Just read, read, read

I've noticed a couple of things that parent/caregiver patrons do that make me sad.

I overheard a child asking his grandma what books she would be checking out to read, and she said, "Oh, no, I have things to read for work, and I'll just read with you."  Now, it's up to the adult if he or she wants to read in his/her spare time (although I would personally encourage it!), but I do think it's important for kids to see adults reading for pleasure.  Reading isn't something you do only as a kid because you're told to - it should be something you do your whole life because it's enjoyable and enriching!

It also makes me sad when adults limit what their children can read.  "Oh, he has to read Level 1 books."  (As if every book fit into a well-defined Level.)  "Don't take out more than five picture books."  (I understand it's hard to keep track of them sometimes, but reading is so important for your child - can't you make it work?)  "That one is too easy.  Put it back.  That one is too easy too."  (I know you want your child to be challenged, but you're close to turning reading into a chore instead of a pleasure.  Sometimes we read below our reading levels and that's okay!)

Just some thoughts from this week.  :)