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Instilling a Love for Literature
by Jody Capehart

How do we instill a love of great literature in our children, whether at home, school or in church? Many of us feel very burdened by the declining desire in the children of today to want to read.

The Family Research Council reports in one of its excellent publications the common denominator that makes up an excellent school is the level of involvement of the parents. This parental factor is reflected also in a home environment is conducive to learning. This does not mean that the parents have all the latest technological equipment, but rather, an attitude that supports LEARNING AS A LIFELONG JOURNEY.

As I visit schools, churches and homes around the country as a part of my speaking ministry, I have observed this same truth. Healthy homes, schools and churches that support and stimulate excellence in education provide a learning environment that is conducive to creating a passion for learning. At the core of this are the adults who are committed to spending time reading with children and young people.

This passion for the written word is very contagious. But perhaps we feel a sense of competition with the television, computer programs and videos of today. These make it hard for us to instill this love of literature in our children. We have to work at carving out time to turn off the telephone, computer, and television and simply read to and with our children.

It was my privilege to attend the L’Abri Conference in February. What a great experience to ‘sit at the feet’ of many great speakers and learn about LITERATURE. Their eloquent use of the language, passion for literature and of course, that delightful English accent made it a most enjoyable experience. The logo for the conference was a women holding a child in her lap and reading to the child. Susan Schaeffer said that “The love of literature begins in a lap.” Here are a few key points to remember:

  • Love of Literature is first cultivated in the home.
  • Literature begins in the lap.
  • Literature 101: nursery rhymes
  • Literature 201: Holy Scriptures (C.S. Lewis writes “That the Bible is the golden strand of the English language.”)
  • Leisure is essential and in this day and time, this is a hard commodity to come by. We have to pray for it and prioritize it!
  • Living books are what Charlotte Mason talks about in her writings.

For me personally, as a mother, these are some things that helped cultivate the love of literature in my children.

  1. Read to and with them daily. Use a variety such as the scriptures, a classical literature book as well as simply some fun books of their choice that you check out from the library.

  2. Buy books for special occasions such as: devotional that is age appropriate for each Christmas a quality classical hard bound literature book for each birthday

  3. Let your children see you read. LOVERS OF READING MAKE LIFE-LONG READERS. It isn’t too late to begin today!


Other Articles by Jody Capehart

Loving to Learn
Balancing the 3 A's of Academics, Arts and Athletics
Homework: Healthy Habits or Hassles?