Read A Good Book Lately?

Two important things in our home are reading and family time.  I combined the two emphases in a brainstorm I had for the new year.

To encourage ongoing reading with my two teens,  and for Jon & myself (who often get caught up in ‘have to’ reading), we instituted the following 2012 incentive: I hung a sheet of paper in the kitchen with the heading, “Read a Good Book Lately?”

Following were columns of the 12 months.  The intention is for each family member who completes a book to write his/her name on the list along with the book title. At the conclusion of the month, we note the titles read, talk about them as desired, and then for all who have an entry for that month, enjoy a special ‘outing’  as a family.

In January the four of us headed to Coldstone for a rare weeknight treat!

February’s outing will be different; unrevealed as yet.  As of right now, only 2 names are listed under February.  (There is still 1 week left! I have faith.)

The point is not that none of us were already reading. Nor to ‘bribe’ our kids to do something they ought to be doing as a lifelong pattern and enjoy for the intrinsic rewards….No.

The value of this short-term incentive is in the spark it brings to regular life practice, the reinforcement & reminder in a fun way of what we all know is valuable, and the shared experiences and camradrie in our reading focus.

(You see, I don’t believe for a second the profit of something is intrinsically greater just because it is done out of duty, is distasteful, or absent of enjoyment.  Indeed, a practice that produces pleasure is a powerful motivator for its practice continuing.) 

I’ve decided in my home, in this technology-driven,  easy-access to all things electronic world, I’ll raise the stakes in my family’s literary practice.

Perhaps I’ll inspire or at least reinforce a life-long practice and love for reading.

At the very least, we’ll enjoy some family time (and ice cream!) together.