Homeschooling has seasons.
There are ups and downs and spikes and dips.
Let’s face it: some seasons are harder than others. Sometimes, your motivation plummets. Sometimes, you get stuck in a rut. Sometimes, you need to step back and reassess things.
When Your Read Aloud Routine is in a Rut
Everyone knows that reading aloud is one of the most important things parents can do for their children. As parents, we have the best of intentions but sometimes the family read-aloud routine can get stuck in a rut.
- Maybe your children have been ill.
- Maybe you are lacking homeschool motivation.
- Maybe everyone is crabby.
Whatever the reason, please know that you are not alone. No one is immune to homeschool slumps. Slumps are part of the journey.
Whenever I find myself in a homeschool slump, I remind myself that the most important thing I can do for my children is to read aloud. I find that starting our day with a consistent read-aloud routine is the key to a healthy homeschool.
Reinvigorate Your Read-Aloud Routine with these simple strategies
When it comes to reading aloud, it is important to remember that consistency is key. Just as you model kindness throughout the day, you must model a love of the written word.
And, if your goal is to raise readers, you must try to read aloud every single day.
If you are lacking a read-aloud rhythm, it can be helpful to take a moment to regroup and get back on track. Here are some tips to rejuvenate your read-aloud routine.
1. Take advantage of your local public library
There is little that inspires reading aloud more than a trip to the library. Provide each of your children with a library tote bag and let them check out whatever they can carry. When they aren’t looking, sneak in some of your favorite children’s books and books that you think they will love.
Fresh books will make your children eager to read and you will have plenty of inspiration for the week ahead! So dust off that planner and pick the day with the fewest obligations. Schedule a library visit. Write it down in your calendar and stick to it!
2. If you are struggling, schedule your read-aloud time
We make space for what is important. When your read-aloud routine is off-track, it helps to schedule the time in your day.
If bedtime stories tend to be too chaotic, read aloud in the morning instead.
Every family is unique. Do what works best for your family. There is no hard-and-fast rule that you must read at bedtime. Create a new tradition together- it will be well worth it!
3. Make those read-alouds memorable
Above all, be sure to make reading fun! If it’s enjoyable, your children are going to want to do more of it. So snuggle together in a favorite chair, brew some tea and enjoy a snack, or take a favorite book outside for a picnic. When you make reading special, you not only grow readers but also build relationships and make memories!
Do you want to see our read-aloud routine in action?
Be sure to follow My Little Poppies because we share snapshots of our homeschool day… and heaps of fantastic books!
You are also invited to join the {Virtual} Family Book Club at My Little Poppies, a private Facebook Group for parents who love to read fantastic books to their children… and chat about them!
Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: How do you rejuvenate your read-aloud routine when everything feels off-track? Share your tips and strategies here.
