He won't be here forever. You'll have photos and hilarious stories, but his voice, how will you describe that gravely voice of his to your kids?
Your kids need to be able to hear it whenever they want in a way that he designed especially for them. He needs to record himself reading their books to them. And, of course, so does grandma and if you really want goofiness galore, ask them to read the books together. In fact, every auntie and uncle and family friends need their turn.
Your kids need to be able to hear it whenever they want in a way that he designed especially for them. He needs to record himself reading their books to them. And, of course, so does grandma and if you really want goofiness galore, ask them to read the books together. In fact, every auntie and uncle and family friends need their turn.
Give all of the readers free rein to use voices, make some type of entertaining noise to signal it's time to turn the page, and add commentary when the book is finished. It's important for the reader to say the date and some event that's happening. "Sam! It's been great reading to you today. It's Friday, February 24, 2017. Grandma and I are going to the movies now and then, I have to take her out for ice cream. You know how she likes her mint chocolate chip!"
In terms of picture books, the reader can point out specific features of the illustrations.
In terms of picture books, the reader can point out specific features of the illustrations.
If your kids are older, do it anyway. You can save the recordings for their kids or even for them when they are feeling melancholy about their "grands" passing away.
When you need a good laugh/cry, you can listen to your parents reading to your children. Oh, get the hankies.
When you need a good laugh/cry, you can listen to your parents reading to your children. Oh, get the hankies.
The recording and the book should go in a Zip-Loc bag and hopefully, the reader will decorate it a bit. So fun...
One night when our adult son was home, we pulled out one of these recordings. Listening to my parents argue over who had the reading glasses was priceless. My mother correcting my father's pronunciation of words was endearing and his responses were priceless. Classic Dad (capitalization intended). Their running commentary was adorable as they talked about us kids and the books that were available in the 40s and 50s for us. "Oh, I wish we would have had these beautiful books then. Look at the colors, Rodge! Oh, oh! This is just so wonderful!"
Five children in 10 years. You bet there were a lot of books being reading at night. I remember so clearly. I loved watching her fingers move along the lines of text. Precious memories.
Five children in 10 years. You bet there were a lot of books being reading at night. I remember so clearly. I loved watching her fingers move along the lines of text. Precious memories.
There is, indeed, magic when grandpa reads a book.
Claudia
Claudia
