Have you ever told yourself, “I’m going to start reading again! I’ll read 15 minutes each night before bed!” During reading slumps, I’ve often tried to use this strategy, only to fail at it, over and over again. I’m tired and out of will power at night. The last thing I want to do is work on building a new habit.
In her book “The Book Whisperer,” Donalyn Miller writes about teaching her students to find moments, throughout class, to read their books. She describes a series of stolen moments: during class interruptions, waiting for assembly to start, waiting on field trips, arriving at class and waiting for the rest of the class to arrive. During all these stolen moments, Miller’s students read.
Adults can borrow Miller’s strategies for themselves and for the members of their household.
It might feel strange to keep a book next to the sink, but you can pick up a book instead of your phone while you brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Pick one phone-swiping session and commit to using it to read instead. Do this everyday! At the end of the week, I bet you will have read more than you did last week!Make “book picnics” an every-day activity to replace a time when your children are waiting for you to finish something. Explain what you’re doing and why. Let kids know that this is a real strategy that adult readers use to pass the time & get more reading into their day. Audiobooks are a great way to ignite or re-ignite a love of reading. Don’t be afraid they “don’t count.” Children still learn about genre, character, plot, and many other important literacy elements through listening to audiobooks. Ask your local librarian for a recommendations for your household!
Rachel Vogus' Habits and Hobbies 