Toddling through Tuesday: Story Time

Ariel has finally taken to story time and I love it. Last week, my mom laid Ariel down for a nap and she fussed a little. So my mom left Ariel in the crib and sat in the rocking chair where Ariel could see her, picked up a story book, and began reading. Ariel calmed quickly, laid her head down, and watched. Mom read an entire story (I believe it was a Dr. Seuss book) and when she finished our girl was sleeping.

I was really excited to hear this, but a little skeptical that it would work for me. Maybe you guys know it's this easy, but I thought she would definitely stand in her crib and cry to be taken out if she saw that I was still in the room. This would be completely counterproductive to naptime. I tried it though and it worked for us! Every day last week (except one kinda) and this week too!

I've been reading books with Ariel since she was born, but she hasn't shown much interest. Every so often, she'll stop what she's doing and listen as I read and look at the pictures. However, most of the time she just wants to hold the book herself (and chew on the corners of the book) or turn the pages. I guess the books are more like toys at this point. She like her books though. The basket of books is one of her favorite play places. She just isn't quite ready (or interested) in the reading of them. I keep reading anyhow; I can only hope that she's really listening in some way or learning about reading just by my doing it.

Last night was one of those rare moments when she enjoys my reading to her and lends her full attention. We read Brown bear, Brown bear, What do you See?. She enjoyed the large colorful pictures and the animal noises I added to the story. I also read one of Beatrix Potter's tales in a collection we have. Ariel didn't give her undivided attention, but she did clearly enjoy it. She occasionally walked over to look at the pictures and giggle at me. It was fun. My heart was happy to see her enjoying these books. I love reading. I long for her to love it as I do. There are so many adventures one can take part in through books without going anywhere. Vicarious living. Books expand your horizons and ideas and vocabulary and understanding and....on and on.

So for now, we'll continue reading our little books together on the floor, fun short stories at night while she plays, her toddler bible at bedtime, and a longer storybook at naptime. I'm so excited for the progress we have made with books. I look forward to seeing her enjoyment of books increase, but I'm in no hurry. We're having fun already.