That Was Fast

At precisely 8:01 EST, I read the final words of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone to the kids. Somewhat disappointingly (for me, at least), it had ended the same way as when I’d last finished it. But the experiment was a huge success. Back on June 25th was when we’d started.

The kids made sure I read to them each night, if at all possible. I remember missing only a couple of nights where we got home from day trips or errands too late for reading. Even so, they tried to weasel a chapter then as well. Ever since the first couple of days they wanted multiple chapters read and it soon became clear that my patience for reading aloud would give before their desire to hear the next step in the story.

I had originally thought this would take the bulk of the Summer. I had barely closed the cover when they started bugging for me to read the first chapter of the next book. From that stand point, our little gambit may have backfired. We’d hoped that it could serve as motivation for learning to read better. But now that I’ve read a book to them, why do they need to learn to read? I’m as good as a tape recording. Maybe better- since they can stop me and ask questions.

Regardless, they enjoyed it, as did the Wife and myself. Having handled that book, we have others that I think they’d enjoy listening to as well. But first they’re going to get some practice reading to us again…