{"id":570,"date":"2021-03-26T14:51:36","date_gmt":"2021-03-26T14:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.booksbytesajones.com\/?p=570"},"modified":"2021-03-26T14:51:39","modified_gmt":"2021-03-26T14:51:39","slug":"reading-to-kids-spreads-joy-and-knowledge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.booksbytesajones.com\/?p=570","title":{"rendered":"Reading to Kids Spreads Joy and Knowledge!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

COVID has \u201clocked\u201d us down and changed how we interact with each other; however, I am finding more and more ways to get back in the saddle again \u2013 especially where children are concerned.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past, I went TO the classroom to read to the kids. Today — even though we do not live in the same state –the Internet gave me the opportunity to read to Rusty’s kindergarten class (for the first time!) \u00a0It was an honor and a joy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.\u201d — Dr Seuss<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Guess what book I read? <\/strong>When I asked two of my five grandchildren that question — Lexi INSTANTLY <\/strong>knew the answer . . . she enthusiastically said, “The one about the train helping <\/strong>the clown and the toys . . . they had to get to the other side of the mountain . . . I think I can . . . I think I can . . . I think I can . . .” <\/strong> My heart swelled with elation. Lexi remembered it! And so did Haley!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love the positive messages <\/strong>of determination and kindness in this story. \u00a0It was MY father’s favorite childhood book and he read it to us often when my brothers and I were children. He also read it lovingly to MY children. My father (as do I) truly believed THIS is how you TEACH kindness <\/strong>. . . and determination <\/strong>\u2013 in the home <\/strong>— and in the classroom<\/strong>.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Little Engine That Could<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0is a CLASSIC.\u00a0 The book was first published in 1930 <\/strong>. . . when my dad was a teenager. It was the beginning of the Great Depression<\/strong> era . Can you imagine the impact this sweet children’s book had on all of the people\/families\/kids during that extremely difficult decade of financial misery <\/strong>and hardship<\/strong>? Maybe that is why my dad loved it so much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was always telling us “We CAN get over the mountain” (symbolizing any obstacle in our lives) and make it to the other side. “I think I can . . . I think I can.\u201d\u00a0 He would add . . . “and while you are climbing YOUR own personal <\/strong>mountain <\/strong><\/em>. . . .\u00a0 be sure to help others <\/strong>along the way.” My daddy was a very special man \u2013 an incredible role model.\u00a0 He believed that the best way to teach <\/strong>\u2013 was to BE THE EXAMPLE. <\/strong> The message in The Little Engine That Could<\/strong><\/em> is universal \u2013 it really does carry from generation to generation \u2013 never losing its wisdom. \u3000<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Perhaps the best advice my father ever taught me.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I continued my father\u2019s tradition while I was teaching at Meeting House Cooperative Preschool in Alexandria, Virginia and shared his favorite book with my students.\u00a0 This particular copy of The Little Engine That Could<\/em> was given to me by an adorable set of twins: Patrick and Jackson and their mother Maren Hoover when her boys were in my class. I TREASURE it — so do my grandchildren!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some of the best gifts come in the form of books<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Today was a good day . . . I figured out how to get over a COVID obstacle and read to a darling group of kindergartners.\u00a0 I got to see the joy on their faces . . . and I’m still smiling! Volunteer in your neighborhood school — online or in-person. I highly recommend it! #silverlinings<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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