I remember when I was in elementary school, occasionally we would have read-a-thons.  Days when we did nothing but read.  We got to sit on the anywhere–the floor, at our desk or wherever.  We got to bring books to read and we got to read books from the school library.  Sometimes we would get treats.  I always loved these days and looked forward to them with great excitement.

 Today, Oldest is having a read-all-day day.  He is in first grade, and today is the last day before the Christmas break.  They were encouraged to take slippers and blankets, and a mug.  They need the mug because they are going to have hot cocoa (how fun!!).  The teachers asked for volunteers to go in a read stories to the class.  I went in this morning and read the book that Oldest was begging me to read.  I caved and read the book I didn’t want to read.  I read The Polar Express.  It is a cute book, but in a big class, it is not a good book.  And, another mother had read the book all ready.  Oh, well.  He was excited.  And Youngest ran around the room making the kids laugh (and probably embarrassed Oldest.) 

The whole thing has me thinking….  When was the last time that I took a day to just read?  It has been years.  Far too long.  How about for you?  Usually, when I have a chance to sit down and read it is right before bed and I am so tired that I just have a few minutes to devote before my eyelids droop too far.  I know that it is good for kids to see their parents read too.   

So, my goal now is to take a day this Christmas break and have a read-a-thon with my kids.  We can spend the day silent-reading, reading aloud, and acting out stories.  We can stay in jammies and have fun snacks.  I’m going to challenge you to a read-a-thon with your kids too.  What fun memories it will make!