On Reading to Your Children

Leave me not, O gracious Presence, in such hours as I may today devote to the reading of books. Guide my mind to choose the right books and, having chosen them, to read them in the right way. When I read for profit, grant that all I read may lead me nearer to Thyself. When I read for recreation, grant that what I read may not lead me away from Thee. Let all my reading so refresh my mind that I may the more eagerly seek after whatsoever things are pure and fair and true.” John Baillie

I am often asked what Suzanne and I are reading to our children. So, I thought I would take this time to share a little with you about my own particular reading time with the kids. Suffice it to say that Suzanne reads to them all throughout the day. Reading is big in our home. If you have any questions of Suzanne, I’m sure she would love to share her thoughts with you about what she and the kids are reading together. Her email address is sft31@comcast.net.

I started reading to Natalie (who will be 9 next month) when she was around two. (All the years are beginning to run together on me. A result of old age?). After all the requisite children’s books that we all read to our children (Little Engine That Could sort of stuff), we embarked on chapter books when she was around three or four. We started reading the Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner. The first book of the series, which is entitled, The Boxcar Children, was first published in 1942. I much prefer reading older books to the children because they are not so saturated in contemporary popular slang. And really, our kids are going to be knee-deep in that stuff sooner than we want, so what’s the rush?

After reading a goodly number from that series, we started reading The Chronicles of Narnia. Dylan, who was then around three or four, began to join us for these great stories. Now, to be sure, he did not pick up on every little nuance (nor do most adults for that matter), and sometimes he tuned out or even fell asleep, but quite often he tracked along with the story just fine (doing better as he got older). Of course, the review at the conclusion of each chapter was essential. It was a way for Dylan, Natalie, and Daddy to discuss what happened in that chapter as well as what were the important themes we found there.

For Christmas 2004, Suzanne and the kids gave me a gift of about 11 or 12 Lamplighter children’s books (which I love as much as the children, by the way). These books were written in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. They are gospel-centered, Christ-exalting, character-building, interesting, exciting, and uplifting stories that have been a hit around our home for both the kids and the parents. There are many, many more to purchase (they are continually finding old books to republish).

Sometime during the middle of reading through the Lamplighter series, we took time out to read John Bunyan’s classic, The Pilgrim’s Progress (in modern English). I must say that even with the updated English, it was tough terrain. It was hard work to keep the kids tracking with the story. The review after, (and sometimes during), each chapter was absolutely essential for this book. However, it was a huge hit and Natalie recently said that it was her favorite book that we’ve read thus far. It took us quite a while to complete, but we persevered and it was worth it.

After The Pilgrim’s Progress we returned to our Lamplighter series. Let me add that these books appeal to both boys and girls alike (If you visit their website you will notice that their catalog lists books for younger boys, older boys, younger girls, older girls, etc.). We’ve taken the time to go back and forth between them, and regardless of whether the main character is a boy or girl - the kids still love the stories. Another reason I love this series - (for that matter…all the books we have read…which were written decades…even centuries ago) - is not just because they aren’t inundated with contemporary slang. It has more to do with the fact that the vocabulary is so rich. These books were written in a more literate culture and there’s not so much lowering of standards as there is trying to lift the standards of the reader. Definitely a plus.

One of my “I wonder if that was a good idea” books was Robin Hood. I thought it would be a good swashbuckling, adventurous story. And, in many ways it has been. But it doesn’t flow terribly well and we’ve ended up reading chapters from it sporadically.

Vision Forum is a great place to order books for children (books which are similar to the Lamplighter books. In fact, they sell the Lamplighter books as well). Once you see all the books you have to choose from you will quickly realize that you aren’t going to run out of choices.

Natalie is presently reading the first book from the Elsie Dinsmore series. Here’s Vision Forum’s description of this series:

In the nineteenth century, millions of readers learned the meaning of godly womanhood from a little girl named Elsie. Her commitment to principle in the midst of adversity and her passionate love for Jesus Christ were the theme of twenty-eight volumes spanning her life. These are the original twelve volumes presented just as a young lady would have found them one hundred years ago. Over the last several years, I have heard hundreds of reports from home schoolers and Christian families about the blessings these books have been in their lives. Elsie raises the standard of godly womanhood to new heights. Feminists will not be happy with Elsie. She is a God-honoring young woman who strives to solve problems while working through biblical authority structures. By Martha Finley. Twelve hardback books. Nearly 4,000 pgs. of reading.

In a year or two, Dylan and I are going to start reading the G.A. Henty series. These books, written in the 1800s, are works of historical fiction that usually center upon a young boy in the middle of some electrifying adventure set in an historic and historical time period. In a culture where chivalry is almost extinct, raising boys to become godly, biblically masculine men (modern-day knights) is simply imperative. Ours, in case you hadn’t noticed, is not a Christian-character-cultivating culture. Not to be intentional about raising your sons is virtually to forfeit them to an emasculating world. Here’s how Henty and his books are described:

Henty's stories revolve around a fictional boy hero during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, courageous, intelligent and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril. His histories, particularly battle accounts, have been recognized by historian scholars for their accuracy. In fact, the only criticism Henty faced by the liberals of his day was that his heroes were "too Christian." There is nothing dry in Mr. Henty's stories and thus he removes the drudgery and laborious task often associated with the study of history.

Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. They meet famous personages like Josephus, Titus, Hannibal, Robert the Bruce, Sir William Wallace, Sir Francis Drake, Moses, Robert E. Lee, Frederick the Great, the Duke of Wellington, Huguenot leader Coligny, Cortez, King Alfred, and Napoleon just to mention a few. Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting the leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various European and pagan cultures.

Well, this little review has been fairly choppy, and I’m sure I must have forgotten something along the way or been amiss in the chronology, but it basically catches you up to where we are at present. As the children get older they may prefer to read on their own, instead of sitting at Daddy’s side while I read to them. I guess that’s part of life. But right now it’s one of our favorite things to do.

Why read to your children? Well, NBC must show their public service announcement on reading to your children 10 times each week. And, what they say is true... it is a great bonding time. Reading together has meant all the world to our family. But Suzanne and I also have these reasons as well…

1.) First and foremost we want to impart a biblical worldview to the hearts, minds, and souls of our children. As parents we have a commandment from God to disciple our children for Christ and this is a fun and effective way to do it. We want to help prepare them to face the world once they leave our care.

2.) We want to pass on a love of reading to our children. I didn’t get excited about reading until much later in my life, and I want to do everything I can (that’s humanly possible) to ignite a fire in my children to love reading as early as possible.

3.) We want to help give our children an eye toward discerning the differences in literature – between the bad, the good, and the best.

4.) We want to magnify their imaginations, creativity, and ability to think. TV is such a passive activity. Reading requires more work…and produces more fruit.

Basically, we are charged with providing a covenant home and raising covenant children. Deuteronomy 6 exhorts covenant parents to raise their children in the faith all throughout the day – when the children rise, as they move throughout the day, as they prepare for bed in the evening. Nurturing your children in the faith doesn’t have to be drudgery. In fact, it shouldn't be at all. Reading is a wonderful way to show your children how our Christian faith plays out (or should play out) in the real world…even in the context of imagination.

Jake turns three this Sunday, which is Easter Sunday. I can’t wait to start all over again with him!

Stand Firm,
Dale

(Originally written on April 7, 2006)