It’s that time of year when most of us are in limbo. Our summer has officially begun (or has already been going for a while). We have a little time before the mad rush of autumn hits us in the face as we dive back into routine. We know that if we give up just a tiny bit of our summer to plan for the upcoming school year, we can have a year that will truly change our children for the better. Join me over the next few weeks as we intentionally plan to make this the best year yet. Today will we will begin by exploring how to teach reading and writing that will move your child’s soul.
How to Teach Reading That Will Move Your Child’s Soul
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8 ESV
The Power of Story
If you have lived long enough, you have been moved by the power of story. For many people, it comes in the form of a movie that moved us to tears. For the lucky ones, we find a great book that we cannot put down, a real page turner. All books are not created equal. We must learn to wade through basic facts and sometimes dull accounts of news, but blessed is the soul who is moved by a great book!
A Place for Twaddle
It is easy to fill up in our school days and years with simple books or whatever catches the fancy of our children. Charlotte Mason, who created the Charlotte Mason style of homeschool education, called this twaddle. Unlike Charlotte, I believe twaddle occasionally has it’s place in our lives. (Sometimes we just need to relax and laugh!)
How to Find Great Books that Will Move Your Child’s Soul
We can create lifelong readers when we immerse them in great literature. Click To TweetWe are missing out, however, if we neglect the great books that move your child’s soul (and yours!). Wouldn’t it be amazing to see your child with a book he or she couldn’t put down? As much as we hate to see our babies cry, what if they were actually moved to tears by literature? We can create lifelong readers when we immerse them in great literature. If you don’t know where to start, I highly suggest checking out this list of books broken down by grade level. Also check out The Read Aloud Revival by Sarah Mackenzie for an ever growing list of quality literature that will help you connect with your kids.
The most moving stories are often the ones that are true. I suggest reading the Christian Heroes Then and Now series. Kim Sorgius of Not Consumed has also written a fantastic study to go along with 12 of the books in this series, To Every Nation: A Study of 12 Missionaries and Their Great God. Your heart for the nations will be challenged!
Deeper Thought and Reflection
When you find great books, make a list of them. Talk about them as a family. Extend the experience by doing something inspired from the book.
For a slightly more traditional spin on responding to literature mixed with a bit of soul-searching, I highly recommend this Reading Journal: Homeschool Elementary Reading Curriculum, also by Kim Sorgius. She designed the Reading Journal as a reading curriculum that could be used with any books. Traditional concepts such as analyzing characters, plot, and author’s purpose are covered, but these aren’t your traditional graphic organizers. The Reading Journal is full of soul-searching questions such as:
- Do the facts in the story line up with God’s word?
- If you could meet the main character, what would you tell him/her about God? Or how would you encourage their faith?
- List a wise choice in the story. Defend your answer with a Bible verse.
- What evidence shows if the character would be a good influence on you?
How to Teach Writing That Will Move Your Child’s Soul
Writing is one of the best ways for a child to reflect on what they believe and why. Click To TweetWhoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38 ESV
Writing is one of the best ways for a child to reflect on what they believe and why. Imagine what will flow from their pencils! Here are a few writing activities you can give your children that will cause them to ponder their beliefs:
- Respond in writing to a great book. Talk about what you liked or didn’t like. How it made you feel or what you would have done differently. List what lessons you learned from the book.
- Write letters of thanks and appreciation or encouragement.
- Write songs or poems of praise.
- Keep a Bible journal. Write about how God is speaking to you.
One of the best writing resources we discovered last year was Apologia’s new writing course, Writers in Residence. At the beginning of each unit, they interviewed a Christian writer. It intertwined their faith and their work, which was referred back to as examples throughout the units.
Homeschool Intentionally with a Plan to Move Your Child Closer to God
Everything we teach can impact our children and their worldview. If you want to give your child a Biblical worldview, prayerfully consider how you will teach reading, writing, and everything. I love the Classical Conversations motto, “The goal of education is ‘To Know Him and to Make Him Known.”
How does reading and writing reflect Christ in your home? What books have most moved you?
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Lisle says
I love this! Though I do not have kids, I was raised being surrounded by books and literacy opportunities. Now as an adult I love reading! Especially the Word!
admin says
I love to read too. There isn’t as much time, so I have finally taught myself that if a book isn’t good, it’s okay to stop reading it or skip to the end!
Erin says
When my son was a little younger, he fell in love with the book Giraffes Can’t Dance. Well, when we got to the part where the giraffe suddenly felt the music and simply could not stop moving, it occurred to me that this would be a great story to draw him into King David dancing. I could not agree with you more! We need to nurture our children’s passions, figure out why they are drawn to certain stories, shows, etc. God can use everyone of these things.
Erin recently posted…It’s time: Put your big boy britches on!
admin says
I love the idea of connecting those 2 stories!
Katie says
LOVE these thoughts! My children are very young but as we begin our homeschool journey it is my deep desire that everything we do would move their hearts toward Christ. Thank you for your insights!
admin says
Best of luck as you begin your homeschool journey!
Heather Hart says
These look like some great options. Thanks for sharing.
Heather Hart recently posted…The Beautiful Chaos of Summer
Megan says
I appreciate the link to books by age. My seven-year-old loves to read and I want her to read books that benefit her. We are currently working our way through the Little House on the Prairie books together. I can’t wait to go through The Chronicles of Narnia with her!
admin says
We did Chronicles of Narnia last year. I’m looking forward to the Little House books this year!
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard says
I overheard my daughter talking to her friend about reading, and she said, “Reading is great because I can have all sorts of adventures in them.” Between that and her desire for her Bible I’m just thrilled to see her walking down a great path. And this journaling and reading idea seems like a great way to encourage both things.
Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard recently posted…Beating Body Image Issues: Compared to Who?
Marissa says
Tara, I love your heart for educating your children – it is about teaching them while reaching their souls – that is what brings their desire to learn to life. I just love this. I keep a book journal and my older two are loving starting theirs… it’s such fun to see their interests develop.
Stacy Sitarski says
Thank you for this! I like the idea of using a reading journal. Also, I am going to order some of those books you mentioned. My oldest will enjoy them. 🙂
admin says
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I hope you enjoy the books as well!
Scott LaPierre says
Hi Tara,
Great post! As Christians, what’s the reason we teach our children academics? It’s not just so they can get great jobs and make lots of money. It’s not even just so they can contribute well to society. Yes, that’s important, but our desire has to be more than that. We have to want them to be able to learn about God, develop a love for Him, etc. As you said, “So their souls are moved.”
Scott LaPierre recently posted…How can a wife give her husband accountability?
LauraOinAK says
I am all for a little twaddle. I call it brain candy. It isn’t that great books do not provide a good experience. But, rather, some are ‘heavier’ than you might like especially in the summer.
LauraOinAK recently posted…Car Buying Tips for Families
Nancy says
As an educator, reading for fun and comprehension is extremely important for kids! I find such a difference in the children who enjoy reading during their spare time. Definitely higher achievement and a further understanding of the world around them. You’re doing a great job!
admin says
Thanks, Nancy!
Rosemerry says
I love Charlotte Mason. I love the way you can relax a little and enjoy the Twaddle.:)
Great post. I am glad you are enjoying Charlotte Mason.
Rosemerry recently posted…6 APPS PARENTS NEED TO BE AWARE OF!