The other day I posted a picture on Instagram talking about why I love my Kindle Paperwhite. Some people then wanted to know how I manage to read (a fair amount of) books with three kids under four. It’s more than just finding books worth reading. And it’s not just hiding in the locked bathroom. Here are 8 simple ways I fit more reading into our days. (some links affiliate)
© famveldman / Dollar Photo Club
-ONE-
Listen to Audiobooks: (per Everyday Reading’s suggestion) We use the Overdrive app to download audiobooks from our library. Ellen can then choose to listen to a book at the end of her daily quiet time. So far she really likes the Fancy Nancy series.
-TWO-
Read Picture Books During Meals: I used to try to cross things off my list while the kids were eating. Now I try to read to them while they eat lunch. Breakfast is still a bit hectic, and dinner is for family cpnversation, but lunch? Lunch works for us.
-THREE-
Read an Easy Chapter Book at Night: After we do our bedtime routine, Ellen and I like to read a chapter from a “big girl” book. We have been doing this on and off since she was three. And while I think that they are a bit over her head, she loves to just snuggle and listen to the rythym of my reading. Our favorites so far include Anne of Green Gables, The Children of Noisy Village
, Charlotte’s Web
, and Stuart Little
.
-FOUR-
Read Books Before Bed: I’m going to guess this isn’t new to you, but it’s important. It helps my kids unwind, and it’s just part of our routine. PJs, teeth, prayers, books, bed.
-FIVE-
Kindle Paperwhite: I used to be a Kindle dissenter until I realized that I wasn’t reading books anymore because it was too hard with kids. Now I can DL books instantly, read without the light on, and read one handed. I read infinitely more books now, and isn’t that what it’s really about?
-SIX-
Reading Rainbow App: This is a paid subscription app, but we find it to be worth it. It contains hundreds of picture books that you can read to your child or that they can listen to. Sometimes I even use this at lunchtime so I can eat with the kids while they listen to books.
-SEVEN-
Have Other People Read to Your Kids: When we have relatives visit, I always ask if they would like to read books to the kids. Think grandparents, aunts and uncles, godparents, etc. We also take advantage of story time at the library. We even have a day in our weekly schedule where we try to make it a library day. It’s beneficial to have your kids hear other people read aloud too.
-EIGHT-
Read More Books Now eCourse: Brandon Vogt has a new ecourse out where students will learn his secrets to reading dozens of books a month without speed reading. This really changed my perspective on reading books and confirmed that some of the tricks I use are actually useful!
How do you fit more reading into your day? Let us know in the combox!
I would add to bring a book with you EVERYWHERE. Because you never know when you can fit a few minutes of reading in…like if you get to a meeting/appt early or something. That’s why I love my paperwhite too! Fits easily in a purse or diaper bag. Also, less TV watching for me has meant a lot more reading :)
I’ve been reading Winnie-the-Pooh with my four-year-old at bedtime, and it’s like you said, I’m not sure how much he’s getting, but it’s some precious time for us. :)
My 3 year old and I started reading chapter books together a few months ago. I was very pleasantly surprised by his comprehension considering there were either few or no pictures. Those are some good suggestions – great excuse for me to re-read the “Anne of Green Gables” series! Right now we are in the midst of the “Little House” series.
Oh, and we are big fans of audio books too, thanks to “Everyday Reading”!
These are all great suggestions! I have a nook, but my MIL got me a new tablet for Christmas so I read on that using my nook app. The cost of e-books gets in my way. I know there’s a way to rent e-books at the library, but I haven’t been able to figure that out. Do you rent e-books?
<3 Jamie