Making Reading a Family Affair

Reading to children at an early age gives them an academic advantage over their peers that do not have parents read to them. Children that are read to regularly develop rich vocabularies, vivid imaginations, greater empathy, and an appreciation for the written word. An early introduction to books helps enhance communication skills and boost self confidence. With all of the benefits that books have to offer children it only makes sense to snuggle up with a book and share the gift as a family. Finding the right book may prove to be a challenge. While beginner reader picture books, tween novels, and young adult series all have their place in the literature world, do not shy away from the more classic stories for family reading time. Introducing the classics at a young age may lead to a greater appreciation for them in the future.

Books that Grow Young Imaginations

Imagination is a vital characteristic in happy and healthy childhoods. Imagination breeds creativity, which leads to more diverse play, greater academic success, and a strong fostering of friendship. As adults, creativity is important whatever career path you choose in life. One of the best ways to grow a child's imagination is through reading. A few books to consider if you are looking for a wondrous imaginative experience, consider:

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum
• The Lord of the Rings Series, by J. R. Tolkien
• Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain
• Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling

Books that Instill Values

It can be hard to raise good and kind kids in a fast paced, ever changing world. Reading with children is a fantastic and natural way to instill values and provides a natural platform to talk about important things in life without tedious lecturing. Some books that you can enjoy as a family while building strong character include:

• Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis
• Narnia series, by C. S. Lewis
• The Bible, consider the NIV application commentary to help with comprehension
• The Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery

Books that Teach Empathy

Raising empathetic kids can be a challenge, especially since empathy is often a difficult trait to fully understand. True, some children are naturally more empathetic than others, but it is a character trait that can easily be encouraged and grown. Books offer a unique opportunity to present situations we may never encounter in real life. By reading about these characters and situations, we have the opportunity to feel the emotions and discuss them, thus growing our capacity to care for others. Some books that help encourage empathy include:

• Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White
• Old Yeller, by Fred Gipson
• Wonder, by R. J. Palacio
• Number the Stars, by Lois Lowry
• Bridge to Terabithia, by Katherine Paterson

Just for Fun

Sometimes things that are good for us prove not to be any fun. Reading, however, is not one of those things. Reading is good for you and fun! Here are a few more books to consider for your family reading time:

• The BFG, by Roald Dahl
• Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein
• My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George
• The Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann Wyss
• The Cricket in Times Square, by George Selden

Creating a list of books you'd like to read as a family is helpful, but don't forget to be flexible. Try to choose books that your children (and you) will enjoy! Choose books that trigger the imagination, take kids to worlds and times they may never visit outside the pages of a book, and help them learn and grow!