kids and literary concerns

Peter, my avid reader, began enjoying chapter books during his second-grade year.  Since then, we've been through:

- the Junie B. Jones series

- Cam Jansen Mystery series

- several animal-themed chapter books

- Laura Ingalls Wilder books (my boys thought they lacked adventure, after reading several)

- The Magic School Bus chapter books

- Jeronimo Stilton chapter books (which are translated into 35 languages and out-sell Harry Potter in some countries--though they're unrelated to that genre)

- The Magic Tree House chapter books (currently reading)

Due to his OCD-related religious distortion, Peter has issues that don't arise with most readers his age.  For example, if he reads about religions other than his own--such as Hinduism, Buddhism--he fears he'll suddenly stop loving Jesus and follow after many gods.

He recently read about Ancient Rome in two books from the Magic Tree House series.  He was uncomfortable and kept putting down the books, saying he wasn't going to finish them.  I had to keep reassuring him that he wasn't going to suddenly start worshiping Zeus or Athena.  I did convince him to finish them, finally, after reading a couple chapters aloud to him.  He learned a lot about Ancient Rome--facts that, coming from a dry textbook, he'd have hated.

If he reads books that contain a lot of put-downs--such as the Junie B. Jones series and the Jeronimo Stilton series--he worries he'll start talking like that as well, and displease Jesus.  While I don't care for this type of humor, I don't believe it's a good reason, in and of itself, to say no to a book that otherwise pleases avid readers.  Discussion with a parent is always useful in neutralizing less-than-stellar content.  I definitely need to be involved in his exposures.

If a book's cover, or pictures, contains words or images that sometimes have a scary context, such as mummy, witch, vampire...then he'll flatly reject it, even if the mummy is part of a social studies context, and not a scary one.

As parents, we don't care for witch-themed books, sorcery-themed books, scary books, or certain magic-themed books, but not every book with the word witch in it is potentially harmful.  And not every book with some kind of magic--like the Magic Tree House, which magically takes the two siblings back in time--is potentially harmful.

Regardless of our reassurances, there are a lot of books Peter refuses to read, due to his OCD.

Censorship is a touchy subject among Christians.  My first experience with this came when I brought my collection of trade books to the charter school I worked for, so that the families taking my K-1 reading classes would have access to easy readers, and to read-alouds.

One family brought home The Little Match Girl, a Hans Christian Anderson tale.  The mother complained to my principal about the book. You probably know the story?  The little girl dies in the end and it's definitely sad, but not immoral.  The mother, who didn't know the storyline (poverty-themed) before she began reading it aloud, thought it was inappropriate.  She was upset.  I never spoke to the mother and didn't even know who, exactly, had complained.  

I couldn't sleep well for two days, so I decided the headache wasn't worth it. I brought my collection home.

I've known Christians who wouldn't allow Junie B. Jones, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, and other hilarious books, which contain themes I'd call benign.  No two people parent the same.  What bothers one may delight another.

While some censorship is necessary for discerning parents, the dilemma with it is this: What happens when you've censored so many books that your book-lovin' child is left with nothing of interest and quits reading--at least for awhile, until acceptable higher-level books are within reach?  Kids with passions, or a lot of interests, tend to have higher self-esteem and be happier overall.  For that reason alone, we shouldn't over censor.

I understand the avid reader.  They need books.  As a child and a single adult, there was nothing I liked better than to curl up with a good fiction book.  It was heaven to me.  I can't do it much anymore, due to my lack of restraint when I'm in the middle of a good novel.  I forget everything--even preparing food.  That doesn't go over well with husband.  :)  I've never learned how to read slowly--I only know how to devour.

Now that Peter is flying through books himself, I'm faced with difficult choices.  My years as a first grade teacher didn't prepare me for the third-grade and higher book market.  There's a lot of genuinely scary material on the market for the 8-12 age group.  Furthermore, some of the non-scary material is well-written, with sound sentence structure and the like, while others are poorly-written but have excellent story-weaving.  Some have larger print, which still appeals to Peter, while others contain adult-sized print, which he says he has trouble tracking.

I would love for him to read classics for pleasure--to have refined tastes--but I know from my own experience that a taste for the refined develops over time.  I started with Nancy Drew in the fourth grade, and eventually ended up with Harlequin romances--for far too long.  Finally, around college age, I began reading only classics.

While I wouldn't allow most romances, I do understand that first, a child has to find something that turns them into a reader.  Simply reading what is required for school does not usually create a reader.  They have to find delight in the written word--something that feels like a friend....something that fascinates...something that compels them to pick up book after book. This process helps them jump one to three grade levels in reading ability, and opens up the world of knowledge...opens up the possibility of life-long learnership.  

Today, I received a recommendation from a homeschooling family in my local group.  It's a chapter-book series for kids ages 8-12 (or younger), called Cul-de-sac Kids, from Christian writer Beverly Lewis.  The series details the funny adventures of nine kids residing in the same cul-de-sac.  Most of the kids are Christian, and the series has strong Christian themes.  I read some reviews on Amazon, finding most to be favorable.  One Christian mother writing a review didn't like that one of the books dealt with an ADD child and "his pills", and another referenced divorce--two things she wasn't prepared for and was surprised to find in a Christian book.  Again, every parent comes from a different place.

What we've done thus far, to protect our kids, is to read aloud one or two books from every new series.  Then, if we feel comfortable, we let the kids read others of the same series on their own.  Peter tells me about every detail, nearly, so I don't worry too much about surprise topics.

When we run out of series titles, we'll probably have to pre-read everything, before giving it to the kids, or find a really good Christian-based literary review website.

Can anyone recommend a site?

Or can anyone recommend some wholesome titles?

Thank you, Terri, for mentioning the Boxcar Children.  I own one of that series and Peter said the print was too small!  I think he just needs a little nudging to take the next, big-boy step.  At his yearly physical the doctor said he was slightly near-sighted, but that glasses aren't presently necessary.  I'll read a few of The BoxCar Children to the boys to spark their interest.

thankful heart

My heart gives thanks for....

- a new, working stapler to hang art work in the playroom

- kids' art--it soothes me, slows me, refreshes me

- my sweet 25-month-old, Beth.  Her independence, helpfulness, and intelligence delight me anew every day.

- my Beth having her yearly physical along with Mary's.  Mary hadn't been to the doctor in a year, except for her flu shot.  She was excited about the appointment, in contrast to Beth's dread.  Beth, in fact, began crying as soon as I pulled into the doctor's parking lot.  I had Mary get on the examining table first.  Her attitude taught Beth that it isn't scary, but rather fascinating.  Going second, Beth didn't even cry for the shots!

- Mary whispering to me (while Doctor made notes in a chart), "Do you think he's pleased with me?"

- my living room remaining clean for two weeks.  God brings about change, or progress, when it's important to Him.  The previous two years, I couldn't seem to keep that room clean for very long.  Now suddenly, it's a breeze.

- the heart-shaped cookie cutters I found, in many different sizes.  Everyone is excited around here!  Cookie creations delight them.

- huge snow flakes (my favorite)

- Peter's gardening excitement.  He carefully planned his out on paper this morning.

- the sisters playing together more and more.  At ages two and four, they've found friendship!

- Paul's leadership and aptitude for arts and crafts.

- Peter's leadership and aptitude for creative playtime scenarios.

- Mary's hard-working attitude.  She never gives up on an endeavor, and tells her brothers they shouldn't either.

- the Mary Pope Osborne, Magic Tree House books, which teach both social studies and science facts, as well as delight Peter, who likes adventure.  Also, they don't have the constant put-downs he encountered in the Jeronimo Stilton books.  He goes through a series of books very quickly!  He's reading two Tree House books a day!

- Ann Voskamp's new book is on order for me at my local library.  How cool!  Ann's fame is quickly spreading across the country, and the book just came out two weeks ago!

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

busy at play

My munchkins have been busy!  I love to watch their imaginations take flight.

This sweet baby is good in the kitchen!  Very careful, methodical.  Here she's helping with cookie ingredients.

Later that same day, she helped with the whole wheat pancake ingredients.

While the cookies baked, my girls ones made their own Playdoh cookies.  

"Taste one, Mommy."

"Ohhh.  Blueberry surprise cookies.  Yummy.  Thank you."

Her favorite--butterflies!  I had to cut the antennae out, but she cut the rest.  

Rockin' out to Jesus songs.

"Look, Mommy.  I made a snowman!"

My Paul takes the lead in craft time.  He started with the piece of ribbon his baby sister pulled out of the craft closet.  Next thing I know, it's an exciting Kite Day!  I love homeschooling!  I can always adjust things when something sparks their imaginations.  

They ran back and forth down the hall, flying their beloved kites!  It was back to the craft table when repairs were needed.  

Dear Jesus,   I love these blessings you've given.  They bring such joy!  Thank you, from a grateful Momma! 

Big Things, Part Two

Last week I decided it was time to celebrate and give thanks for the Big Things  God has done in my life.

Here is part two:

I needed a change after teaching first grade for nine years in a difficult area. My last year in the regular classroom was the year I lost my first baby, Isaac.  It happened right before Thanksgiving.  Neither doctors nor a geneticist could give me an idea why a baby who looked healthy and active on an ultrasound at seventeen weeks, would end up passing away by week twenty-one.   I thought it might be stress.  Unlikely, of course, but certain stages of grief make you desperate for answers.

I grew to hate my job that year, but living on my husband's income was impossible; I had to work.  There were student loans and other things weighing us down.

A colleague of mine became a principal for a small, science and technology charter school, which at the time provided enrichment and core classes for homeschoolers, and fulfilled State requirements for monthly, credentialed-teacher homeschooling meetings.  You can file an affidavit in California to homeschool on your own, but not all families are interested in that kind of isolation; many wanted the free curriculum, free classes, and free guidance, provided by umbrella organizations such as this charter school.

In late spring I applied for an open position at this science and technology school--not feeling positive about getting it.  My expertise, if you will, was reading and language. Although I loved teaching science to first graders, I was no lab coat and beaker kind of gal.  Plus, I hated computers and technology.

I still abhor technology, actually.  For example, my cell phone has texting capability, but I haven't a clue how to do it.  And the other day I accidentally pushed some button that brought up the World Wide Web on my cell phone.  What!?  What is the Web doing on my cell phone?  Is that some service I have to pay extra for, I wondered at the time.  (Husband, who also doesn't text or use the Web, tells me it's standard for cell phones now).

Back to that job....

Between the time I completed the lengthy application and got called for an interview, I found out I was pregnant with Peter--which was another answer to prayer!  I told my colleague-turned-principal about the pregnancy during the interview, even though I thought a pregnancy would disqualify me (not legally, of course).

Also weighing heavy on my mind was this:  I just wanted to be a Mom!  The thought of giving my baby to a daycare provider made me sick to my stomach, literally.  For so many years, teaching was my passion.  I spent hours and hours in my classroom--nights and weekends.  My job defined me.....until I became a Christian at age 31.  But even then, I never thought I'd leave the profession.


God had other plans for me.

My last two years in the regular classroom brought serious behavior problems--leaving me no time to teach or enjoy the kids.  I went home emotionally drained every night.

Hope was not mine....

Until I got the job!  Instead of leaving the classroom kicking and screaming, I sprinted my way out.  Phew!

When God wants you out of something you love, He makes it very clear. You'll find yourself more and more uncomfortable.  Peace leaves.....hope leaves....until you make the change God desires--either in your heart, or in your circumstances, or both.

My new boss probably regretted her decision, at least in part.  I had a difficult pregnancy, with a scary ultrasound at 21 weeks, monthly and then weekly ultrasounds, and preterm labor, which dilated me two inches at week 30.  I was put on bedrest for the last eight weeks, with Peter safely in my arms at 38 weeks gestation, after my water spontaneously broke at home, two hours after an OB check-up.

Long, long road.  I thought I'd never have a babe in my arms!

Those battling infertility have a much harder, longer road.  Few things compare to that pain, in my view.

Before my bedrest, my boss said yes to some very crucial questions. Questions I dreaded asking.

It felt like my peace as a mother....as a women, hung on the answers to these questions.  God gave me the ideas, and the words.

- Can I drop some classes and some families and work part-time?

- Can I bring my baby to work?

- Can I work at home, except for my two remaining K-1 reading classes (1 hour each), and my sixth grade social studies class (90 minutes), and my monthly family meetings (twenty individual meetings, half-hour each)?

Yes, yes, and yes!

God provided!

It was a difficult schedule, but I had full care of my sweet babe.  I had peace--even though he was constantly filling his diaper when it was time to leave for school!  :)

It all seemed like a miracle.  God worked out every intricate detail.

A college student--a daughter of one of my homeschooling families--starting coming to my house to watch Peter for three hours, two days a week, once he was too squirrelly to go to work with Momma.  She was lively, sweet, and wonderful!

Husband, at that time, worked four, ten hour days, so he was off all day alternate Fridays, which helped a lot.  He brought Peter to campus for nursing time, in between my monthly family meetings.  I did most of those  monthly meetings during the two Fridays he watched Peter.

God can change things very fast.  Job loss...pregnancy loss...answered prayer....dreams coming true.  All of it is His timing.  His purpose.

Ultimately, we learn not to trust in our plans.  In our hopes.  


We learn to trust in Him.

To be continued...

painting joy

The weather outside is frightful.

 But inside?

 Well, it's delightful.

My girls, my beautiful girls,

paint their dreams,

and teach me....

to love wildly, hope deeply, and live fully.

Is there anything more precious than a child's painting, coloring your walls, your heart, with joy?