Hunker
Down for a Cozy Winter Read
Story
and Drawings by Anne M. Dellinger, Contributing Columnist
Seed and Slicker live where winter means shorter days
and longer nights. It�s a time when many animals sleep away the cold, dark
weeks of January and February.
But snoozing is not how Seed and Slicker pass these
chilly months. When blustery winds whip around every corner and the gray
clouds let go of their sparkling crystals, the two furry friends get busy
for some winter adventures.
They begin by gathering up a stack of books (old
favorites and some new ones), along with a few tasty treats. Then they pull
out the comfy pillows and warm blankets and move everything close to an
inviting fire. As they hunker down into their cozy spot, Seed and Slicker
take delight in knowing that exploring and adventuring can be done right
between the pages of a good book.
Throughout the oncoming winter weeks, Seed and Slicker
would like for you to discover the fun and adventure found in reading for
pleasure. To help get you started, they have listed some ideas for you to
try.
Before beginning, be sure to visit the library to find
new book releases as well as some old favorites. And don�t forget to stock
up on hot chocolate, teas, and non-sticky finger foods!
Group Reading with the whole family
Choose a Theme
Sometimes it is fun to read about a specific subject as
a family, sharing ideas and even establishing rewards for completing set
goals. Ask family members to suggest four themes and assign one theme to
each week of January. For the next four weeks, everyone in the family should
read materials relating to each week�s theme. Throughout each week the
family ought to set a time to discuss their findings about the chosen theme
and pass on interesting details of their reading to one another. Celebrate
the family reading project by planning and carrying out several field trips
related to the themes.
Keep in mind that all ages can be part of reading
activities. The library will have books ranging from picture books and
beginning readers (for the very young), to chapter books for young adults to
older adults.
Here are some theme ideas and field trip suggestions:
 |
Circus Theme � Find out when the circus will be
in town, then buy tickets. |
|
Exotic Animals Theme � Visit a zoo and ask if any
animals are hibernating. |
|
Winter Weather Theme � Visit a local
weatherman/TV station and learn how to predict the next snowfall. |
|
Food from Other Cultures Theme � Try new recipes;
visit restaurants with cuisines that are unlike your family�s meals. |
|
Dinosaurs Theme � Visit a museum, especially one
with �hands-on� displays. |
|
Winter Sports Theme � Try to learn how to ski,
ice skate or snowshoe. |
|
Astronomy and Astrology Theme � Go to a
planetarium; view the winter night sky with a telescope and
constellation guide. |
Keep a Reading Record
Whether you choose to read alone or as a family group,
it is always satisfying to see the results of your efforts. Follow the
directions below for a whimsical, visual record that will encourage your
reading habit to keep on growing.
As each book is read, record the title, author and
family member�s name who read it on a white paper circle 4-5 inches in
diameter. Glue this �snowball� onto the outline of a snowman drawn on a
large piece of cardboard. Continue adding snowballs as books are finished,
filling in the body of the snowman. You may want to add facial features, a
hat, scarf and possibly some theme related accessories. By the end of
January, there should be a handsome, bookish snowman residing in your home.
Seed and Slicker are very curious creatures and they
would like to see your scholarly snowman so please send in a picture!
Independent Reading
If you enjoy reading alone, choose a quiet spot such as
a favorite chair, your bed, or a rug on the floor. This will become your
special place to snuggle into as you relax with your book. Try reading for
at least 45 minutes each day for one or two weeks. When you finish a book,
write the title and a comment about it below. Hopefully, you will want to
repeat this activity many times throughout the winter. By spring your family
will be referring to you as a little bookworm!
