Classic Kids Books

For the past few months we have been giving the girls a cent for every page they read of a book, on completion of said book. The money goes into a jar and can be used to purchase another book that they want. By the way this is not my idea, but one I purloined from my friend Kat, whose children are always reading without any prompting!

Sometimes I felt like the only homeschooling family that's children weren't into reading 

I am happy to say that this system has been working; they have been reading more. The only problem I have now, is that I have noticed that the books they have been choosing to read are what I would call "fluff". You know fairies, puppies, etc, Now whilst I don't have an issue with their choices, as I  myself like a good fluffy novel now and then, I would like for them to also incorporate some classical stories into their reading.

This is part of one of five of my FULL bookcases, unlike my girls I was a total bookworm and many of these were mine as a wee girl.


I have been thinking about what I can do to get them to read some good classics and came up with an idea which I shared with them today. They were so very excited at this prospect, that they had me making up the "envelopes" straight away.

I have listed a pile of books that I would like them to read, i.e. Heidi, Little Women, Stuart Little, Little House in the Big Woods, etc and written them each onto a piece of paper (I was planning to use and prettily decorate envelopes but the angels were a little desperate for me to get a move on! I may still do that though). Before folding and taping the paper closed I wrote a financial figure on the inside of the paper. Once they finish a book, they get to open the corresponding envelope and are "awarded" the amount of money listed inside. As a bigger incentive I even told them one envelope would have $5 on the inside so they are super keen to get that one.

I know it sounds a bit awful, I am really buying them off, but I am desperate for them to read some "good" books. I myself didn't always like the recommended "good/classic" books, but I still read them and I am really wanting them to stretch their reading skills. Please don't condemn me by appealing to their love of money. My little girls are saving for Lego ... which are also great for their creativity and fine motor skills and so on, so really it is a win, win situation ... anyone buy that? Nah, I am just buying them off but if they develop a love of fine literature it will be worth it!