Encouraging Words

by Becky Wyand

Lead your family in worship

Think on the Word together. Read a small portion of Scripture and absorb its meaning by meditating and sharing. For example:

Psalm 145:1-3

I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Everyday will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.

Keep these thoughts before you all day or all week. Do my actions show that I praise His name forever?

Study the Word together

Knowing the Word will help us if we want to be wise. God has given instruction in His Word for how we are to think and act. As we study His Word we know the response we must make if we choose to honor God. Of course children (and adults) can know the Word and still act foolishly. As we learn to know the Word we must choose whether we are going to obey it or not. It is fun and rewarding to study a less popular portion of Scripture and discuss what that teaches me for today in the circumstances I am in now.

What to do with mistakes

Some children pout, some whine, some refuse to try, but the winner is the one who does what he is assigned and accepts correction and tries again. People who have served God faithfully and with greatness have had moments and seasons of failure. They were known for their greatness because, after failure, they received correction and continued to serve.

Discipline

Read a Proverb a day and ask this question, “Was there any instruction here for how  to discipline my child?” Remember “discipline” means to “make a disciple”-to make him like I am. Therefore when I am earnest about disciplining my child, I am also willing to be personally accountable to God and to my husband for growth and Christian maturing. I want to become more and more like Christ. I want to be the salt lick that will make my children very thirsty for the things of God.

Reading

a.) Most children love read-aloud time. If yours do not, consider bedtime extended for a read-aloud.

b.) Please review phonics again this year. In reading for young children. In spelling for older children.

Thinking skills

For thinking skill training I would:

a.) Encourage retelling. The child can put read-aloud info into his/her own words. Train in main-idea. Discourage wordiness. Practice every week-all year.

b.) Do an oral math problem each day at lunch. Begin very simple. Include two and three step problems. Do not use paper.

c.) Require proof of a math problem occasionally. One problem a day for first graders up to one a week for 6th graders. Proof could be showing how you got your answer with number line, pennies, objects or explanation.

d.) Bible memory. I would do Bible memory as an academic activity, knowing that understanding will come as the child matures.

Math

Practical application shows if a concept has been mastered. This is valuable in math. However, rote drills are still necessary for practice in the facts. Use computer drills, flashcards or worksheets for this practice.

Prov.22:1—A Good Name.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”

Continue to remind your children that you have decided to carry the name “Christian.” Also encourage them to make their family name “good” by the choices they make. Use illustrations from your family’s past.