Brightly colored blocks, cuddly stuffed animals to snuggle, toy trains with red cabooses, race cars and construction vehicles can all be found throughout our home. Children of different ages come to visit and we want to make sure there is something for everyone to enjoy. From toys to books to crayons and paper, there are many fun things to enjoy.

In rooms upstairs and downstairs, “Baskets of Books” can be found in easy to relax areas. Choosing a story to read can be fun. From soft cover books to board books to easy readers and chapter books, children who visit can sort through the baskets and find interesting stories.

A story might be read once or twice or sometimes more. A child might read the book to someone or read to themselves.

Amidst all the toys available for play, reading books can be the best way to share moments. I enjoy watching the expressions on the faces of the sweet children when I read a book aloud. When I am asked to read the story again and again, I am thankful to read and use facial expressions and changes in my voice to bring the story alive.

When the room is quiet, I know each child is reading a story and I wonder what they are imagining. Are they interested in the story with rhymes or could they be reading about lizards or dinosaurs? Peeking at the readers, I notice each face is filled with wonder. Reading a great story can take us to very special places in our thoughts.

Do you have “Baskets of Books” in your home? The container can be a simple cardboard box or a  decorated basket or bin. Creating a container for the books is another special way to use creativity and share bonding moments. From coloring the box to adding ribbons or stickers for decoration, each child can help make a beautiful place to house the books.

Have you ever offered to read a story to a child or to an adult? Does your expression change when you read? Do you change your voice to enhance the characters?

Reading programs at local libraries and local books stores are great year round activities.

Take books to the park, the pool, the playground. Keep a “Basket of Books” in the car.

Reading to each other is a great bonding experience.

Have a blessed reading day,
Melissa Henderson