Judges 13:8
God told Manoah he would have a son. Manoah wanted to know how to teach his son. Seemingly there was nothing special about his upbringing. He was raised during hard times. He had to hide just to thresh the grain for his family. But, Manoah's son was Gideon who delivered the children of Israel with 300 men. Manoah taught his son to believe and trust God.
Last week we discussed how to help our children read good literature, literature that demonstrated Christian values. Teaching our children to recognize Christian values is more than just reading a story. We must also teach them to analyze.
How did the story begin?
Did the story begin with a problem or was it just an ordinary day that ended up in a storm?
What was the problem?
What happened to cause a problem? Was the main character in the wrong place at the wrong time or did the main character create the problem?
How was the problem fixed?
Something needed to happen to bring the story to an end. Was the problem fixed by the main character or did something or someone have to intervene?
What was your favorite part?
Figuring out our favorite part is the beginning of recognizing the value of a story. Often the favorite part is how the main character "fixed" the problem. How did the main character change or grow to be able to "fix" the problem? This may be the key to teaching our children the value of a story.
What books have you identified as demonstrating Christian values?
Hey Kids:
Did you find some good books this week?
Here's a partial list of the books I like.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle -a salvation story - the caterpillar eats the wrong thing and though he tries to turn over a new leaf, he still must die to his old way of life to gain a new life with a new body.
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle - be aware of who you hang out with - every animal invited the spider to come and play, then left except a fly who kept hanging around. He eventually was eaten by the company he kept.
Beauty and the Beast - a servant's heart story - our kindness can make a difference in so many lives
Little Red Riding Hood - listen to your parents - a story of Satan who walks about seeking whom he may devour
Elephant and Piggy by Mo Willems - a variety of stories about two friends who face common or funny situations but manage to do the right thing to resolve the issue
The Grinch by Dr. Seuss - Christmas is not about gifts but about the Gift
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss - a sanctity of life story
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder - stories of family life centered around family values
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - a fantasy genre that depicts the war between good and evil
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry - Historical fiction about a ten-year-old girl whose family hides a Jewish friend to protect her from the Nazis. A story about doing the right thing even in the face of grave danger.
Happy Reading!
Gail
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