BJU Press Blog

reading

Encouraging Silent Reading

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encouraging silent reading
We are thrilled to announce that Reading 2, a new Distance Learning course taught by Mrs. Walker, is now available! Mrs. Walker has also recorded a few online support videos to give you tips on guiding your child’s reading. Find out what she has to say about silent reading in the videos below.

Why Is Silent Reading Important?

A primary focus of your child’s elementary homeschool education needs to be his ability to read silently. Reading silently is something that all of us do every single day. Imagine how tedious it would be if we were required to read every product tag, highway sign, blog post, and book out loud! But what is the value in teaching your child to read silently? Why is it worth it for him to learn it?

Practicing silent reading skills will enhance your child’s speed, comprehension, and focus in reading. It will activate his imagination and allow him to visualize what he is reading in his own mind. Reading silently will also enable him to engage with what he’s reading. If he has engaged with the content, he will be better able to discerning the author’s level of skill in writing and to discover the author’s intended message. Then he can ask meaningful questions and work to understand the material at a depth he can discuss with you instead of merely repeating back to you what he has read. Finally, reading silently will clear away distractions for your student and help him fully focus on what he’s reading. The more he is able to focus, the more he will get out of what he reads, and the more obvious the applications for his life will be.

In an age when the volume of information is constantly increasing, your child needs to be able to fully understand the content in front of him so that he can evaluate it from a biblical worldview. Training your child to read silently will empower him to work through the large amounts of information he encounters on a daily basis.

What Is Sustained Silent Reading?

Sustained silent reading involves giving your student large blocks of time to dedicate to reading silently. Scheduling times of the day for your child to do nothing but read will clear away the distractions and help your child engage with the content in a meaningful way. Sustained silent reading will also lengthen your child’s attention span, which will enable him to process large amounts of text into applicable truths for his life.

So how can you get your child ready for sustained silent reading? First, be intentional with what you put in front of him. Give him a selection to read that he will find both easy to understand and interesting. Also, make sure you’re available to help him with any difficult words and answer any questions he has. You can also include topics in the selection that cater to your child’s specific interests. Maybe he has specific genres he prefers or certain topics he likes to explore. Giving him things to read in those areas will encourage him to learn more about the things he already loves. Finally, you could set aside a designated spot in your home for him to read, such as a reading nook or a special chair. This way, your child will always know that any reading done there will be both peaceful and focused.

While advertisements and social media typically give us shorter messages, your child can definitely expect to encounter larger amounts of writing in everyday life. Creating long periods of time for your student to read silently will enable him to handle and process larger chunks of information.

How Do You Assess It?

Every skill your child is learning should be measured so that you know how he is growing. But silent reading can be a difficult skill to measure. So how can you evaluate it?

BJU Press Homeschool has provided numerous tools for assessing how well your student is doing with silent reading. Each worksheet contains several components to help you get a feel for your child’s strengths and weaknesses in reading. They provide a goal for your child’s reading—which will help him read both proactively and reactively. The worksheets contain a series of comprehensive questions to make sure your child is thoroughly understanding what he reads. Finally, the worksheets will build up to more difficult questions to stretch your student’s critical-thinking skills, appropriate to his reading level. The ability to measure where your child is with reading silently will help determine where your student needs to grow and encourage him in areas where he already excels.

Hopefully these videos have made it clear why silent reading is such an important practice for your student! And be sure to check out the new Reading 2 course and its exciting amusement park theme. If you purchase the online course, you will have access to it immediately; if you choose DVDs, you can expect your order to ship by August 1. Happy reading!

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Matt recently graduated with an MA in communication studies and currently works as a freelance writer. He attributes the wild variety in his current opportunities to the exploration his parents gave him through the homeschooling experience. He enjoys theater, the gym, and choral music and will rarely say no to a cold glass of sweet tea.

Appreciating Librarians for National Library Week

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appreciating librarians
National Library Week is a time when libraries actively reach out to remind the public about the value of library services. Since many homeschool families already rely heavily on local libraries, you probably don’t need to be reminded. Instead, take some time to give back to the librarians who serve your local community.

Explore some ways that you and your kids can show appreciation to librarians this week!

Make a Small Donation

Most libraries operate on a tight budget—a constraint that many homeschool families understand well. Explain to your kids that even a five-dollar donation to the library can be a big help, aiding with the cost of purchasing a new book or repairing an old one.

Some libraries conduct book sales and other fundraisers. If you have gently used or like-new books that you and your kids no longer need, consider donating those to your local library’s book sales or other initiatives.

Write a Note

A sincere “thank you” is a free and meaningful way of showing appreciation to librarians. Talk to your kids about all the tasks that librarians accomplish, and include some of those specific details in the note.

Things librarians do:

  • Organize and maintain the current collection of books
  • Buy new books for you to enjoy
  • Buy and maintain media such as CDs, movies, audio books, and more
  • Plan and oversee children’s events, including story time for kids and other activities
  • Host community programs and training services
  • Answer questions about books and other resources

Bring a Gift

Librarians are readers too! Like you, many of them love curling up with a snack, a cup of tea or coffee, and a good book. Appreciating librarians could involve bringing them a small gift—a box of assorted tea, some hot chocolate packets for the break room, or a selection of baked goods to share.

Talk to the Librarian

Many librarians say that they wish library visitors would ask them more questions! They’re busy, yes—but they love helping you! As you teach your children about appreciating librarians, encourage them to ask for book recommendations or to tell the librarian about a library book they recently enjoyed.

Visit the Library Often

Librarians love to see you using the library. When you leave with a huge stack of books, movies, and CDs, it’s exciting for them! When you use libraries regularly, their funding is more secure, and those free services are more likely to remain available.

Keep Your Library Clean and Neat

Of course, whenever you visit, be sure to treat the library’s facilities, products, and people respectfully. Instead of reshelving books yourself, put them in the appropriate reshelving area. A librarians may have to spend days looking for a book that a well-meaning patron left on the wrong shelf. Keep food and drinks out of the library. If you use the provided toys, pencils, or paper in the children’s section, be sure to put everything back where you found it when you leave.

Libraries open up a whole world of affordable books and resources, so that everyone can learn and have fun! Use Library Week to thank those hard-working librarians and to encourage your kids to discover new books.

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Rebecca is a work-at-home freelance writer, novelist, wife, and the mom of two bright-eyed little ones. She credits her success in writing and her love of books to her own mom, who homeschooled three kids from pre-K through high school.

The Standard for Thoughtful Readers

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thoughtful readers
As a Christian, you know that there’s no such thing as reading for mindless entertainment. Books teach in ways that we often don’t understand. And as a Christian parent, you want your children to be taking in valuable lessons from the books they read. Your children’s ability to carefully evaluate everything they take in is a key part of their growth toward biblical maturity. This careful evaluation implies truly wrestling with the books they read. If your children can become thoughtful readers, then you know that they will be well equipped as adults in a world full of misdirection. So how do you encourage your children to be thoughtful readers? By building a familiarity with the only Book that truly matters.

The Foundation for Thoughtful Readers

Every thoughtful reader should approach other books on the basis of a constant and continuous study of the Book. The only reliable standard for the believer is Scripture itself. When the writers of Scripture penned God-breathed words, they wrote widely—of eternity past to eternity future, of battles and births, obedience and obstinacy. They wrote accounts of real people, recorded parables that came from the lips of our Savior, and produced the most beautiful literature known to man. And there is not a higher standard against which to evaluate a story.

Features of That Foundation

When Christ used the vehicle of story, He set the stage for contemplation that leads to biblical understanding. The same should be true of any worthy book. We can learn so much from these scriptural examples. There are good role models and bad ones as well as good actions and bad—but all for our instruction. Some stories clearly spell out the theme, while others require the reader to evaluate and draw a conclusion. Although the length and delivery of these stories differ, the resolution of the problem of sin—the central conflict—is true to the Book as it must be in lesser books as well.

The stories from the Old Testament include exciting plots, peopled by actual characters not unlike people we may know. There is sin, providing literary conflict, that sets each story in action; and before the conflict reaches a resolution (within varying timelines), the story addresses the sin.

The parables of the New Testament demonstrate our Lord’s creativity as He crafted each word picture or narrative to grab the attention of the listeners. Sometimes He told the story along with the lesson we should learn. Sometimes He spoke in metaphors that required the listener to read between the lines, as some may say. Other times He told the story but waited to give the explanation to certain listeners at another time. As these parables unfold, we see that some seeds flourished, and some withered and died; some wedding guests were welcomed, and some were turned away; some servants were faithful, and some were not.

Foundational Examples

In one account Jonah receives a command, runs the other way, and begins to experience the consequences in the space of three short verses. His whole story is a narrative told in only four chapters, woven into the fabric of the Old Testament. In another instance a longer story tells about Joseph, ill-treated by his brothers and sold into slavery. Long years pass as Joseph comes to manhood and becomes the instrument of God used to deliver his family. His brother Reuben’s guilt begins at the pit and ends in a palace many years later, recorded over several chapters in Genesis.

Biblical narratives demonstrate variety and creativity, and they offer many different topics to interest a range of readers. There is all of this and more in the inspired Word, the Book that is the guide for believers in all things. And all of these concepts can direct your children’s thinking in all their readings.

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Nancy Lohr is acquisitions editor at JourneyForth, a division of BJU Press. She has edited dozens of books over the last twenty years and is a writer as well, having authored two historical novels for children, curriculum stories and articles, and numerous book reviews and articles for parents and educators. Nancy was an educator and children’s librarian before moving into publishing, and she loves to see young readers develop into capable and satisfied readers.

Library Card: Your Passport to Summer Reading Adventure

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summer reading
If you’re like me, you’re getting ready to pack away the school books and enjoy a well-earned summer break. Family vacations, camp, swimming lessons, play dates, later bedtimes, vacation Bible school, and the Fourth of July are just a few of the activities we all have to look forward to.

Time for Summer Reading

One of our family’s favorite summer pastimes is participating in our local library’s reading program. What could be better than stretching out in the sun (or in a nice air-conditioned house) with a good book? Or a pile of good books for that matter? A summer reading program is an excellent opportunity for kids to develop reading habits and continue to learn new things. It also encourages them to set realistic goals by keeping track of how much they read. They can do this by logging their hours or books online or by filling a chart with stickers that the library provides.

I always enjoy watching my daughters’ excitement build as they add stickers and get closer to reaching their goals. And as kids complete so many hours or books, they earn a small prize; for example, a pencil for every five books or five hours spent reading, a medal for the next five, a coupon for a free food item for the next five, and so forth. If a child finishes the reading program in due time, they’ll receive a bigger prize. But for me, the best reward is seeing my girls grow in their love for reading and develop greater reading comprehension. The more they read, the more they learn; and the more they want to learn, the more they want to read. It’s a beautiful cycle!

Time for Fun

Besides the reading program, libraries also offer many fun educational events throughout the summer. Our family has experienced a petting zoo, seen a professional juggler, participated in a puppet show, and even met a real beaver belonging to one of our own “next-town” neighbors—all at our local library! Many of these shows have piqued our daughters’ interest in certain subjects and encouraged them to check out books related to them. This further stimulates their love of learning and reading.

Time for Outreach

Most importantly, these library events provide good opportunities to meet other families in the community for potential gospel outreach. Your family can be salt and light before your local librarians too. Conversations about reading, school, and your children may lead to spiritual topics. We should always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).

So as you start filling out your summer calendar, remember to include a library reading program. Books are waiting to be read, imaginations are ready to be kindled, and souls may be prepared to hear the good news of salvation.

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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves being able to homeschool them. During her own twelve years of homeschooling, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.

Christmas Books to Read and Treasure

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Christmas books
It’s Christmas week. Mom comes to find me, her hands clasped around something behind her back. The gift is often wrapped, but whether it is or not, she usually makes me close my eyes, adding to the suspense. Except it’s not a complete surprise—I know what’s coming, but not because I’ve gone around looking for my presents like some of your kids do. This special just-before-Christmas gift has become a tradition in our family.

What is this gift? You can probably guess by the title of my post, and if you’re thinking “a book,” you’re right. More specifically, it is a Christmas book.

Christmas books come in all shapes, sizes, and genres. Some are beautifully illustrated with poetic words that are great for reading aloud; others require imagination to see the delightful story. Among my favorites are illustrated retellings of the original Christmas story.

In hopes that your family might be inspired to create a new tradition, here are some Christmas books that are favorites for Mom and me:

“The Quiet Little Woman” by Louisa May Alcott

The touching story of a young orphan girl who longs for friendship, love, and belonging, this short story can be read in one sitting, but if you do a read-aloud session, I’d recommend sharing the reading between a couple of participants. Mom and I prefer reading every other page so that we can both enjoy viewing the illustrations in our copy. Read reviews on Goodreads.

Benjamin’s Sling by Eileen Berry

My autographed copy of this Christmas picture book actually traveled home with me one Christmas break. When I found out that Mom had gotten her sister to wrap the book and ask me to transport it home, I had a good laugh! This retelling of the nativity is told through the eyes of a shepherd boy and is written in poetic form. Buy the book.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Christmases past, present, and future are reflected on in this classic novel, and Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge is brought face-to-face with the effects of his actions. You have probably seen different film versions, as I have; but the book is almost always better! Download the free eBook from Amazon.

“The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry

Your teens could get caught up in the mushy love of a young couple secretly planning gifts for each other, but don’t let them miss this story’s deeper message. It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. Read reviews on Goodreads.

The Secret Santa of Olde Stonington by Mark Kimball Moulton

A native New-Englander, Mom taught me to love this story with its poetic flow and impressionistic-like illustrations. The title might give the impression that the book is about Santa Claus, but don’t worry.  It’s a good read-aloud book that tells how an old man tries to meet the needs of others in a small seaport village in the 1700s. Read a review on Goodreads.

Christmas Crossroads by Elizabeth Raum

What path would your child takes on the way to visit Jesus on the very first Christmas? This novel for seven- to nine-year-olds lets readers choose the actions of one of three children who are traveling for that very purpose. Each decision point brings a twist in the plot and a new adventure and provides a unique way for kids to imagine what the first Christmas would have been like for someone their age. Buy the book.

The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg

My grandmother introduced me to this Christmas book, but Mom and I have also enjoyed it together. One dark night a new tradesman comes to town. The local children have a secret wish for the kind of business they hope he’ll open—a candy store. Woven into this imaginary story is the significance behind the candy cane’s shape and colors. It’s a fun story to end with a sweet treat! Read reviews on Goodreads.

Chickadee Winter by Dawn L. Watkins

A favorite author from my childhood, Dawn Watkins skillfully communicates the essence of childhood dreams, memories, and concerns in this classic story. It recounts young Jack’s homesickness during the Christmas season and the special role his grandfather plays in making new memories. Buy the book.

What Christmas books would you add to this list?