Last Chapter of 2018

The end of the year gives way for a few thoughts.

Reflection:

We started our Instagram and blog three months ago on September 18th. In that time, we have made connections with other families, bloggers, librarians, illustrators, writers, and podcasts.

Our intention of sharing books we borrowed from the library was not about the quantity of the books, but about the quality time we enjoy reading together. But oddly enough, we did pause and reflect on just how many children’s books we borrowed and actually read. From September 18th to December 18th, we have read over 300 books. It seems like such a high number honestly. When I broke down the number, it averages to about three books a day. And although picture books are pretty easy to read, they only made up a percentage of the books we borrowed. Respectively we have learned a lot through these 300 books.  My son who is in preschool and is 4 and a half today has read 300 books in 3 months. I find this interesting because my son recalls with enthusiasm that Neil Armstrong read 100 books in the first grade. My son loves to read but access to an amazing library made this possible. 

Gratitude:

Thank you to the authors and illustrators that have sparked our interests in reading together. Thank you Palo Alto Library, especially the Mitchell Park Library.

I want to thank NASA and SpaceX for igniting a passion in my son to read almost every space related book available. Thank you to all other children’s books related Instagram accounts, blogs, and podcasts. Thank you to the hyperlexia community for giving me the courage to share what an amazing journey my family has. Thank you to my son’s teachers and therapy team who sees that my son learns best when reading is utilized.

Planning:

We hope that in this next year our son continues to want to go to the library and wants to read as voraciously as he does now. We want this to be child led and by no means ran by any other agenda than reading for enjoyment. My son and I thought if we should try to make the goal to read 1,000 books next year or not. We decided to make it a loose goal, meaning no matter if the goal is reached, that we will still be happy. I meant to integrate my art teaching skills into the blog in 2018 and did not get around to it. My goal will be to attempt to do so in 2019. I did not have the time to review every book we read, partially because 300 book reviews in 3 months would make this journey way less fun for me right now. I am sure I will continue to learn new things and have new ideas in the new year.

Whether you added us to be book spammed on Instagram or read the monthly blog post, thank you for joining us. Hope it has been beneficial for you, your family, or your classroom.

Question: What would you like to see more of next year with our Instagram and Blog?