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The Joy Of Reading Out Loud
By Administrator | April 25, 2006
Reading a story together unites parent and child in a unique way. One of the many casualties of rushed schedules and action packed lives may be good old fashioned, imagination laden times of parent- child reading books out loud.
There is something far more intimate in sharing a book over watching a movie. A book can be “paused” with less frustration. The slower pace of a book allows for great discussion. (Though I acknowledge my children would whine if I tried to ask a question or pause during an exciting part of a book!)
Many parents (though surprisingly not as many as a few years ago) understand the importance of reading to their children in the early years. But once a child can read for themselves a good number of parents cease to read to their children. These parents miss out on a wonderful bonding experience. Even junior high and high school children can have fun reading out loud. When the Junie B. Jones books came out my high school aged children along with my wife would take turns reading these books to the family. To this day all four of my children love to refer to certain statements Junie B. made in the books. (They are called junie”b”isms.) The connection they have over those books seems more wholesome and personal than when they talk about mutual movies everyone has watched.
Biographies of faithful Christians are great to share together. I admit I did not know some of the stories that went with the names of Martin Luther, Hudson Taylor, Gladys Aylward and others until I read their biographies to my children. These led to engrossing conversations on commitment and sacrifice. In the midst of such books it was natural for conversations to arise on potential life goals and God’s calling on each of our lives.
Even if you have seen the movie of a book such as The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe, I encourage you to read the book out loud with your children. Imagine the deep discussions that will arise as you experience this wonderful book together.
I know life moves quickly. We are always pressed for time. Let me encourage you to carve out some snippets of time to invest in reading out loud to your elementary school child. The books you read today will be tomorrow’s memories. Don’t miss the joy!
Check out these books:
Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe
Topics: From Mark, Parenting | No Comments »