You Are What You Read by: Maureen Wittmann
		" 'My papa is dead!' she kept whispering to herself.  'My papa is dead!' "   As I read these lines from A Little Princess, my six-year-old daughter Mary and I wept.  In sharing the emotions of the story's heroine, Sara Crewe, my daughter and I grew closer together.  Reading aloud to my children for enjoyment has created bonds that will never be broken.  By sharing common adventures through stories we come together as a family.  I believe that children will share their thoughts and feelings more naturally if they are accustomed to reading aloud with their parents.    As parents we take the steps necessary to provide our children with food, shelter and clothing.  We must also make sure to provide them with nourishment for their souls and minds.  Good books do just that: they give our children the tools necessary to create a world view.   We can influence that world view by encouraging our children to choose quality books.  If we teach our children that we are what we read, and then provide them with great literature to devour, they will be well-equipped to make wise choices as they grow into adults.    When children are old enough to read to themselves, continue to have a read-aloud time set aside.  Even teens take part when families read together regularly.   Yes, they should have their own books to read by the lamplight in their bedrooms, but take time to share books as a family too.  Once your children are reading well they can take turns reading aloud with Mom, Dad and siblings.  Also remember that children are able to understand the spoken word at a higher level than they are able to read silently to themselves; by listening to Mom or Dad read aloud they will be able to enjoy books that may otherwise be out of their reach.    Reading just above your children's level of understanding will encourage questions and discussion.  Be patient and take time to stop and answer inquiries or explain the meaning of a new word.  This will improve your children's vocabulary, as well as their ability to reason and create ideas.  Make sure not to read so far above their heads that you lose them completely or nothing is accomplished at all.    Children should have their very own books to love and cherish.  Teach them to treat their books with respect.  A child who is taught to handle books with loving care will appreciate the value of a good story all the more.  He will be excited when the time comes to join in on the family reading hour.    We influence by what we say and do.  If we talk about books and make the effort to put aside time for reading, then we are making an impact on our children.  You will make a strong impression on your children when they see you turn off the television, curl up on the couch with a nice cup of hot tea and pick up a good book! (reprinted with permision/ originally published in The Catholic Home Educator Advent 1999 Issue by Maureen Wittmann)