Why Read Aloud?

The following quotes from James Trelease's book, The Read Aloud Handbook, illustrate why it's so important to read aloud to our children and even other family members:

“A nation that does not read much does not know much. And a nation that does not know much is more likely to make poor choices in the home, the marketplace, the jury box, and the voting booth. And those decisions ultimately affect the entire nation...the literate and illiterate.”

“Children whose families take them to museums and zoos, who visit historic sites, who travel abroad, or who camp in remote areas accumulate huge chunks of background knowledge without even studying. For the impoverished child lacking the travel portfolio of affluence, the best way to accumulate background knowledge is by either reading or being read to.”

“What we teach children to love and desire will always outweigh what we make them learn.”

Why Family Traditions?

The Hebrew word for tradition is "masoret." The pictogram symbols that developed into the modern Hebrew alphabet, which make up this word, denote mystery, protection, work, head, and covenant. Therefore, the literal translation of the word "tradition" in Hebrew, from the ancient pictograms tell us why traditions are important. Yes, traditions involve work. Yet, as the interpretation of these pictograms tell us, traditions protect us. They connect us with the underlying beautiful mystery of God in our life. They ultimately prepare us to mindfully make covenants with God, so we can receive all the joy God has for us. We are living in a spiritually dangerous time. Family traditions draw Christ's light into our homes to protect us from evil. They give us the love and light to go forth to do God's will in the world. May any of these suggestions on my site be a blessing to you!