Read Alouds for our Younger Set!!

As I have been working on the children's lesson plans for 2011 I have been contemplating the lack of read alouds I have done with the younger children.

Sadly the little children have not had the same attention in reading aloud that our older children have had. I am convinced this is due to the dynamics of a larger family, as explained in my posts on Large Family Life and yet I long for the days of reading aloud to the children.

This year I am determined to involve Rogan, Moran, Myffwyn, Corbyn and Arwen in more read alouds. Now as this has not been a large part of their childhood, much to my eternal regret, the reading of chapter books,  I am going to gradually introduce this to them using the beautiful books by Marguerite deAngeli.

We have been blessed to gather a collection over time of them new and second hand. Book collections are a passion of mine and I love to have complete sets. Sadly we don't yet but we do have a wonderful  group of books to choose from. Sadly again most of them are only available second hand so keep your eyes peeled if you are interested in them.

Of course these are not pure chapter books as they have her adorable illustrations in them but like the Elsa Beskow Books they tend to be quite long.

So my plan for the first part of the year is to involve the younger children and Rogan with the reading of these books along with Mandie and the Cherokee Legend as their first real chapter book. The reason for this choice is we bought a wonderful DVD

of this book as one of the 12 Days of Christmas presents this year that the children all enjoyed.

So here is a list of the Marguerite deAngeli Children's Books we have that I will be reading:
The Ted and Nina Story Book although not the same you can actually read this one on line here
Copper-Toed Boots
Petite Suzanne
Yonie Wondernose
Thee Hannah
Elin's Amerika
Henner's Lydia
Skippack School
The Lion in the Box
Bright April
Turkey for Christmas
Whistle for the Crossing

Although the Door in the Wall   won the Newbery Medal  award I (and our older children) actually think the Black Fox of Lorne is a much better book.
The autobiography Butter at the Old Price:  this is a simply wonderful 'Mother Culture' read and I have read it a few times for pure enjoyment.

Once again it is a joy to share with you the love of beautiful books and the way we use them in our family. Of course I am always interested in other recommendations so please feel free to add your own family favourites!!

Blessings to you and your homes,