20 Jun 2006 11:29 AM

Readers are leaders

More than anything, I want my children to be successful. I know how important it is to read, atleast like to read, and read with an understanding. Often, I go into schools, and talk to other students about reading. How important it is to read, and 'Readers are leaders.'

I looooove to read! And my girls like reading. At times, I have to tell them to put the books down, and do what they're supposed to be doing. At their school, they have a reading program where they read 100 books in the course of the school year, 25 books each nine weeks. When they get that list, they are reading, and reading, and reading. Some times Kye would read books that weren't a challenge at all. But, she was reading!

One night around 10 o'clock, when everyone should have been asleep, I plopped down on the couch. I noticed, the girls had left the light on in their room again. Then I heard some one talking. I listen, and asked, "Ajia are you still awake?"

"Yes," she answered. "I'm reading. I got this book today, and I'm almost to the middle of it. I just need to read a few more pages."

I was thrilled. One of my children like to read as much as I do. There have been more than a few nights, I've read all night, just wanting to read a few more pages.

But, my son A. J., on the other hand is a different story! He doesn't want to read, ever! He has a more difficult time in school than the girls. He learns differently. I know that if he reads more often, it will help. Because his attention span is much shorter, he wants to read short, short, short books, waaaay under his grade level. Each summer I have to force him to read.

A. J. wants this thing that repairs scratched CD's, so that he can play some of his games. It cost $20. I know $20 isn't really a lot of money, but I saw an opportunity. We hadn't discussed a summer reading list, and I jumped at the opportunity to throw something out there. And I don't want him to just play those games all summer long, turning his brain into a pile of jello.

My proposition was, he read 4 books, and I give him $5 for each book. And the catch is, he not only has to read the book, but pass a test on it with an 80% or better. He wants to play his games, and jumped at it. But actually, he has no choice. He will read, and test on the books regardless.

I chose the first book, A Lesson Before Dying, by Earnest J. Gaines. The first thing he said was this book is boring. Even before opening it. I think he will really enjoy it. I found online a lesson plan for the book, with extra activities. A. J. is our only son, and one day, he'll take a wife, and have children. I want him to be self suffient, and not have to depend on me and Anthony for anything.

I know that readers are leaders! And he can't lead from behind. The best gifts I can give my children are a saving knowledge of Christ, and a reasonable thirst for knowledge. Then I feel we would have done a good job as parents!

La'Tonya

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Catherine Ipcizade (5617) 20 Jun 2006 06:57 PM

Sounds like you're a GREAT mom. Your kids will know how lucky they are later in life when they're successful and well-rounded. Way to go, mommy! I agree with you wholeheartedly about wanting my kids to read. I was an avid reader growing up. Reading helped me realize I could do anything, including going to college when my family couldn't afford it and didn't know how to make it work. So keep on with what you're doing--sure wish more parents would. :-)