My Childhood and Reading

My earliest memories with my family were all around books. Every night before bed was a story. Every morning during breakfast I’d bring a book to the table. Every car ride I’d bring a book along…until I realized how car sick I would get! Books were a staple in my house growing up and visits to the library were frequent. I still have many of my favorites and they are now in my daughter’s room or in my classroom for students to read. Goodnight Moon and Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? were titles I read over and over again. I also loved nursery rhymes and classic fables as a young child. I also loved looking at the illustrations in any Eric Carle book.

I grew up as an early reader and enjoyed books. I feel like my love for reading started early on because of my experiences with my family. When I got to middle and high school though, this all seemed to change for me. I was given a list each year of classic novels to read, read them, took a test, and repeat. Although I love knowing that I've read so many famous classics and can check them off my "list", I don't feel like that enhanced my reading life. Now as an adult, I find I need to schedule time to read for pleasure.

My favorite thing about being a parent is being able to share all of these favorite stories and reading rituals with my daughter. She already loves reading a book after her bath and knows that it is a part of her routine. I can’t wait to share all of my favorite authors with her and be able to pass along everything I will learn in this course.