"Are we there yet?"

Are you planning to go "over the river and through the woods" during the Thanksgiving break?  One fun and memorable way to pass the hours while traveling is reading a book aloud or listening to an audiobook.

Did you know that the listening comprehension of most children exceeds their reading comprehension?  What this means is that although your 1st grader may not be ready to actually read a book like Charlotte's Web, they may be ready to listen to one. When you listen to a good book you enjoy the same benefits as when you read a good book, but listening frees you to take in the scenery while traveling and you can do it together as you go.

The results may surprise you.  For instance, a teacher shared the following story: 

One year I started reading The Voyages of Dr. Doolittle aloud to my children while on a long trip.  As I was reading I worried, 'Is this too strange or old-fashioned for everybody? Is my four year old understanding this language?' To my surprise, when we stopped to get gas and stretch our legs all the kids begged, "Can we stay in the car and keep reading?" 

There are so many interesting possibilities out there!  The public library has lots of audiobooks.  Ask the librarian to recommend a favorite.  You can also download books from many sources online such as  (http://www.audible.com/cat?node=2239696011 or http://www.theaudiobookstore.com/?KID=3966740&gclid=CJm4x43DtKUCFQN7gwodpTGVaA. )   At this site you'll find a fun list of recommended audio titles for kids (http://www.travelsavvymom.com/blog/resources/the-best-audio-books-for-kids/).  At Reagan Academy we have the Jim Weiss CDs for parents to checkout.  Many of you may remember when storyteller Jim Weiss came to Reagan Academy.  He is funny and engaging.  These compilations are a good option for the first time audio listener.

You may be thinking, "This sounds great, but my kids are already used to watching DVDs while we travel.  How can a book compete with that?"  Well, perhaps the kids are ready for a change or maybe you need to work a little magic.  One teacher suggested that you could start out driving when suddenly . . .  "Oh no!  We've packed the DVD under the suitcases in the trunk!  Hey,  I've got the audiobook of Harry Potter instead.  Let's try this."  Another family has a travel rule, you can watch a DVD only after an hour with a book.  Sometimes after that hour of listening to a book, they'll want to keep listening and save the DVD until another time.  Whatever you do, make sure that listening/reading is fun and enjoyable and doesn't feel like a punishment.

What audio books has your family enjoyed?  What tips or tricks can you recommend?  Post a comment and share your experiences, recommendations, and ideas.

To those of you traveling -- have a safe trip!