The aforementioned title is that of one of the books that I am currently working through. Coming from a homeschool family myself, I am genuinely looking forward to the teachable moments in the days ahead. Since I didn't begin homeschooling till I was in the 5th grade, the preschool and elementary years are going to be all new to me. That is why I am so glad that there are a plethora of books and resources out there to help.
What I love most about the preschool years, is that they are some of the most important years in your children's lives. The first few years of a child's life is when they are most moldable. More then half of a child's learning occurs at this time. This both excites me and frightens me.
As we begin this journey, I am happy to start with this book written by Valerie Bendt. In her book, you not only find "100 Activities to Encourage Independent Play", but you can also read about her experiences with her adventure into the preschool years as well. One of her very own memories is what inspired me to write this post today.
She recalls reading The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies, by Beatrix Potter, to one of her preschool children. That evening, she and her family were enjoying desert after dinner when her daughter looks to her father and says, "Daddy, you know what will happen if you eat all of that cake?" To which he replied, "No, what will happen?" "Well, it will make you soporific." Needless to say, her father was stunned with her choice of vocabulary and usage, as was I. You see, soporific was one of the words she had heard that day as her mother read to her.
This account astonished me. Obviously, I do not give children enough credit. I mean, how could I? I didn't even know this word. The way her story impacted me is the reason I now feel lead to share it with all of you. Simply reading aloud to my children can change the world for them. Not only reading any story, but one on a level that just might surprise you.
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