As a teacher there was always a difference between teaching reading to first and second graders compared to third graders. The younger grades were learning to read whereas the older students were reading to learn. The transition could happen overnight for some students, but it was always noticeable, especially if they ENJOY reading. They become REAL readers.
Somehow, without my even realizing it, this transition happened in our house last spring. All of a sudden I found myself the parent to a child that consumed books like they were a morning snack. Books followed us in the car between appointments, and reading time at night (when it was supposed to be sleeping time) got longer and longer.
Our trip to Italy was a shining example this new passion for reading. I made a decision prior to leaving to put books for Principessa on my Kindle instead of bringing 10-20 books along with us. Which meant that MY Kindle, was no longer my Kindle because it was always being used by someone other than me.
Then of course there was A Kids’s Guide to Venice by Alberta Garini that was received as a gift, that came with us everywhere.
Pretending to be Atilla the Hun (except for the fact that I don’t think he read books about Venice)
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I suppose there are worse things than having to give up your Kindle for the benefit of a child or having to take a break as you tour the island of Torcello because your child wants to read all about it.
Also? Can we say Amazon gift cards as future gifts for a certain voracious reader to get her fix? 
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I love this! It’s one thing I really want for my kids.
Love it! I love when they start reading like that. My oldest is going into 4th grade next year and you are SO right! 3rd grade definitely was a transition grade when it comes to reading to learn vs. learning to read.
Very well said. One of your best pieces
oh thank you…so much….xoxo
I LOVE that!! Reading is the best thing ever and I hope hope hope both my boys enjoy it as much as I do!!
Hillary
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