One of the keys to a successful education is basic reading skills.
If your child can read quickly and with good comprehension, he has an excellent chance of excelling in all subjects. As a parent, you can help assure that your child is not only a good reader, but that he loves to read.
Help your child to gain an early appreciation for good books.
This pursuit could easily begin before your child is a year old. Even tiny infants enjoy the colorful pictures in children’s books, and like to hear their parent’s voice as he reads a story. If you begin to read stories when a child is young, and are careful to make it a pleasant, family time, reading will be enjoyable for your child.
As a child grows older provide interesting and uplifting material.
As a child grows older, it is important that you maintain his good attitude toward reading by providing interesting and uplifting material. Children learn quickly, and are easily bored. As your child learns to read on his own, he will want to get more from a book than, “see Spot run.” It is crucial that the books you provide for your child to read be consistent with your Christian world view. If a book promotes some evil, either directly or indirectly, you child will become confused. As Christian parents, then, take the time to choose interesting, but biblically-based books for your children.
Do not give up your story time.
As your child grows older and learns to read on his own, do not give up your story time. You can read books together that both of you will enjoy. Your child’s reading skills will be improved, both by practice, and by the loving attention that you are showing to him.
Books for the older child.
There are many books which would be appropriate for you and your older child, ages six to twelve, to read together. Bible stories are, of course, an excellent choice. There are many others. Just as an example, Little Pilgrim’s Progress, C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, and F. H. Burnett’s A Little Princess and The Secret Garden. Check your local Christian book store, your church library, or research some books on your own in a library. We can help you as well. The effort will be well worth the time and effort as you help your child to read well and to love it!
by Dr. Paul D. Lindstrom for “There’s No Place Like Home”
Here at Christian Liberty Homeschools, we want to help you be successful. Christian Liberty Homeschools has the tools you need to be successful. Visit us at: www.homeschools.org