Reading & Read Alouds

[baybones]

How long do you read to your kids each day? and how long do they read alone? I'm struggling with the amount of reading time we're getting in and thought I'd see what others are doing. FYI...I have an almost 8 year old, a 5 year old and an almost 3 year old. I'm expecting my 4th in August.

Sarah

[annettemarie]

We have stories at least before nap and bed, often other times. Also I read aloud from a chapter book, a chapter or two each day. We read at least a poem a day, and usually read a picture book during our learning time.

[Houdini]

My crew get about 15-30 min of dad reading at bedtime. My oldest reads to himself after my husband is done reading for 1-2 hours (he's avoiding bedtime). My eight and seven year old read for about 20 min to 1/2 hour each night to themselves. My three year is hit and miss. He gets the bedtime stories and we read other books if he asks during the day. He usually just does the bedtime books though.

[Wilhemina]

We have 3 standard real aloud times: upon waking (accomapanied by hot chocolate , at afternoon "read and rest" time, and before bed.
It is unusual to NOT have additional read-alouds at various other times.
When my librarian friend asked me to estimate the average per day I guessed 90 min. I think that is probably pretty close, when you factor in weekends when we tend to miss the midday session.

[bellini'smama]

To add to this question how much reading time is as a group and how much one on one? With new babies and children of different ages how do you organize this?

To answer your question we read at least once a day for as long as she is willing and asking for more. DD is 11months and "asks" most days to read several times, about 4 books (baby board books, like Goodnight Moon) at a sitting, though no formal time, like before nap, just when mood hits.

We plan on having another in a about 3 years apart, so thinking about future. Thanks

[annettemarie]

I have three- they just join in the stories when they want to. Katie Grace has been listening to "chapter books" pretty much since birth. I am amazed with her ability to take in things. Nicholas, on the other hand, likes to run around and play during story time, although he ususally brings over a board book when we're done reading to the older two. Certain books (Pelle's New Suit, Mary Has a Little Lamb- he's got this weird thing for sheep) he will hang out and read with us.

[clairegrace]

My daughter reads to me during our "table time" - to practice her skills - probably about 10-15 mins - she is 6.

We have the traditional bed time story too.

And then I read to them whenever they ask - some days its multiple story books - other days nothing.

Cara