"Mrs. Rachel Lynde lived just outside where the Avonlea main road dipped down into a little hollow, fringed with Alders and Ladies' Eardrops and traversed by a brook that had its source away back in the woods of the old Cuthbert place; it was reputed to be an intricate, headlong brook in its earlier course through those woods, with dark secrets of pool and cascade; but by the time it reached Lynde's Hollow, it was a quiet, well-conducted little stream, for not even a brook could run past Mrs. Rachel Lynde's door without due regard for decency and decorum; it probably was conscious that Mrs. Rachel was sitting at her window, keeping a sharp eye on everything that passed, from brooks and children up, and that if she noticed anything odd or out of place she would never rest until she had ferreted out the whys and wherfores thereof," (Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, opening paragraph)
From the moment we read this paragraph, we are hooked! To the little town of Avonlea we go, across the Lake of Shining Waters, greeting beloved folk, especially the inhabitants of Green Gables. Literature takes us to delightful places such as Prince Edward Island.
All people in all places around the world love stories. It must be because our Creator is the Master Storyteller and we live in anticipation of His final climax: His Glorious Return and the final destruction of our enemy and all those in his bondage. As we gather together with extended family, there are always stories, "I remember when I met your mother..." "The first time he ever..." "When I was your age...." Once we hear the beginning of a good story, we are hooked, wanting to hear the rest of the tale.
We teach our children to read so that they can read the Bible, drawing closer to their Savior and Redeemer, Jesus. That is the most important reason. We also want them to read to learn. They will read all kinds of writing that brings knowledge and information. There is a third reason we teach our children to read: we give them a passport. This passport can take them on any adventure they would like to embark on, to places where they can meet people they've dreamed of meeting, or to any place in the entire world, real or imaginary.
When children are young, teach them to value reading as a treat and privilege--something they look forward to! If your child is always having to write a book report or read books he doesn't like, reading may not be a great joy in his life. If television is always on, he will most likely choose it because watching television is a passive activity that requires no mental exertion! Remove the computer and the television as competitors by limiting their use. You might have television-free and computer-free hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
All people in all places around the world love stories. It must be because our Creator is the Master Storyteller and we live in anticipation of His final climax: His Glorious Return and the final destruction of our enemy and all those in his bondage. As we gather together with extended family, there are always stories, "I remember when I met your mother..." "The first time he ever..." "When I was your age...." Once we hear the beginning of a good story, we are hooked, wanting to hear the rest of the tale.
We teach our children to read so that they can read the Bible, drawing closer to their Savior and Redeemer, Jesus. That is the most important reason. We also want them to read to learn. They will read all kinds of writing that brings knowledge and information. There is a third reason we teach our children to read: we give them a passport. This passport can take them on any adventure they would like to embark on, to places where they can meet people they've dreamed of meeting, or to any place in the entire world, real or imaginary.
When children are young, teach them to value reading as a treat and privilege--something they look forward to! If your child is always having to write a book report or read books he doesn't like, reading may not be a great joy in his life. If television is always on, he will most likely choose it because watching television is a passive activity that requires no mental exertion! Remove the computer and the television as competitors by limiting their use. You might have television-free and computer-free hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Give children books to read that interest and excite them. Has your son read Treasure Island or The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood? Has your daughter read Anne of Green Gables or any of the Elsie books? Clue in to which movies your child enjoys and look for books in similar genres. Give books as presents, communicating that books are special.
Don't make your child write book reports when he/she is young any more than once a year. Instead talk about the books your young child reads and keep talking with them when they are older Let your conversations age with your child so that by the time he/she is in middle school, you are actually analyzing literature in your conversations.
Literature, like music, paintings, sculpture, and ballet, is a work of art. All the elements of art can be found in literature with different names. Just as there is line in art, there is a plot line in literature. But, be careful not to analyze literature by picking apart the various elements As in works of art, literature should be enjoyed and analyzed as a whole. The whole book is more than the sum of its parts (plot, setting, characterization, point of view, theme, tone, style). Begin literature analysis by talking about the emotions felt while reading a book. Talking is better than writing, though in high school children should write about literature too.
Talk about literature with your children.Do they like the book? Why? Who was their favorite character? Why? Would they have given it a different ending? Were they scared? Do they wish they could meet the characters in the book? Who would they want to hang out with? Would they have been so brave?
Give children classic books to read. These are the books of literary and moral excellence. Surviving the test, these books have been enjoyed by generations of children. I have booklists on my website that you are welcome to use download and use, Lighthouse Reading Lists. Realize that books have been "dumbed down" in the last 100 years, so look for older books that will stretch reading abilities. One place to get older books is Salem Ridge Press, whose goal is to bring back wholesome children's books from the 1800's and early 1900's. Another place I get classic books is Dover Publications, who sells classic books in expensively, but be careful because they offer everything, not just wholesome books.
Don't make your child write book reports when he/she is young any more than once a year. Instead talk about the books your young child reads and keep talking with them when they are older Let your conversations age with your child so that by the time he/she is in middle school, you are actually analyzing literature in your conversations.
Literature, like music, paintings, sculpture, and ballet, is a work of art. All the elements of art can be found in literature with different names. Just as there is line in art, there is a plot line in literature. But, be careful not to analyze literature by picking apart the various elements As in works of art, literature should be enjoyed and analyzed as a whole. The whole book is more than the sum of its parts (plot, setting, characterization, point of view, theme, tone, style). Begin literature analysis by talking about the emotions felt while reading a book. Talking is better than writing, though in high school children should write about literature too.
Talk about literature with your children.Do they like the book? Why? Who was their favorite character? Why? Would they have given it a different ending? Were they scared? Do they wish they could meet the characters in the book? Who would they want to hang out with? Would they have been so brave?
Give children classic books to read. These are the books of literary and moral excellence. Surviving the test, these books have been enjoyed by generations of children. I have booklists on my website that you are welcome to use download and use, Lighthouse Reading Lists. Realize that books have been "dumbed down" in the last 100 years, so look for older books that will stretch reading abilities. One place to get older books is Salem Ridge Press, whose goal is to bring back wholesome children's books from the 1800's and early 1900's. Another place I get classic books is Dover Publications, who sells classic books in expensively, but be careful because they offer everything, not just wholesome books.
Above all, read aloud! There is nothing better to instill a love of literature than reading aloud Cuddle up and begin a good book. It couldn't hurt to pop some popcorn or make some cookies for children to munch on while they listen. Some great books to read aloud are Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Wyss, Brave the Wild Trail by Milly Howard, and Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge.
One thing that we enjoy are book clubs with other homeschooling families. Once a month we meet, enjoy yummy snacks, and discuss a book that we've all read. Moms and children all read the book. Not only has it been fun, but the children are learning more about literature than ever before as we discuss the book together.
Maybe you haven't read good literature and you feel overwhelmed. Relax! There are lots of great books out there. Grab my list or someone else's and go on a book hunt at used books store and the public library. Just start reading aloud with your children.
When homeschooling moms tell me that they have trouble teaching their children, I suggest that they (the moms!) read good literature. Whenever a mom has followed my suggestions, her ability to homeschool and her enjoyment of homeschooling improves dramatically. Along with studying the Bible, reading good literature affects all areas of academic pursuit.
Read, read, read good literature that will satisfy your soul and glorify God!
If you are looking for practical advice about homeschooling, you will love Joyful and Successful Homeschooling available at Amazon. The E-book is available at PayHip and Currclick. Full of tips, practical wisdom, and family stories from a family that's been homeschooling since 1991, Joyful and Successful Homeschooling has been a blessing to many homeschooling families with help on management, how to teach, educational philosophies, family dynamics, learning styles, how to keep your home running smoothly, and help to teach each subject with curriculum suggestions.
For the Joy Set Before Us!
Merey
(Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
One thing that we enjoy are book clubs with other homeschooling families. Once a month we meet, enjoy yummy snacks, and discuss a book that we've all read. Moms and children all read the book. Not only has it been fun, but the children are learning more about literature than ever before as we discuss the book together.
Maybe you haven't read good literature and you feel overwhelmed. Relax! There are lots of great books out there. Grab my list or someone else's and go on a book hunt at used books store and the public library. Just start reading aloud with your children.
When homeschooling moms tell me that they have trouble teaching their children, I suggest that they (the moms!) read good literature. Whenever a mom has followed my suggestions, her ability to homeschool and her enjoyment of homeschooling improves dramatically. Along with studying the Bible, reading good literature affects all areas of academic pursuit.
Read, read, read good literature that will satisfy your soul and glorify God!
If you are looking for practical advice about homeschooling, you will love Joyful and Successful Homeschooling available at Amazon. The E-book is available at PayHip and Currclick. Full of tips, practical wisdom, and family stories from a family that's been homeschooling since 1991, Joyful and Successful Homeschooling has been a blessing to many homeschooling families with help on management, how to teach, educational philosophies, family dynamics, learning styles, how to keep your home running smoothly, and help to teach each subject with curriculum suggestions.
For the Joy Set Before Us!
Merey
(Meredith Ludwig Curtis)
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