Q&A: Reading to young children
I was wondering if you could describe how you choose books to read to your daughters. I have a 3 year old daughter and I'd love to read something more substantial to her than simplified Bible stories and the plethora of little board books we seem to have accumulated. My daughter is very bright but extremely busy (and scatterbrained sometimes), and I don't want to read too far above her level - I don't think she'd pay attention for long. I love reading and have some favorites stories from my childhood that I am aching to introduce to her, but I don't want to go too fast before she's ready. Any suggestions? Thanks so much! -Mrs. HGreat question, Mrs. H! I've talked about reading to our girls a lot on here, but I don't think I've ever mentioned just exactly *how* we do that, especially when it comes to reading books that are "above their level."
I'm a big fan of reading good, wholesome, character-building books to your children, even when your children are quite young. My mom spent hours reading to us growing up and I will forever be grateful for the hundreds of Godly people whose lives we were introduced to by reading biographies of them and the fascinating history lessons which came alive through the pages of so many of those books.
I believe there is no such thing as a child who is "too young" to be read to. With this in mind, we started reading to both of our girls in the womb. After they were born, I found having a nursing baby affords much reading time, as well, and so I have two nursing times designated for reading.
When Kathrynne was first born, we read through the original reprinted volume of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress during a couple of nursing times a day. It had been a long time since I had read through it and I was so challenged and inspired and encouraged by doing so. I realized the benefits of reading aloud are not just for my children, but for me, too!
When Kathrynne was old enough to sit up and look at books, we got her a number of high quality board books and picture books - not the silly, goofy, meaningless kind, but books she can actually learn something from. Books about numbers and letters. Books about animals. Books with real photographs or realistic pictures. I know a lot of people like fluffy books like Dr. Seuss and yes, I admit that those are fun to read, but if I'm going to take the time to read to my child, I want them to be learning wholesome and beneficial things from it, not just picking up on made-up, unrealistic phrases and pictures. (And yes, I know many will disagree with me on that, this is just what we've chosen for our family.)
We try to read a variety of books on a variety of levels. We often read picture books with fewer words. When I read those to Kathrynne, she sits next to me, looks at the pictures, and often follows along with the words (a great and simple way to introduce your children to letters, words, and reading!). When I read books a bit above her level - like the David Livingstone biography we are currently reading - I do not require her to sit next to me. All I require is that she be in the same room and be quiet. She often will be playing with Legos or drawing. I've found that she doesn't need to be sitting right next to me still as a mouse to be listening and grasping some of what we are reading. In fact, while I'm reading and she's quietly playing, she often stops me to ask me a question about what I'm reading or to clarify something or to mention something related to what I am reading. I know that she is at least partially listening.
I've read in some books that allowing your children to be busy with their hands while you read actually helps them to listen better. I know that when my mom used to read to us, I almost always had handwork or something to do with my hands while she read. It seemed that if my hands were busy, my mind could concentrate more.
I guess my philosophy is that I want to stretch her mind through reading, but I also want reading to be enjoyable. That's why we read a wide variety of books and that's why I let her play while I read the books which are above her level.
Another excellent time to read to your children is when they are sitting at the table eating. My mom used to read to us for at least 30 minutes at lunch everyday. I've incorporated this into our home by having breakfast time be Bible time. I'll eat something quickly myself and then spend the next 15 minutes while Kathrynne is eating reading a chapter from the Bible to her.
As always, when starting something new like this, keep it simple and start out slowly. Having a set time for reading in our schedule really is the key for me to seeing that it happens. Maybe try five minutes of picture books a day, five minutes of Bible reading, and five minutes of reading a more difficult book while your daughter is playing? Gradually work up from there as your daughter learns to have a longer attention span. Make it exciting and enjoyable for her; engage her in the process. Stop and explain things, ask her questions about what you've read, and bring up applicable things from what you've read at different times during the day. More than anything, though, enjoy reading with your daughter and she'll soon learn to enjoy and look forward to it, too!
Graphic from Art.com.
posted by Crystal Paine at 7:08 AM
34 Comments:
Actually, there is quite a lot of profit from Dr. Seuss books and similar titles. The rhymes and repetition help children learn the rhythm and cadence of speech. For early readers these books are also important because, again, they emphasize repetition and simple words and phrases. The Cat in the Hat has 50-some pages, but only uses about 200 or so words.
The black and white illustrations in many of his books are just what young babies (Kaitlyn's age) need to help their eyesight develop.
Now you could make the argument that certain titles are not as "wholesome" as you may like. In The Cat in the Hat, the children let a stranger in their house and make a huge mess while their mother is out. The voice of reason (the fish) is ignored. On the other hand, Horton Hears a Who has quite a pro-life message. The Lorax has an environmental consersvation message.
I'd like to recommend a few books that might be of a help....my children when they were young loved the Winnie The Pooh learning sets. We have two sets of them and there are about 20 or so in each one. They are good sized books with great colorful pictures and they are all focussed on learning...mostly science. I found my sets at Target. They are about 10x10 sized and thin with a hard back.
Some really good books for little ones that are Christian based are:
The Jesus Storybook Bible -Every Story Whispers His Name
Read Aloud Bible Story Set (1-4) by Ella Lindvall -this set is excellent for young children.
We've also enjoyed the Five Minute Devotions For Children- Celebrating God's World as a Family and More Five Minute Devotions For Children- Celebrating God's World as a Family. These are both little devotionals based on truths about animals. My kids even older now, still love these books.
I also recommend Elizabeth George's books for little girls and one for little boys:
God's Wisdom for Little Girls
God's Wisdom for Little Boys
(both taken from the book of Proverbs)
There are also several books written about being God's princess and God's little hero for girls and boys. Some of those are:
for girls=
Gigi, God's Little Princess
Gigi, The Royal Tea Party
Gigi, The Pink Ballerina
His Little Princess, Treasured Letters From Your King
The True Princess
I'd Be Your Princess
A Little Book of Manners for Girls by Emilie Barnes (for 7 and up)
for boys=
I'd Be Your Hero
Will, God's Mighty Warrior
A Little Book of Manners for Boys by Bob Barnes (for 7 and up)
Once our kids were a little older (like right now they are 1st and 3rd grade) we are really enjoying for our devotional times:
Leading Little Ones to God by Marion Schooland
The Miller Family Series (divided by age- authored by Mildred A. Martin
Concord Cunningham the Scripture Slueth set by Mat Halverson (mysteries your kids have to solve using their bible...my son loves this series!)
I've also heard that the Milly-Molly-Mandy Storybook is good.
Ken Ham also has several books out for little kids, especially boys that love dinosaurs through Answers in Genesis.
All of the above can be found on Amazon.com and/or Rainbowresource.com
Hope this list is a blessing to many.
Jen
Courtney: I know people disagree with me on Dr Seuss and that's totally fine. I'm not saying it's a sin to read Dr. Seuss. :) It's just a decision we've made for our family that the books we read to our children are true-to-life and, as much as possible, with realistic pictures in them. You can do whatever you like with your children. :)
To me it's a matter of giving our children what we feel is the best for them, not just something that's okay. You are more than free to disagree.
I don't have much experience at reading to little children, but I still agree with you on the busy hands - better concentration issue. I find that when I do my crafts, I concentrate even better on inspiring audio lessons! Great way to multitask.
I have three "books about books" that I can recommend:
The Book Tree, by Elizabeth McCallum
Reading with Babies, Toddlers, and Twos, by Susan Straub
Honey for a Child's Heart, by Gladys Hunt
These books have LISTS of books catagorized by age and sometimes theme. We have had a great time ordering books from the library and reading like crazy.
I read during meals to my boys. I also use books on tape. You should see them when I put in "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom"! It's a riot! Even the baby gets excited!
For us, we read a lot of humorous stories because that is what we prefer. A friend of ours from Bible study reads almost exclusively nonfiction and 'educational' books to her children. Whatever MOM and DAD like best is what they should choose, after all they are the sources of joyful reading experiences in the home.
Crystal, I cannot picture you hunkered down with romance novels or pithy mysteries therefore you probably won't read pithy things to the girls. Just don't be surprised if their silliness-gene kicks in nonetheless and they start requesting goofy things... just as my boys are now requesting books about trucks, bugs, and trains, despite my best efforts to Dr. Seuss them! LOL
Another goofy thing that we have enjoyed is reading a bit of the Bible each day and acting it out. Most children's Bible story books are too cheesy even for my taste but we have enjoyed a beginning reader's Bible from Karyn Henley. Each passage is long enough to maintain interest but not so long as to drag. My 2 year old and 4 year old sons 'act out' what we read each day. Imagine how proud I was when we saw a snake outside and Ozzie said "Mommy, if I was Moses I could throw down that snake and he'd be a stick". But then again, I hear, "Mommmmm, Aaron (10 months) won't stay still enough to be Jonah. We're whales and we want to eat him again"
Sorry this is long. We're a booky
family and lovin' it!
Katie in Ohio
I'd recommend "Big Picture Story Bible" by David Helm. I wrote a review here http://dinghome.net/2007/08/13/book-review-the-big-picture-story-bible/
Crystal,
Would you please comment on Fairy Tales. I am assuming that you do not read them to your girls. What is your opinion on stories that have make believe witches? I am not trying to start a controversy, just very curious. I would truly like to know your bibical take on this. Thanks.
What about Harry Potter? &
The Lion, the Witch and the
Wardrobe?
Anonymous: For a long and interesting discussion on the subject, here's a past post:
http://www.biblicalwomanhood.com/2005/12/narnia-better-or-best.html
(Or try this link:
http://tinyurl.com/2kyyge
if that doesn't work)
I'm not totally opposed to reading *all* fiction myself or to my children (the allegories - Hind's Feet on High Places and Pilgrim's Progress - are two books which have had a profound impact on my life), but I would be very, very cautious - especially with young impressionable minds.
Hello there! Just wanted to put my two sense in...I LOVE to read to my children, and we do it daily, several times a day as well. To me, it is all about character building and instilling Christ like qualities while you read to children. On that front, I read a lot of missionary stories to my children. This is where our Geography studies bounce off of. I HIGHLY recommend Rolland & Heidi Baker There Is Always Enough. Some content may not be ok for little ones because it is graphic, but the power of God is so real, I believe everyone should read this book! Also their ministry is here and now, so I believe it has helped my children to see that the power of God is still at work today and not just "back then". You can also write and donate to them and follow their journey through their website. My children are 12 and 8 that listen to this story. For anyone looking for great wholesome books, I purchase from Good Things For Your Family http://www.keepersofthefaith.com/Catalog/BookandMusicIndex.asp They have very high standards and I have never been dissapointed in their products. Also more expensive but you can find them used are Lamplighter books. We have been careful in our home that our reading material is in line with the Scripture "Whatever is TRUE, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, think on these things." If reading material does not line up with that, then we will not read it.
Also a word on superheroes, we believe that the Bible has provided true living examples of heroes who fought for God with the power of God, so we choose not to allow our children to have superheros or cartoon characters as role models. Just thought I would throw that in there.
Stephanie G
Thanks for the idea, Crystal, of reading the Bible to children while they are eating. While my son is eating, I often just spend that time surfing the internet since my laptop is in the kitchen next to his highchair, but I would rather use that time for something more profitable!
I have been following your blog sometime. I appreciate your heart for women and for God. While I'm not always sure if I can agree with everything. I always see your amazing heart and biblical understand behind what you believe.
Oh, if you're looking for more true-to-life stories and picures, I can agree. I just objected to the way you implied there is "no profit" to reading Suess or others which is not true. Books like that are written with children's development in mind, though there are other authors that do the same thing in a more "realistic" way.
You can read poetry and rhyming that isn't quite as non-sensical, and obviously children will learn about rhythm and speech from that too.
I also happen to find Suess and Boynton (whose illustrations are deinitely fanciful) as important as DK titles or whatnot. Sometimes reading can just be silly and fun, and that's something I want to promote too. :-) If they can learn and allow their imaginations to expand into the purely fantastical, then I'm all for it!
As a Chilren's Librarian, all I wanted to point out to your readers is that Dr. Seuss and similar authors aren't solely just fun and games. They were written specifically for early and emergent readers.
Dear Crystal,
Neither of your links worked. I
used to like Narnia but I heard on a radio program that there is really no difference between that and Harry Potter (which of course is bad).
I would like to comment on Jen's comment. I would just like to say that we shouldn't tell our daughters that they are princesses.
That is a bit to much like the self-esteem movement.
I think telling our daughters they are princesses is a GOOD thing! If God is the King of Kings and He is our Heavenly Father, and we are His daughters then why not look at ourselves as princesses?
Before I was saved, as a freshman in college I was elected to a "court" (kind of like Homecoming), and was a Princess. This of course was a very worldly thing. After becoming a Christian, I have often thought about the fact that, although I was a princess in college, it meant absolutely NOTHING, but as a child of the King, the new meaning of being a princess means everything!
Just my opinion!
Carla
"if I'm going to take the time to read to my child, I want them to be learning wholesome and beneficial things from it, not just picking up on made-up, unrealistic phrases and pictures."
Crystal, I admire how strongly you feel about reading to your children -- if only more parents did! -- and certainly respect your right to choose what you think best for your family, just as we all do.
I do question the seeming implication in the above quoted statement that fiction is *not* wholesome or beneficial; perhaps it is possible to explain why you strongly favor certain kinds of reading for your family -- which you nicely did at some length -- without (perhaps inadvertently) condemning the choices of others? You did state you knew others would disagree and this was a personal choice, but I was perplexed by the section I quoted above.
Since the topic is open for discussion, I do want to add on to Courtney's suggestion that children benefit from fiction (rhyming, eyesight, developing imagination, etc.), with the thought that one of the benefits of exposing your children to fiction is that they will learn from you -- by your example -- how to select and appreciate quality stories, just as they are learning so much from the non-fiction reading which you're being so diligent in exposing them to. I'd add that many children's fiction books also have beautiful artwork which can enrich young minds.
(On a non-fiction level, you might like the board books which feature the works of artists like Monet...)
I don't really mean to convince you to take another path with your own family, just perhaps to suggest that there is more to the issue to consider, at least in terms of how you "framed" your choice in this one paragraph?
As always, thank you for an interesting discussion! I don't comment often but I visit regularly, as I know I'll always find thought-provoking topics.
Best wishes,
Laura
We read A LOT too. No t.v. so what else is a family to do? LOL! I really like this bible for my four year old, "Egermeier's Bible Story Book". It is not watered down at all. And only a picture every few pages. The are pretty pictures too. Not cartoons. The other book we are currently reading (besides all the little story books that cover the coffee table) is Great Truths for Little Children. It is wonderful! I highly recommend Grace&Truth books. They were written a while ago so language is a bit different, but the simple way they hand out BIG TRUTH is great! This particular book is about a father talking to his children about God. I can't say enough good things about it. We read before nap everyday and before bed every night. For the original email you recieved, I would say don't focus so much on what is age "appropriate". Even if it is just a paragraph or two at a time, you can start reading above "level" any time. My son would get bored with the little board books. Her three year might be too! I am often amazed by how much they understand. We have read to them from day one and it is so great to see their love for books! A friend who teaches in the PS system said I would be amazed by how many kids come in to kindergarten and don't even know which way to turn the pages on a book! So sad!!
P.S. I did want to add that I noticed in a recent photo that Kathrynne was holding a library copy of one of Lois Lenski's books on the seasons...they are wonderful books! A great combination of fiction (with simple incidents to which children relate), pretty artwork, and education -- we have the entire set of seasons and they are much-loved. Lois Lenski is one of my favorite children's illustrators and authors. She illustrated the marvelous BETSY-TACY books by Maud Hart Lovelace (which are loosely based on Lovelace's life) and herself wrote and illustrated a large number of "regional" books which use fictional stories to teach children about life in different parts of the country; the titles include STRAWBERRY GIRL, SHOO-FLY GIRL, HOUSEBOAT GIRL, and the like. Just in case you're not familiar with Lenski and ever want to explore her work further...
Best wishes again,
Laura (whose love of "kidlit" is showing...)
Laura: When people ask what we do in our home, I am just sharing just that - what we do in our home. As I said earlier, we personally do not feel that silly, goofy fiction - what I would term Dr. Seuss and other similar books - is as wholesome as many other things out there for our children and that's why we've chosen not to have it in our home. I'm not condemning anyone, just stating what we believe and what we do in our home. If you disagree, that's your call for your family and your home. As someone else mentioned, I encourage you to consider what you place before their children in light of Philippians 4:8. Being a parent is such a great responsibility and we always need to be cautious and careful as to what sort of "diet" we are feeding our children with.
"Being a parent is such a great responsibility and we always need to be cautious and careful as to what sort of 'diet' we are feeding our children with."
On that we agree, even if we don't agree about what constitutes a wholesome, beneficial diet. :)
Best wishes,
Laura
Laura, again : We really like Lois Lenski - her books are realistic (well, at least for what life was like 50 or 70 years ago!) and true-to-life. They are fun but also educational and show great working family relationships. I grew up on Lois Lenski and so that is probably one reason I'm especially fond of them! :) But I think those books are a great example of wholesome fiction - or at least what we would consider "wholesome fiction."
"I think those books are a great example of wholesome fiction - or at least what we would consider 'wholesome fiction.'"
We certainly agree there, even if we disagree about the merits of something like GREEN EGGS AND HAM. :) I'm glad to know that you have also enjoyed Lenski's work. I painstakingly collected used copies for my children as some titles were getting hard to find in libraries.
Carolyn Haywood is another favorite...simple, heartwarming stories and positive family relationships.
If you're not familiar with them, "realistic" young children's fiction along the same lines are Eloise Wilkin's Little Golden Books such as WE HELP MOMMY and WE HELP DADDY -- I know you take great interest in training Kathrynne to be a household helper and these books are such great examples to chldren! And they feature beautiful art that conveys home is a wonderful place to be.
Best wishes,
Laura
Carla, in teaching your daughters that they are princesses do you tell them that they are SO special and that they deserve God's love. If so I would like to here the Bible verse that supports that.
I love to read, growing up with a mom who read aloud to me really helped, but she did read me fiction...... I read all kinds of books, non-fiction, fiction, and love the true to life, wholesome books. I love to read old fiction books from the early 1900's.
I struggle with reading aloud though, I think it is because I am sort of a speed reader and it is so hard for me to slow my words down when reading aloud, my eyes just want to zoom! So, I have gotten alot of the books way above my children's reading level and let them listen to them on audio tapes. They love when anyone reads to them aloud, and since I am only doing my best with what I have, I am trusting the Lord for the rest.
Crystal,
Not that you need encouragement to keep on doing what you are doing in the way of what you are reading to your girls. So I offer this as just a little tid bit from our family. We have let our four year old pick his own books from the library (of course we check to make sure it is "ok" in so far as nothing evil). But by doing this we now have a child who doesn't like to read the Bible. He says it is boring and he wants his "regular" stories. From now on we are going to be reducing "regular" books to those that teach him about being godly, God's creation or the like!
There is NO Bible verse that says that we deserve God's love. So, no I would never teach that. Just the opposite, we teach there is nothing inherently good in us, and we are saved by God's grace alone. Of course , coming to the point that we agree and understand that we are indeed sinners, and fall short of His glory. That is why Jesus had to die on the cross to take the penalty for our sins Thus having to receive Him as personal Saviour.
Just so you will know where I am coming from,( not that I HAVE to explain myself any further); my mother was raped and that is how I was conceived. I never felt I was supposed to *BE*. I did not grow up in a Christian home. I struggled with my self worth. After accepting Christ, and studying the Bible, I came to realize that YES, God does have a plan for my life. He was there when I was born, loving me with an unconditional love. I want all of my children to know how special they are in God's sight. He is King of the universe & ABBA, Father . That is why I feel it is okay to use the word princess. We are special in His sight! I also use daughter of the king, God's child, etc. I would never compromise the Truth, however, as I feel you may have been accusing me of. Hopefully that will let you know where I am coming from. You may disagree, and that is okay. We don't all agree on everything! God bless you! (I guess we got a little off the topic of books, hopefully that is okay.)
Carla
Carla, I am glad that you don't believe that. I am sorry if I seemed to be accusing you, it's just that most people who believe that we are princesses believe that we deserve God's love
Carla, I also want to say that we need to careful of our terminoligy and that sometimes we need to clarify. I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree.
I have to agree with you, Crystal concerning the artwork in a lot of children's literature-especially the modern stuff.I find a lot of it down-right ugly,or on the other hand, very mystical & new-agey looking.I'm pretty fussy myself.especially when it comes to the public library.
Apart from good Christian books,I look for pictures to extol the virtues of home & family & I second the recommendation of Eloise Wilkin Little Golden Books.We look for the really old ones- from 1970 back-at garage sales.We also like classic children's stuff like Beatrix Potter & original Pooh.
Claire
Just to clarify for soulsforchrist7, the princess books are not what you think. It shows you've never read them. In the story of the True Princess as an example, she is lowered and humbled to that of a servant and is recognized by the king because of it. She is stripped of everything deserving of a princess. The other stories as well show a little girl Gigi coming to the realization that she is NOT a princess in their world's sense of the word but in God's eyes as His creation. I'm totally against the self-esteem movement and I resent that you would comment on something you are unfamiliar with and assume that I'm suggesting we tell our daughters they are princesses deserving anything other than hell until they've been redeemed by the King.
Again, I had hoped to only share some resources to be a blessing. Like Crystal, I have a passion for books as a home school mom and our church librian. I don't take researching my books lightly. Not all of the books I listed were ment to be doctrinal statements but rather wholesome, Christian based, fun books to nurture and enrich children's lives. That's all.
Jen
Crystal,
This is not meant to antagonize in any way, but after this discussion yesterday, I was sitting staring at one of our bookshelves of children's books. I was looking at my top shelf where I have my collection of Caldecott winners, and I wondered if you've looked at David Wiener's books for the girls. I think you'd like them because the illustrations are prtety realistic, BUT the stories are total fantasy. Many of his books are wordless and Tuesday (a Caldecott winner from 1992) is about a Tuesday evening when all the frogs take flight from their lily pads. Obviously fantasy, but the illustrations are incredible! He has several other wordless books with the same high-quality illustrations: Sector 7, Flotsam (this year's winner). I always liked using them while teaching because of the chance for the kids to really go in so many different directions trying to interpret the illustrations and figure out the story the author/illustrator is trying to tell.
Thinking quickly, I don't think there's anything in most (one does have a story that involves aliens, but in a "they're not real" not a "they're out there" way) that Christians could find offensive (or at least I never did), but like I said they are definitely fiction and fantasy.
Chris Van Allsburg is another illustrator I'd say falls into the above category: Jumanji, The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, The Polar Express (I cry EVERYTIME!), etc.
If you haven't looked at them, take a peak next time you're at the library; I'd love to know what you think.
I also wondered if you thought you might ever find use for books like those mentioned above or Seuss in your homeschooling path. They are great examples of different art forms and drawing styles! That has nothing to do with this discussion, but here's a website that you might like, I think. I like to help kids learn about the different materials and styles used in picture books. Based on what you've said about Kathrynne, I think she would pick up on that soo quickly!
http://picturingbooks.imaginarylands.org/
Just depends on each individual family's goals for Christian education, though! I guess I see all kinds of literature at the center of our lives and home. Starting from the Bible and radiating outward...
Jen, I am sorry that I seemed to be
accusing but it's just that when I hear someone say something about princesses I think of the self-esteem movement. I humbly except your rebuke. I am glad that you believe what you expressed and I agree with you exactly.
I still have all my Dr. Seuss books from 30 years ago. :)
Not that Dr. Seuss is the be-all and end-all. Kids certainly respond to Bible stories because they are inherently good stories, and things that REALLY happened are always interesting. For very young readers, Richard Scarry is fantastic "non-fiction." I vividly remember my fascination with "What Do People Do All Day?" which explained what grown ups do when they are at work. A classic!
-- Happy Feminist
Something I've noticed in almost all the back and forth about the merits of various books is an emphasis on illustrations. This is exactly what I wanted to suggest--find out (at a library or bookstore) what kinds of pictures/subjects appeal to your child, and follow her lead. Of course children cannot be allowed to choose reading materials completely on their own; some parental supervision is required to make sure that the stories are suitable and meet the standards of your family.
My son, who recently turned 4, has evinced interest in firetrucks, dump trucks, dinosaurs, snakes, dragons, etc. Each new subject in turn, I have tried to use in my search for books. The sheer number of books for children practically guarantees finding something of quality, with wonderful, eye-catching, child grabbing art.
Even if your child won't sit still long enough to hear the entire story, she may sit still longer, just to see the next picture on the next page.
Post a Comment
<< Home