A beautiful article on the importance of reading.

[MichaelW]

Hi guys,

I must be getting soft in my old age, or maybe its just what happens to a bloke when he becomes a dad and suddenly someone else's wellbeing seems infinately more important than his own, but I read the following article this morning and was moved to the point of tears by its insight and vision.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/...f-possibilities/2007/12/11/1197135459491.html

The following quote, whilst not encapsulating the entire point of the article, does go some way to illustrate its intent:

True story: a young man wondered why his colleague - a huge, rough-looking gardener who sported the DIY teardrop facial tattoos common on prisoners - read children's books at lunch time. His lips would move slowly as he read and re-read the picture books. The young man finally worked up the courage to ask why. "Because, mate," came the reply, "If I'd ever learnt to read I would never have ended up in jail."

He was learning the books so he could read them more fluently to his own children, hoping to spark in them an interest in reading he had never had.

My two year old son Aden absolutely adores books to the point that I would say they are his toy of preference. I came home last night from work and he was sitting downstairs in the lounge room all alone in complete silence reading a book his Nanna gave him for Christmas. And he's just two years old and three months! I came in and sat with him while he pointed out all the important things on each page. He still can't read words, but he loves the stories and the pictures. I read to him religiously every night before bed and he adores that special time with his Daddy. He sits in my lap and I read three or four of his favourite books before tucking him in and giving him his bottle. It is my favourite part of the day.

I just hope that he grows up to be as passionate about reading as I am, but I'm quietly confident that this is assured. Reading has stood me in good stead and is, I think, the single best gift you can give a child if you want to ensure their future success both social and academic. It broadens their minds and allows for the conceptualisation of abstract theories as well as an empathy for all other living things. And to think that in some times in human history, the burning of certain books was enforced, and even today the banning of certain texts still prevails in some cultures.

But for at least an hour every day, my boy is King of his domain and me his minion and willingly so. When he says "Man book" or "Maybe dragon book" or even "Again" I willingly comply and when it comes time for "Last one" I sigh a little in shared dissappointment before I kiss him and lay him to sleep. But we share a secret and shared promise that when he wakes in the morning Daddy will still be there and Daddy will always be ready to read "One more!"...

Cheers,
Michael.

 

[WinstonWolfe]

Yes Michael, I don't think being read to is part of many young kids' lives these days. But agree it stimulates the brain like nothing else.

I am concerned about the need many children have for music or televisions running in the background because they don't like silence. I think that overstimulates their nervous systems or is a sign of them not being at peace with their own thoughts. I suppose kids end up being an outpicturing of the predominant mood of their parents.

I remember the total immersion I had when I read my first full text book (no pictures) around 7 years old. But I know I wouldn't have read that young if my parents didn't positively reinforce that reading was good.

On the other hand, I accept there are dyslexics and others with reading difficulties who can have just as much success by focusing on manual activities. I suppose success comes down to the character, discipline, and socialization instilled by the parents...and having an education system that caters for individual strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Meisterin]

I have to admit that I love reading but don't necessarily agree that reading is for everyone.

It enhances conceptualisation, understanding, and patience to a certain degree as well as one's articulation and I love what benefits reading has brought to me.

But at the same time, I know people who weren't fortunate enough to be able to afford the books, and had to rely on storytelling from their parent's and their grandparents, and loved the listening to stories told by them. They never saw a book until they went to school!!! And they still prefer to gather information from listening rather than reading and fill the missing information through logic and by asking questions. Reading for them is a task and not a hobby. It's difficult for one reason for another, while it doesn't require effort for some people who enjoy reading.

 

[yo yo ma]

My two year old son Aden absolutely adores books to the point that I would say they are his toy of preference.

My kids (6,3,10 months) are like this too... Every night they get 2 books each... Sometimes I hide a third under their pillow, as a special treat! My older girl is now onto chapter books & often reads to herself. Great post Michael
Steve

 

[wish-ga]

I am so glad the dads are bedtime book readers too.

I remember my mum and my oma reading to me but never my dad.
You guys rock!

 

[wish-ga]

....I am concerned about the need many children have for music or televisions running in the background because they don't like silence. I think that overstimulates their nervous systems or is a sign of them not being at peace with their own thoughts.

WW I feel the same way about;
Portable dvd players in the back of cars for short suburban trips
and hand held games taken on picnics.

 

[Twitch]

Reading stories to my kids before their bed time is my favourite time of the day. I think it's my wifes favourite time in the day too, because finally she gets to relax in peace.

 

[tiger]

I have no kids yet but when I do I do hope they enjoy reading more than watching TV.

As for me, I've been a book worm every since i can remember.. used to get books for my birthday since i was 8 years old, get piles from the library and school book club. All fiction and all whilst still having a very active social and sporting life, no one ever knew i was a book worm in private

These days i read 99% non fiction but always have 10 or more books waiting to be read..

 

[jimbo_jones]

Michael,

What a fantastic post. I suspect that we share rather similar views on the importance of reading to our kids.

My 2 and a half year old adores reading and will not even consider retiring to bed without a couple of stories. Like you, it is my favourite part of the day, and thinking about it now makes me smile.

Just the other day my little man wandered off into his room and went very quiet for a while. Now most parents (myself included) would've thought that he was getting up to mischief, but no, he was sitting there quite content amongst a pile of books, reading. I stood at the door and watched him for a while, just thinking how proud of him I am.

I agree that reading isn't for everyone, but believe that it is our duty as parents to expose our children to as many different opportunities as possible and nurture those they are passionate about.

Thankyou for such a wonderful post.


JJ

 

[MichaelW]

Hi JJ,

Its great isn't it! It sounds like our little guys are very much the same and about the same age too. I am so lucky to have him as part of my life and to be able to share in his achievements, albeit little ones at the moment. He loves his Daddy and isn't ashamed of cuddles and kisses. I intend to nurture that closeness so that when he grows up he isn't ashamed of giving his old Dad a hug every now and again. I am very aware of the importance of a positive male role model in nurturing boys. If you haven't read it, then I highly recommend the book "Raising Boys" by Steve Biddulph.

I am also very aware of how easy it is to ruin a relationship if not nurtured appropriately. At the moment my boy trusts me completely and longs for my company. I'd hate to become one of those brutal Dads that is the authoritarian in the house, to punish boys without the associated reasoning and justification. Could you imagine coming home to the look of scorn or even apathy in your son's eyes? Its not an easy job, but I think I'm up to the task and certainly welcome the opportunity! I look forward to his older years when I can be the role model beyond the early years when I am shared loving nurturer with my wife, but its all fantastic...

Cheers,
Michael.

 

[LynnH]

Great post, Michael!

I always read several stories to our girls every night when they were little - hubby did too (whenever he was home ). I'm not sure who enjoyed it the most - the girls or me!!! I used to love using different 'voices' for all the people/things in the different stories. One story was about an owl and it was a real challenge to get the "WHOOOO! WHOOOO!" right! (And I was in trouble if I didn't!)

Enjoy your special times with your 'little man' - they all grow up waaay too quickly!

Cheers
LynnH

 

[markp]

Hi guys,

He still can't read words,

Hi Michael
Get this book "How to teach your baby to read" by Glen Doman

It is a huge thrill to have your child read to you and your son will enjoy it to. Both my children were reading before they started school. It is a subject I am passionate about. Reading develops an inquiring mind. Dont wait till they start school start the ball rolling now you wont regret it.

cheers
Mark

 

[nomadic]

an oldie but a goodie,

CHILDREN'S BOOKS YOU'LL NEVER SEE:

"You Are Different and That's Bad"

"Dad's New Wife Timothy"

"Testing Homemade Parachutes Using Household Pets"

"The Hardy Boys, the Barbie Twins, and the Vice Squad"

"Babar Meets the Taxidermist"

"Curious George and the High-Voltage Fence"

"The Boy Who Died from Eating All His Vegetables"

"Start a Real-Estate Empire With the Change From Your Mum's Purse"

"The Pop-up Book of Human Anatomy"

"Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will"

"The Care Bears Maul Some Campers and are Shot Dead"

"How to Become The Dominant Military Power In Your Primary School"

"Controlling the Playground: Respect through Fear"

"You Were an Accident"

"Strangers Have the Best Candy"

"The Little Sissy Who Snitched"

"Some Kittens Can Fly!"

"Getting More Chocolate on Your Face"

"Kathy Was So Bad Her Mum Stopped Loving Her"

"The Attention Deficit Disorder Association's Book of Wild Animals of North Amer - Hey! Let's Go Ride Our Bikes!"

"All Dogs Go to Hell"

"The Kids' Guide to Hitchhiking"

"Garfield Gets Feline Leukaemia"

"What Is That Dog Doing to That Other Dog?"

"Mr. Fork and Ms. Electrical Outlet Become Friends"

"Daddy Drinks Because You Cry"

"Fun Four-Letter Words to Know and Share"

"Hammers, Screwdrivers and Scissors: An I-Can-Do-It-Myself Book"

"All Cats Go to Hell"

"That's it, I'm Putting You Up for Adoption"

"Grandpa Gets a Casket"

"The Magic World Inside the Abandoned Refrigerator"

"Whining, Kicking and Crying to Get Your Way"

"You Were an Accident"

"Things Rich Kids Have, But You Never Will"

"Pop! Goes The Hamster...And Other Great Microwave Games"

"The Man in the Moon Is Actually Satan"

"Your Nightmares Are Real"

"Where Would You Like to Be Buried?"

"Eggs, Toilet Paper, and Your School"

"Why Can't Mr. Fork and Ms. Electrical Outlet Be Friends?"

"Places Where Mummy and Daddy Hide Neat Things"

"Daddy Drinks Because You Cry"

"Mummy's Pills Taste Just Like Candy"

"Learn How To Fly With Just a Ladder and a Pillowcase"

 

[Pecan]

I love reading to my children, it is our favourite part of the day. We have been reading books together almost every day for twelve years now! I read a chapter (or two) of a chapter book to the older children each night at bedtime, they all listen. Right now we are reading Milly Molly Mandy (supposedly to 8yo daughter and 6yo son, but the 10yo, 8yo, 6yo and 4yo all listen). We have read some great books. We read picture books as well but the chapter books are special and a very important part of our evening routine.
Some of my favourites have been...
Hatchet (Gary Paulsen)
Little House on the Prairie (Laura Ingalls WIlder)
The BFG (Roald Dahl)
The Fire In The Stone (Colin Thiele)
Strawberry Girl
Hatchet Winter (Gary Paulsen again)
Cold River (William Robson I think)
Danny The Champion of THe World (Roald Dahl again)

oh and a hundred others!

 

[younginvestors]

Great post Michael.

I've only ready half a dozen fiction books in my life (by choice). I will however read investment books and technical books etc till the cows come home. But I wish could pick up a Fiction book and read it cover to cover. It's just not me.

I feel I lack a wide vocabulary and wish I had read more as a child. I feel I'm missing out when my wife gets so engrossed in a good book.

Like many others here I love spending time reading to our 19 month daughter. I want her to develop an interest in books that I never did. Our next is due in 2 weeks and will continue to do the same.

My wife and I have agreed that whenever we go shopping and the kids pick up a toy in the aisle we will kindly offer to get them a book instead.

 

[aaarghhh]

Both my daughters 7 and 2 still get a kick out of Dr Seuss -

Not on a train! Not in a tree!
Not in a car! Sam! Let me be!
I would not, could not, in a box.
I could not, would not, with a fox.
I will not eat them with a mouse
I will not eat them in a house.
I will not eat them here or there.
I will not eat them anywhere.
I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Just like her daddy did.....
Aaron

 

[lev_lafayette]

I must be getting soft in my old age, or maybe its just what happens to a bloke when he becomes a dad and suddenly someone else's wellbeing seems infinately more important than his own, but I read the following article this morning and was moved to the point of tears by its insight and vision.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/opinion/...f-possibilities/2007/12/11/1197135459491.html

But... but.. That's Tanya Plibersek a member of the hard Socialist Left faction. You know, with horns and cloven hooves!

(Tongue firmly in cheek; it's actually a great article)

Both my daughters 7 and 2 still get a kick out of Dr Seuss -


I do not like them, Sam-I-am.

Just like her daddy did.....

Do you rember the Tweetle-Beetle battle? No doubt about it, one of the finest rhyming authors of the twentieth centry...