For a better homeFrom a secular point of view, we readily observe the importance of literacy. It is the case that reading produces knowledge, and knowledge leads to action. If reading is vital to the well-being of our children (and our’s as well) in this life, how crucial then is the reading of God’s Word for well-being in the life that is to come. We ought to see the necessity of giving our children the tools by which they may spiritually prosper. Parents must take the responsibility to ensure their children’s development in reading skills.
Sadly, some parents feel incapable of teaching their children how to read. It is true that some have limited ability, and this would be a hindrance. Space limits us in addressing the ways a challenged parent can make certain that his child develops. One may be limited personally, but that does not mean he cannot, with alternate methods and supervision, make sure his child learns. In fact, many parents who have struggled with literacy issues have been the most compelling advocates for reading programs. They want a better life for their children, and they know this is connected to the ability to read. If you can read this article, you can teach your children, or grandchildren, to read. But unfortunately, we have believed the claim that it takes an expert to teach reading. This does not mean that certain skills are not needed for some children. It does not address the aptitude that it takes to manage thirty students at the same time. Generally, parents are capable of teaching their children to read — children who are ready and able to learn beginning reading. Don’t hope that your child learns to read. Make sure! |
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Reading is cheap. With a library card and a few minutes a day, your child will absorb the information that will enable him to transition from listening to reading. It is a fact that children, who are read to regularly have a greater background of knowledge, develop larger vocabularies, are conditioned mentally to absorb information, have better attention spans, and become the best readers.
Why is this so vital? Because the more your child reads, the more likely it is that he will read the Bible on his own, later in life.
God placed this high priority on reading the Scriptures because he breathed their very words (i.e., inspired; see: 2 Timothy 3:16). Through the Scriptures, God reveals what we are to believe, why we can believe, where we need correction, and how we are to live in righteousness. It is the Word of God that can equip us for service and save our souls (2 Timothy 3:17; James 1:21). How valuable it is to be able to read, and be motivated to read, this divine revelation.
Ten times in the Gospels, we read of instances (some are parallel accounts) when Jesus forcefully asked, “Have you not read?” (Matthew 12:3,5; 19:4; 21:16; 21:42; 22:31; Mark 2:25; 12:10; 12:26; Luke 6:3). Certainly we see the premium that Jesus put on reading, understanding, and obeying the Scriptures.
Teach your children to read. Teach them to read well. Teach them to love reading. Teach them to love to read the Bible. And when you’ve read of Noah and the ark, Abraham, Daniel in the lion’s den, and baby Jesus — if you do it regularly, if this is your daily routine, they’ll say, “Read it again.” And you’ll say, “Please?” And they’ll respond, “Please Dad,” or “Please Mom, read it again.” By reading the greatest book on earth, you can save yourself and the little ones who hear you.
Why is this so vital? Because the more your child reads, the more likely it is that he will read the Bible on his own, later in life.
God placed this high priority on reading the Scriptures because he breathed their very words (i.e., inspired; see: 2 Timothy 3:16). Through the Scriptures, God reveals what we are to believe, why we can believe, where we need correction, and how we are to live in righteousness. It is the Word of God that can equip us for service and save our souls (2 Timothy 3:17; James 1:21). How valuable it is to be able to read, and be motivated to read, this divine revelation.
Ten times in the Gospels, we read of instances (some are parallel accounts) when Jesus forcefully asked, “Have you not read?” (Matthew 12:3,5; 19:4; 21:16; 21:42; 22:31; Mark 2:25; 12:10; 12:26; Luke 6:3). Certainly we see the premium that Jesus put on reading, understanding, and obeying the Scriptures.
Teach your children to read. Teach them to read well. Teach them to love reading. Teach them to love to read the Bible. And when you’ve read of Noah and the ark, Abraham, Daniel in the lion’s den, and baby Jesus — if you do it regularly, if this is your daily routine, they’ll say, “Read it again.” And you’ll say, “Please?” And they’ll respond, “Please Dad,” or “Please Mom, read it again.” By reading the greatest book on earth, you can save yourself and the little ones who hear you.
Adapted from the Christian Courier's article: Have You Not Read? by JASON JACKSON. Read the entire article here.