Chapter Reading for Spring 2014

“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.”

~Mortimer J. Adler  

We all know that reading with and to our children is one of the most important things we can do. It helps them grow in their reading skills and love for reading. However, it really is something that falls to the back of my list if I'm not careful. I don't want to start this new year off without an emphasis on reading... so I'm going in with a plan. 

First, I found things that interest us. I find it easiest to read to Mischa if she is interested in the book and I am interested in the book. If we both enjoy the story we both will be eager to come back to the book the next day. 

Second, I found as many books as I can. At least enough to last a couple months if we are reading 3-4 chapters a day. This way Mischa sees what we are going to read and gets excited about it. It also helps because I don't have to think in the future- which is nice. 

Third, I made sure Mischa can read them. Even if she is not confident enough to read them on her own I want her to be able to read them. As I read to her I make sure she is beside me and able to see the words I am reading. Sometimes this leads to us switching off reading each other pages or chapters. 

Fourth, I wanted them to be a step ahead of Mischa. Just because I'm making sure she can read them doesn't mean the books should only be suitable for a 4 year old. Mortimer J. Adler once said you should try to read books above your head- that way you have to reach a bit and stretch yourself to grow. I want Mischa to slowly realize as she and I read through these books together that she can read any book... despite the size of the lettering, amount of pages, and lack of pictures.

Fifth, I stop being lazy and read to my daughter. That one is pretty self explanatory.

"Habits are formed by the repetition of particular acts. They are strengthened by an increase in the number of repeated acts. Habits are also weakened or broken, and contrary habits are formed by the repetition of contrary acts." 

~Mortimer J. Adler 

Our Book List:

1. How To Train Your Dragon (book 1) by. Cressida Cowell
2. How To Be A Pirate (book 2) by. Cressida Cowell
3. How To Speak Dragonese (book 3) by. Cressida Cowell
4. How To Cheat A Dragon's Curse (book 4) by. Cressida Cowell
5. How To Twist A Dragon's Tale (book 5) by. Cressida Cowell
6. A Hero's Guide To Deadly Dragons (book 6) by. Cressida Cowell
7. How To Ride A Dragon's Storm (book 7) by. Cressida Cowell
8. How To Break A Dragon's Heart (book 8) by. Cressida Cowell
9. How To Steal A Dragon's Sword (book 9) by. Cressida Cowell
10. The Magician's Nephew by. C.S. Lewis
11. The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe by. C.S. Lewis
12. The Horse And His Boy by. C.S. Lewis
13. Prince Caspian by. C.S. Lewis
14. The Voyage Of The Dawn Treader by. C.S. Lewis
15. The Silver Chair by. C.S. Lewis
16. The Last Battle by. C.S. Lewis
17. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by. Lewis Carroll
18. Through The Looking-Glass by. Lewis Carroll
19. Asop's Fables (read daily)
20. The Child's Story Bible (read daily)

"If your friend wishes to read your 'Plutarch's Lives,' 'Shakespeare,' or 'The Federalist Papers,' tell him gently but firmly, to buy a copy. You will lend him your car or your coat - but your books are as much a part of you as your head or your heart."

~Mortimer J. Adler

Happy Homeschooling!

~Mickaela