Work, school, kid’s activities, housework, family obligations, when do you find time to read? I try and read a minimum of 50 pages every day, some days are easier than others. I read before bed, I read while I eat breakfast, I read on my lunch break, I read while I watch tv, and I read every chance I get. Some days I’m excited to pick up the book I am in the middle of and other days it just sits there staring at me. Some days I finish two books and other days I finish two pages.

I read more than the average person and less than others, but it is a priority in my life. Reading makes me happy and educates me about culture, history, science, and many other topics. I feel like I’m opening a present when I start a new book. I know for some people, and quite a few children, reading is hard and not at all fun. Opening a book is a challenge that requires all their concentration and creates frustration. For some people it gets easier, other people just give up and don’t read for pleasure as adults.

Research has shown that one of the best ways to raise a reader is to read around your child. They need to see you reading in order to understand that reading is important. Reading should never be used as a punishment, one of my biggest pet peeves, and it shouldn’t be forced on young children. If your baby wants to read, read with them, if they are done after one minute, move on to another activity.

I’ll get off my soapbox now and tell you why I got to thinking about all of this, Saturday May 21^st is National Readathon Day! The American Library Association is promoting this day to generate excitement about literacy. They have even have their own hastag: #readathon2016. So cool.

Try and spend a little time, at least, on Saturday reading.

Let us know, when do you find time to read?

Reading Challenge Update:

I got bogged down with some hefty reads and then a bunch of books I requested came in, so I’m only at 21 books off of the challenge list.