Christian Summer Reading Programs with Prizes!

     Would your children love to earn a $10 gift certificate from a Christian bookstore? Mine would!

     For the first time this summer we are excited to try the summer reading program hosted by Family Christian Stores. Participants have to read six books and complete a three question report on each one to be eligible for a $10 gift certificate prize. If you don’t live near a Family Christian Stores location, you can submit reports electronically and still win a prize!

Book reports by Grace (5.5 years) on left and Archie (7.5) 

     Other fun reading programs we are participating in are hosted by Barnes & Noble (free book prize) and our local public library.

     What summer reading programs do you love?

Would you like to touch a jellyfish? Family time at the National Aquarium

     To celebrate my husband’s return from last week's business trip, we loaded up the family and headed for the National Aquarium in Baltimore. It was the first time we had visited as an entire family.

     After a brief stop to listen to a sea turtle talk, the children made a beeline for the brand new “Please Don’t Touch the Animals” tanks.       While there were a variety of touchable stingrays, star fish and horseshoe crabs, the most mesmerizing creatures were the moon jellies. It was kind of comical to see some of the adults shying away from the tank where so many eager children were patting the creatures' velvety backs. Some of the docents were gently ribbing them about their reticence and urging them to follow the children’s lead and get their hands wet!

     My favorite part of the National Aquarium is always the dolphins. I was proud of my daughter for having the courage to ask the trainer a question afterward. (We learned that dolphins shed their skin much more rapidly than humans, which makes them super smooth.) Thanks to Dolphin Tale movies and the Hope for Winter book we had recently enjoyed, seeing the dolphins was even more meaningful this time around.

    My son’s perpetual favorite animals are always the lizards, and the Australian exhibit never disappoints.

     One of my favorite things about such a wonderful outing is extending the learning and fun afterward with enriching library books. We checked out quite a stack with the kids zeroing in on the lizard and snake books. 

     One of the my favorite non-fiction animal book authors for children is Nic Bishop because of his vibrant photographs. I love how his images pop right off the page! I’m so thankful our local public library has many of his books.

     I’m also thankful God made so many wonderful creatures for our family to enjoy!

The Philippians 4:8 Standard

     What are my standards for selecting wholesome materials to share with my children? Philippians 4:8 gives about the simplest answer possible.

      Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (NIV)*

photo credit
Pure water, purse heart, pure life

     Many years ago, I decided this verse would be my standard for what I read, watched and listened to. Now, I am implementing it as a family standard with my children. We have memorized the verse, and I’m teaching them to ask themselves, “Is whatever this thing I want to read, watch, etc. true? Is it noble? Is it right? Is it pure? Is it lovely? Is it admirable? Is it excellent or praiseworthy?”

If it is, we’ll read it or watch it. We’ll think on it and enjoy it. If it’s not, we’ll find something else.

     Restricting? No! It’s actually freeing when I remember not to fall into the legalism trap. When I look at the verse as a list of rules and strike off a movie I would otherwise watch, I could be tempted to feel restricted. But when I remember that God’s commands are perfect and bring refreshment to the soul (Proverbs 19:7), I can thank my Heavenly Father that His best for me is far better than anything Hollywood puts on the table.

     It’s my prayer that my children will grow up putting each item they read, listen to, or watch to the plumb line of this Scripture verse. My goal is that each book, movie or song I recommend will promote Philippians 4:8 values.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Ten Questions I Ask Myself When Evaluating Books for My Children

     Every time I walk into our fabulous public library, I’m overwhelmed by a sea of choices. If I read with my children for hours every day, there wouldn’t be enough time to read a small fraction of the extensive collection. Add all the books that find their way into our home via a variety of other routes, and the options are staggering. How do I guide my children into selecting good reading materials? 

     Here’s a Top Ten list of qualities I’m looking for in a book. I’ll flesh some of these out in a future post.

1. Does the book exalt Christ? Would I be embarrassed to be reading it if He walked into the room?

2. Does it meet the Philippians 4:8* standard?

3. Does it have a positive portrayal of home and family life?

4. Is the plot conflict suitable for the target age group?

5. Do young characters have unnecessary angst?

6. Are the characters well developed?

7. Is the vocabulary enriching?

8. Are the details well described?

9. Is the plot either unique or explored in a fresh way?

10. Are there specific issues we will need to discuss after reading?

*Philipians 4:8 “…Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Be sure to share any questions you like to ask yourself when picking out books for your children in the comments section.

Welcome to The Forever Joyful Home School

Whether you homeschool your children like me or use another school option, welcome to The Forever Joyful Home School blog where we can learn and grow together. On Tuesdays and Fridays I’ll share insights on filling our homes with learning opportunities that point children toward Jesus Christ. I’m passionate about providing children with edifying reading materials, and I’ll sometimes share sneak peaks of material I’m writing.