So first, a definition:
departing the text (v): requires an action or actions in which the reader and/or audience take a mind trip, in this case when reading. These mind trips are best used for savoring language, humor, and for battling angst and idleness. It requires taking a moment and relating what is read (or said or viewed) to past memories and experiences, in an effort to get just a little bit more out of it.
Please note the background to this blog. It's intention is to simulate the above definition visually!
So, dear readers, with this definition in mind, below is a beginner's manual, if you will, on how to best depart the text when reading aloud. Note, that you can and should substitute the word "reading" with "viewing" and "listening" when appropriate. All are most highly recommended. Also note that these directions have been written for reading aloud with your child, but feel free to improvise at will.
How to Depart the Text:
1. Select a book. Selecting books to read to your child can be a tough. My recommendation is select a book with rich illustrations/photographs or with compelling text that your child is already familiar with. While you can also select a 'new' book, experience has shown me that often kids are anxious to hear what happens next in a story they aren't yet familiar, with and so are not as eager to depart the text.
[Note: Don't push departing the text. If they don't want to, just wait for another opportunity OR depart the text after reading the story.]
2. Select a comfy spot to read. Comfort is essential! Maybe you want to cuddle, or just find a place that is cozy and induces mind wandering. Fluffy pillows or a nice warm lap are both recommended. Opus' bunny jammies were a nice touch in Goodnight Opus, but you may not want to depart the text at bedtime (see note).
[Note: I would not depart the text at bedtime as it will stimulate attention, memory and problem solving all of which are not necessarily desirable when you want the kids to go to sleep so you can get on with your life.]
3. Choosing when and how to depart: My mind naturally wanders and so departing the text is a knee-jerk reaction for me. My advice here is to relax and as you come across an illustration with interesting detail, or text that reminds you of something your child can relate to and have fun talking about, depart! You can depart with word definitions too, but they are not nearly as fun as departing with rich detail or something to think about. Berkeley Breathed books are rife with detail in the illustrations and these were favorite 'departing' books in my family.
4.Departing doesn't just mean talking. While "departing the text" often means talking about something interesting, it doesn't have to be. It could involve singing, dancing, and banging out a beat. It always involves brainstorming and creativity.
Examples of singing and dancing:
Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger comes with music for the Abiyoyo song.
Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester has great parts to sing and cheer.
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak has two pages to rumpus.
4. Frequency of Departures: This is totally your call. It will depend on how much time you have for reading and departing. It also depends on how long your child can sit. Know, however, that the more you do this and the longer you do it, the longer you are increasing your child's attention span and ability to sit.
5. Have fun. The main thing is to have fun enriching the reading experience and your time together.
So, please let me know how this works out for you, and let me know what your favorite read aloud books are for departing the text. Happy travels to all!
1. Select a book. Selecting books to read to your child can be a tough. My recommendation is select a book with rich illustrations/photographs or with compelling text that your child is already familiar with. While you can also select a 'new' book, experience has shown me that often kids are anxious to hear what happens next in a story they aren't yet familiar, with and so are not as eager to depart the text.
[Note: Don't push departing the text. If they don't want to, just wait for another opportunity OR depart the text after reading the story.]
2. Select a comfy spot to read. Comfort is essential! Maybe you want to cuddle, or just find a place that is cozy and induces mind wandering. Fluffy pillows or a nice warm lap are both recommended. Opus' bunny jammies were a nice touch in Goodnight Opus, but you may not want to depart the text at bedtime (see note).
[Note: I would not depart the text at bedtime as it will stimulate attention, memory and problem solving all of which are not necessarily desirable when you want the kids to go to sleep so you can get on with your life.]
3. Choosing when and how to depart: My mind naturally wanders and so departing the text is a knee-jerk reaction for me. My advice here is to relax and as you come across an illustration with interesting detail, or text that reminds you of something your child can relate to and have fun talking about, depart! You can depart with word definitions too, but they are not nearly as fun as departing with rich detail or something to think about. Berkeley Breathed books are rife with detail in the illustrations and these were favorite 'departing' books in my family.
4.Departing doesn't just mean talking. While "departing the text" often means talking about something interesting, it doesn't have to be. It could involve singing, dancing, and banging out a beat. It always involves brainstorming and creativity.
Examples of singing and dancing:
4. Frequency of Departures: This is totally your call. It will depend on how much time you have for reading and departing. It also depends on how long your child can sit. Know, however, that the more you do this and the longer you do it, the longer you are increasing your child's attention span and ability to sit.
5. Have fun. The main thing is to have fun enriching the reading experience and your time together.
So, please let me know how this works out for you, and let me know what your favorite read aloud books are for departing the text. Happy travels to all!
While I am not sure if "j" was joking or not, I figured it may be prudent to respond. So often we make assumptions that just aren't valid and I am always the one saying, "don't assume anything!"