May the Force Be With You

Today I stumbled on the secret to getting my 7 year old to read. This week is spring break at his school and we had no where in particular to be or go so I thought I'd make this an Family Adventure Week. I suppose I think by giving it a title it appears more fun than perhaps it is, but my plan is best described by the things we will do; short day trips, movies, bike rides...bascially fun outtings that don't cost a lot. Monday was a drive to the grandparents farm where they could run free with the dogs, climb hay bails to catch the cats, and pet the horses, or "forces" as Emily refers to them. Tuesday we rode our bikes to Noah's school where we met some friends to run, slide, hang, climb and swing on the playground. Today was a trip to the library to find some new books. This is where our experience in reading reached new excitement. While I was reading "Yertle the Turtle" for the 2nd time, Noah overheard a librarian giving a tour point out where the Star Wars book series was located for young readers. Before I knew it he was off toward the other side of the room and swiped up 4 books yelling "Mom, Mom look what I found!!!" The librarian at the reference desk, who is just about the shortest adult I have ever seen gave us a withering stare. Oops, sorry but I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS CHILD SO EXCITED ABOUT READING IN MY LIFE. It was a huge moment, not just for him but for me. I acted so nonchalant but inside I was as happy as he appeared. While he enjoys reading, I havent been able to excite him about a book series or any one story in particular. He has to read for 30 minutes a day - our house rule- and while he goes along with it, he is always watching the clock, counting down his time. But something amazing happened.
He sat down immediately and began reading.
He read while I checked out the books,
he read in the car on the way home,
he read while he ate his lunch and he is reading again!
Yeah, Star Wars. Thank you thank you George Lucas for knowing what my son likes. ......................and here comes Emily, again, yelling at me to get off the computer! UGH!