Some books have stood out in my memory from my childhood. Ralph and the Motorcycle, Green Eggs and Ham, and a kid's Bible storybook. Three very different books. The connection between the three is my dad. My Dad would make reading so much fun for us. He would act out different voices for each character, from a creepy slithery voice for a snake to a persistent and squeaky "Sam I Am". On top of unique voices, my dad also made sound effects to go along with the story. Two of my favorites he did were Lightning and Ralph's Motorcycle. My Dad could make the story come to life. I loved it and my siblings loved it. I remember when he first started going on business trips he recorded "Green Eggs and Ham" for us so that we could listen to him read it even though he was away.
Even as an adult now, I can remember most details about the books he read. This is something I have strived to do with my kids now. I find that the books that I really get into with them, they enjoy and remember more. So get into reading with your kids, and be silly and creative. Even if doing voices and sound effects isn't your style, you can still find a way to make reading fun. You could do a craft to go along with the book, find the movie adaptation to watch after reading the original story, or make the food together mentioned in the book; the possibilities are endless! Find something that is unique and special for your family. You'll never know what kind of an impact those few minutes of reading will have. I can confidently say that reading with my dad brought me closer to him, gave us fond memories, and set an example for me for my children.
Happy Reading!
-Moriah Sam
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