Thursday, December 03, 2015

Choosing Books for the Trip to Grandma's House

Screens for kids. I am a fan.

And not so much.

Certainly today's kids are part of a technological generation. Most adults joke that if they are stuck with a computer or phone question, they should ask a child to help.

In the next few weeks, lots of families will pack their bags to visit grandparents and other relatives. Here's to hoping that books, not screens, will be the biggest consideration for what goes into children's travel bags.

Books about Travel

Kids love to travel - for the most part, anyway. Traveling is an adventure that includes new places, new people, and new experiences. Is it the child's first time on a plane, include a book about air travel. Does Grandma live in a different geographic region? Include books about that area. They will teach new information and will serve as a natural answer to the never ending question Are we there yet?

Books about Christmas

Everyone is excited about the approaching celebration of Jesus' birth and the many Christmas traditions. Why not include a book or two about the holiday? Reading about the Christmas story is a wonderful way to teach about the blessed event and to help kids corral their excitement as they focus on the pictures and text.

Books about Special Interests

Christmas vacation is a time away from traditional learning, but kids never stop wanting to learn about things that interest them. Include a new book about a high-interest topic. Here are some things to consider when choosing high-interest books.

Books to Share with Grandma

Grandparents never tire of sharing books with their grands. Perhaps they are books that Grandma will read aloud to little ones. Perhaps they are books that beginning readers will proudly read to her. Maybe the books will be books that preteens can read and discuss with Grandma. 

At the beginning of a new year, many people start a new devotional. Choosing one that a grandparent can begin with a young child or preteen is a wonderful way for grandparents to share their faith with another generation. I am privileged to be the author of two devotionals for preteens. Dare U 2 Open This Book is for boys ages 8 - 12. Just Sayin' is for girls ages 8 -12. You can read more about them by clicking on the pictures to the right.

What kind of books will your kiddos pack this year?

Carol

       

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