces the concept that reading aloud to children significantly affects their mastery of language and of literacy. Many parents stop reading aloud to their children when their youngsters start reading on their own. Don’t. My husband read to our girls into their upper elementary years. Father and daughters treasured the explorations and discussions connected to books both humorous and thoughtful. I recall with great pleasure (and some embarrassment) that my mother would read aloud to Dad, my brothers, and me on the frequent long road trips we took as a family. The embarrassment stems from the summer I was fifteen or sixteen and Mom shared James Bond. 007’s romantic trysts were just too much for me to hear my mother describe aloud. My guess is they were pretty tame, relative to today’s standards!
I love that Ms. Bliss’s 2ndgraders seem as eager as I to share whatever books I select. They remind me of the many years I taught middle school and would hear a student describe a book to a classmate and say something along the lines of, “It’s great! Mrs. Glass recommended it to me.” Find someone with whom to read. It’s a timeless gift.
Glass Full 