Lazy Literacy

A teacher-friend of mine once told me I was ‘such a literacy extender’.  I wasn’t quite certain if this was an insult or compliment, but I didn’t want to sound stupid so I just said, ‘mmm hmm’.  Honestly I’m still not 100% clear on what that means, but I know it’s a good thing. It means I like books, and stuff. And I do what I can to make my kids like books, and stuff.

I also believe there is a very fine line between laziness and efficiency.  In the words of my beloved second cousin-in-law thrice removed Johnny Cash, I walk the line.  My husband and I both make a very conscious commitment to read to our kids quite a bit, but there are times that we just cannot sit on the couch and read another book with them. 

Enter books on DVD.  The kids cozy up on the couch or their bean bags, and we choose a book/DVD combo. They take turns holding the book and turning the pages, and if I may submit my completely unbiased opinion; it is the sweetest sight on earth. 

I bullied my way into being the Scholastic Order Coordinator (as you can imagine – there was a huge line) for A.P.’s class.  I scope out the cheap DVD/book deals that come out once in a while, or pick them up at the Scholastic Warehouse Sales.  I come from a long line of ‘literacy extenders’ and my family is always happy to give these as gifts too, so we have a  nice little library.

Another lazy and/or efficient way to outsource reading to my kids is at library or bookstore reading times.  This adds the extra bonus of possibly sneaking away for 2 minutes to look at the latest issue of Literacy Extenders Monthly Magazine, or another periodical of your choice.

If you in Grand Rapids, look at your local library branch for times, or check out one of the bookstore storytimes around town. This  list was completely ripped off from the Grand Rapids Press Books Calendar:

• Monday, 10:30 AM Schuler Books/28th Street, Baker Book House, Pooh’s Corner, Barnes & Noble/Kentwood
• Tuesday, 10:30 AM Barnes & Noble/Rivertown
• Wednesday 10:30 AM Baker Book House, Pooh’s Corner
• Thursday 10:30 AM Baker Book House, Barnes & Noble/Kentwood and Rivertown
• Friday 10:30 AM Barnes & Noble/Kentwood, Pooh’s Corner
• Saturday 10:30 AM Pooh’s Corner, 11:00 AM Schuler Books 28th Street and Alpine

For more Things I Love Thursday, and a pretty sweet giveaway, check out the The Diaper Diaries.