It's time to post a WFMW tip. How many of you have family living in another state? Even in the technically advanced world that we live in today, it's hard to maintain that personal touch over thousands of miles with those loved ones isn't it?
Sure, my family and I are good about sending emails filled with updates and pictures, talking on the phone, and the occasional in-person visits, but when it came to keeping in touch with my eldest nephew (to be referred to as Rowan) it just didn't seem to be enough.
Rowan and I formed a close bond from the day he was born. I was still living in the same city as my older sister, Tia, when she had Rowan. Up until he was about 4 years old, we were thick as thieves, and then I moved across the country for a job.
Rowan is 13 1/2 years old now and we're still close, but I wanted a way to connect with him on a more personal level, despite the miles between us. During one of my visits back home, he and I went to browse through a bookstore (one of our favorite past times). We came across the Wrinkle In Time series of books and both talked about how much we would love to read these books. So, we both ended up purchasing a set for ourselves.
After purchasing our individual sets, we decided to read each book together, aloud over the phone. This was the beginning of our Sunday afternoon story time.
Every Sunday, I'd call Rowan's house. He'd get his book and I'd have mine handy. He'd start out reading a chapter while I listened, then I'd read a chapter while he listened. We usually read for about an hour together and discussed the plot along the way.
Eventually, Rowan's younger sister (to be referred to as Regan) and Tia started listening in too, over their kitchen speaker phone, as they prepared dinner.
Rowan and I have to pick another book to read together, so we're not reading at the moment, but I'll make sure we start again soon. It's been a wonderful way to keep in touch and share our passion for reading!
It works for me. Maybe it'll work for you!
If you'd like to share something that works for you, please leave me a comment. And be sure to link yourself over at Shannon's, the host of Works-For-Me Wednesday.
Labels: Works-For-Me Wednesday
25 Comments:
Wow! Great idea. My husband and I also like to read the same book at the same time (though not on the phone) and it is something we both really enjoy doing together. Thanks for stopping by and have a good day!
Wow that is amazing! I adore that you are so close to all your family. That is so cool!
I dont know of anybody I can do that with, but I truly love your idea. How very sweet!
That is a great idea!
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That's terrific! I'm not an aunt yet, but I'm going to squirrel that idea away for my maybe-neices and maybe-nephews. Also, that's just wonderful that you do that!
What a neat idea. With the free long distance--either on cell phones--or inclusive phone plans--totally do-able.
That's a wonderful, sweet idea.
This is a fantastic idea! Rowan is certainly blessed to have such a loving and creative aunt.
That's a great idea! It would be really good for grandparents or any relative that a child only sees 1 or 2 times a year because of distance. Keeps the relationship going.
My niece isn't old enough to read yet, but when she is, I'll have to remember this tip. What a nice idea.
what an awsome special story time you have with your nephew! Neat idea too!
I thought about doing that for my neices that are far away. Great idea!!!
I think that is a cute idea!
Jessica
http://dhost.info/jessicascorner
This is a fabulous idea! Especially considering that we live in California and our family lives in Canada! And we have unlimited calling!
Thank you so much for the wonderful idea!
Kristy
I love this! When my neice was living out in California, we would call her and play UNO over the phone. She would tell us what we drew and it always ended up with her winning. Oh well, it was fun just having that time with her.
If you are trying to decide on another book of this sort and need some tips let me know. My kids and I have a read a ton of similar books aloud, not to mention this is one of my own favorite genres. There are some incredible ones out there perfectly suited to a variety of age groups, and a lot that are not.
My kids and I read a chapter of a chapter book together every night and have since my eldest was about 3.5 (she is 8 now.) Reading aloud together is a great way to develop relationships as well as comprehension. We homeschool and I recently tested my girls' comprehension levels both with their own reading and with me reading. I was amazed to see that they were comprehending at an 8th grade (the 8 year old) and 6th grade (the 6 year old) level. They are not geniuses. My husband and I attribute it to them having heard books at higher reading levels than they are able to read.
What a sweet idea. That reminds me, I want a new cell phone.
what a super idea!!! and its so nice that you and Rowan have a special relationship....and you take the time to maintain it! Thats wonderful OW!!!
What a sweet idea.
What a great idea, my mother in law and some sister in laws are all terribly far away from us and that would a cute idea for them to do with my girls as they get older.
Ah now that is just precious. I'll have to try that sometime.
I really like that idea.
What a great idea! I think I'll call my nephews tomorrow...
What a wonderful idea. I will need ideas next year when I move, to keep in touch with my little nephew. He is way too young to read yet, though.
When I was a kid, my Grandma (Flight Song) would record stories on tape and send them to my sister and me. We could hear Grandma's voice whenever we wanted, and hear a story at the same time.
What a great way you have chosen to not only stay in touch, but encourage a love of reading in him!
That is such a cool idea. I love A Wrinkle in Time, too. I bought it for myself a few years ago...it totally brought me back to 3rd grade and that warm snuggly feeling of being young and carefree. I will have to try this with my nephew when he's older (he lives far away too...sniffle)
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