We have tried and failed many times to have consistent scripture reading with our children. We have tried to read at dinner we have tried to read after they are ready for school we have tried to read at night. They all work for some time but none have ever really stuck. We have also struggled with reading the actual scriptures or trying to read the children's picture version. Knock on wood I think we have actually found something that is working for our family.
A little while ago my mother in law asked if we wanted an old set of illustrated Book of Mormon books they purchased when their kids were growing up. I told her yes and then they sat in our basement. There are 16 books in the series and I am so glad I finally pulled them out. We had a FHE about why it is important to read the scriptures and really involved the kids in getting their input on how long we should read for and where we should read and how we should handle bad behavior during scripture time. Making them a part of the decision making process really helped them want to join in.
Now we wake each morning to Ethan saying, "C'mon, it's time to read scriptures." Really...could there be a better way to start your day than to hear that come out of your child's mouth?
We finally made the decision to wake each morning at 7 and we read for 20 minutes and finish with a prayer. These books have been amazing for my kids. They are way more in depth than the regular picture scripture book from the church. They use much of the same scripture phrasing that helps them get used to different wording. The pictures are big and colorful and really help them stay engaged in listening to the stories. In the back of each book is the full text from the actual Book of Mormon if you ever want to read right from the actual scripture.
I'm not sure where you could find these anymore but I am so glad we have them. They seem to be the perfect mix for my kids ages right now. I have also been amazed that we have seemed to be even less rushed in the morning. I actually have had time almost each day after the kids are finished getting ready to sit down and get a few minutes in of my own scripture study each day.
So....if you have young kids and have struggled to find a pleasant and effective way to incorporate scripture study in your home I suggest maybe trying to track a set of these down. Thanks Diane for passing them on to us...they were just what we needed!
4 comments:
I am so glad you have something that is working! Those books look wonderful!!
Those look really familiar to me...I wish I could get my hands on a set! Maybe we could check one of your out, lol. I'm so glad you found something that works--it has been a challenge for us, too.
it's so hard to find something that engages all the kids. I wish we had something like these now...a litle more in depth than the ones we use. You may find me at your house secretly copying pages---do copyrights still apply after 30 years???
We had these books too for about 10 years till I returned them to Mom - then she passed them on to you. I'm glad they're working for you. We liked them too until we got into a different routine. There are actually incorrect descriptions in there that we'd come across from time to time but for a childs purpose, they work just great.
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