We can't make the preschool story time because it conflicts with my daughter's nap. So, I decided that we should take a trip down to the library. I figured it would be better to ride my bike and let the kids sit in the bike trailer. I wanted them to be able to have time to look at things in their world and for us to be able to discuss them. (I'm always looking for ways to incorporate language learning in our everyday lives.) Well, the entire way there the kids fought in the bike trailer. However, Timothy did learn the word "antagonize" - so at least we had some language learning. By the time we got the library, I was hot and aggravated. I put on a smile and told the kids that we were going to get books! Timothy was very excited. Joanna was not so eager. When we got in there, Timothy ran from book shelf to book shelf looking for any train or car on the cover of a book saying, "oh! I like this book!" Joanna, on the other hand, just pulled every DVD they owned and put it on the floor. I wasn't able to help Timothy because I was scurrying to pick up the movies and put them back. Joanna didn't really get much out of this whole experience (or so I thought). The image that I had in my head of me helping Timothy and Joanna find books, sitting on the big bean bag chairs, reading them books and laughing was definitely NOT what happened.
We left with our books, we made it back to the house with both children intact (maybe a few scratches from fighting), but then an amazing thing happened. They both went to the library bag, picked out a book, sat on the couch together (without fighting) and read their books! What's even more amazing is that they ask to go back every time we drive by the library. Even my one year old points to the building and starts laughing and getting excited saying "book!"
Sometimes language learning doesn't look good, it isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it.