Tips for reading with children

Studies show that children whose parents consistently read to them will experience more success in language arts at school. Reading ability and attention span, like muscles, grow stronger as they are exercised. Start reading with your children at a very young age. Even babies are able to track with colourful board books. Provide a variety of reading material in your home, and don’t forget to visit the library. Boys can be encouraged to read by giving them access to publications like The Comic Book Bible.

Imagination station. Reading fuels our imagination and spirituality. Good stories help us devise strategies for godly living. They also provide outlets for emotion and stimulate creativity by engaging right brain thinking. Allow a well-written story to speak directly to your child by avoiding long explanations or interpretations at the end. Trust the Holy Spirit to continue His work in the child’s heart.

Read it again! Young children love to hear the same stories over and over. It brings them a sense of comfort, familiarity, and routine – important factors in building a foundation of trust and faith. Repetition also helps children learn about the mechanics of language. Don’t be afraid to pull that well-worn Noah’s Ark picture book off the shelf, and create a special reading routine.

Conversation starters. There are many controversial, yet popular, chapter books on the market for older children. Teach your kids about discernment and cultural critique by discussing the pros and cons of literature instead of simply banning certain books from your home. Go to the Bible together and see what God’s Word says about reading (for example: Philippians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 3:1–3; Ecclesiastes 12:9–14). Offer alternative reading materials. Look for articles and reviews on the Internet to help you evaluate the merit of certain books (for example tracysbooknook.com) But remember, it’s always best if parents read or browse the books themselves in order to discuss them.

Tell me a story. God has revealed Himself to us through stories and the written word. What story is God writing in your life? Can you see God’s creative hand in the events of your week? Create your own stories about how God is moving and acting through your daily family routines. Have fun making your child the hero of their own special story.

Here are some books I recommend for ages 4 to 8:

• Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. This Canadian classic is perfect reading for Mother’s or Father’s Day. It also paints a wonderful picture of our heavenly Father’s unconditional love for us.
• Mud Pie Annie: God’s Recipe for Doing Your Best by Sue Buchanan and Dana Shafer. Each child will recognize their unique, God-given talents through this story of imagination and big messes!
• Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. What is aging and remembering all about? This sensitive story will touch all readers as Wilfrid helps Miss Nancy find her lost memory.
• Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon. Whimsical Miss Fanny with the soft gray hair and a closet full of hats blesses her church by auctioning off a very special Easter bonnet.

Laura Kalmar is children’s minister at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford.