Have you ever had a book grip you so quickly that you can’t put it down?
I have been wanting to read to Mellie the book, “The Boxcar Children.” This was one of my absolute favorites growing up. You can read a review of it here. She was unsure about it thinking it sounded, “boring.”
However, with just a couple of props and a really good reading buddy, I managed to change her mind!
We devoured the book in 2 days! In the mornings when we finish our book work, I usually read to her before she practices her violin. She colors or draws. I read.
This book, as suggested from its title, involves a boxcar. A couple of weeks ago, when we were returning from our trip out West, we stopped with the train in a train yard. I looked out the window and I saw a boxcar with the side door open. It was a perfect example of the kind of boxcar used for this story. Knowing, I would be reading the book soon to her, I asked her to look out the window. I told her study this boxcar. Put it in your mind!
Then, this week, when we started to read the book, SHE was able to picture exactly where the children lived.
Tying life experiences to school, makes a world of difference in how they retain things.
This book will remain impactful to her, because she was able to see a boxcar.
Now it is time to pick the next book for us to read. She has been talking lately about liking ancient Egypt. I remember about her age, thinking the same way. For me, it was because my parents had traveled to Chicago to see the exhibit of King Tut. They brought me back a puzzle of King Tut’s sarcophagus. Just his head piece but look it up. I think my mom was trying to keep me busy!
Anyway, I was recommended through her history program (Notgrass History), a book that takes place in ancient Egypt. I have not read it so it will be new to both of us. It is called, “The Golden Goblet.” Stay tuned for a review.
Take their interests (and yours) and build on it with their education. These are the moments that stick with them!
“As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom.” Daniel 1:17