Read and Share

i started a group several months back called Read and Share for Kids.

the basic premise was to be that kids would read a book in keeping with a monthly theme, come share about it with a group of kids and moms, and then trade the book at the end of the morning.

the sharing of the books worked beautifully, but the trading didn't.

the kids often wanted to share one of their favorite books, but weren't quite willing to part with it, and there were several times i ix-nayed a book choice because i didn't want to let it go off our shelf.

so we dropped the trade aspect, and it seems to work just fine now!

in fact, we often share books from the library that we choose specifically for the event.

we meet once a month at a library, house or park. the kids all get together to share and enjoy hearing about the other's selections.

children as young as 3 have participated! it is so much fun.

this morning was our day, and we had 5 children share. afterward we had snack (provided by the host mom, thanks, heather!) and some play time. i think the morning went beautifully!

i love how it has opened up my 6 year old to new possibilities. he is reading with a passion right now, and loves picking out a book to share. we are going to start focusing on story elements so that he can start to identify them. my 4 year old really got into it this morning, too!

i am hoping that others will read this and be inspired to do something similar in their circle of friends. i love that it brings together children with a common theme. i hope we can grow our group in the upcoming months! i hope to incorporate some crafts or other themed activities to make it more meaningful for the kids (and moms!).

thanks to all the families who are participating! any ideas on some themes for the next few months?