Works for Me Wednesday: Book Packages from Grandma
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Last night, as I was reading with my daughter, I remembered an idea that I read in a magazine years ago.
It was one of those things that I tucked away in the back of my mind for someday when I have grandkids.
This grandmother made a monthly package that she sent to her grandkids who lived in a different state. Now, I sincerely hope that all of my future grandkids live nearby so that I can see them regularly, but, even if they do, I still think this would be a fun idea.
The grandma would tape record herself reading a picture book. I want to say that it was even complete with some kind of “turn the page when you hear this sound” thing. Of course, these days you’d have to learn how to make a CD recording of yourself. No telling what it will be when I have grandkids.
Anyway, she’d record herself reading the book, then, she’d pack up the recording, a copy of the book, and some related activity. For example, if the book were If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, she might include a cookie recipe and the ingredients for making cookies. Then, she’d ship the package to her grandchildren so that they could enjoy listening to Grandma read the book, then, they could enjoy a related activity with Mom or Dad.
Doesn’t that sound like fun, even if your grandkids lived close by? As I was reading last night, I was thinking of some of my favorite books that would have to be included on that list — books that my kids would fondly remember us having enjoyed together. Some of those packages would have to include:
- Bread and Jam for Frances
by Russell Hoban - Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban
- Alexander by Harold Littledale
- Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
- Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovelby Virginia Lee Burton
- The Monster at the End of this Book by Jon Stone
- Ferdinand by Munro Leaf
- I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff
- Parts by Todd Arnold
- The Wolf Who Cried Boy by Bob Hartman
by Russell Hoban
by Russell Hoban
by Harold Littledale
by Peggy Rathmann
by Virginia Lee Burton
by Jon Stone
by Munro Leaf
by Karen Kaufman Orloff
by Todd Arnold
by Bob HartmanI’m sure I could think of dozens more, but those are some of our absolute favorites. I think that will be such a fun project for my grandkids someday!
This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.
Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.
My parents send a box every month for the kids and I posted it on my blog just recently. Every month it is something different and often something the kids expressed an interest in when talking to them on the phone. My kids love getting their boxes.
Anna-Marie
What a great idea! I am a gramma and have been trying so hard to stay in touch with my grandkids who live too far away. Thanks for the amazing idea!!
This is a FANTASTIC idea! I hope I can remember that in 100 years when I'm a grandma!(Yes, we have girls. LOL) Some of my favorites to include would also have to be:
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
How Much Do I Love You by Sam McBratney
Millions of Cats by Wanda Ga'ag. You know…I think I'll share your idea on my blog…and put up the rest of my list there. 🙂
What a great idea! And my oldest is 20, in a relationship with a nice young man…so, I may be doing this not too long from now. Thanks for posting about it! 🙂
I absolutely love this idea! And may I say that my grandfather recorded himself singing sailor songs…that I listened to and now MY children listen to (his great-grandchildren!) This is a huge blessing. My mother has also read Mother Goose on tape as well as – word for word – Audubon First Field Guides. These are wonderful afternoon Quiet Time resources (and morning Room Time). Love it!
This is beautiful. Not only do your children have something to look forward to each month but they will have an archive of memories to look back on someday.
I love this idea!! I'll have to make a note to put it into practice.
love the idea! I hope I can remember it when I'm a grandma or maybe I'll just use it now as an auntie.