I am currently reading through an excellent book, titled "Read for the Heart" by Sarah Clarkson. I originally ordered it last school year in an attempt to help my almost 11 year old voracious reader sort through the myriad of elementary/jr high books. I, myself, was such a reader at her age and I can understand the importance of reading books of outstanding spiritual/moral/inspirational qualities. Unfortunately, I did not read many classics during my informative years (mainly, I believe, due to not being encouraged during my public schooling years to do so) and wish to encourage my almost 12 year old, now, in that direction. I finally began the book yesterday and am already half way through it, which is saying a lot about how interesting it is, considering that it's more of a reference tool. The book is easy to read, the author has a clear and engaging vocabulary, and I must say she has me wanting to pick up some of these books myself, with her descriptions. Her lists include picture books, Golden Age Classics, Children's fiction, fairy tales & fantasy, history & biography, spiritual reading for kids, and poetry. Obviously, this could not possibly be an exhaustive list. I'm not sure that would be possible, however I find it a perfect place to start. I've already started a list of library look up books for my daughter and can't wait for her to put down her Nancy Drew's for a few minutes and pick up some more literarily challenging books.
One interesting tidbit I read in one of the first few chapters was pertaining to the difference in brain chemistry from T.V. watching compared to reading. The author states, "...while watching TV, the right side of the brain remains active, retaining vivid imprints of the images and sounds presented on the screen. That switch from left to right brain also causes the body to be flooded with endorphins, the body's natural opiates, stimulating a natural craving for the instigating activity". While, regarding reading, she writes, "Not only are numerous parts of the brain involved in the act of reading, but the mind is also actively questioning the new information, deciding its meaning, and choosing where it will place it within the files of it's previous knowledge. Reading shapes the way the brain encounters new concepts, creating a space for contemplation and discernment that electronic media never provide". She goes on to describe it a bit more. In my own words, watching TV allows our brains to take in new information while the left side of the brain (that controls reason, logic and thought) is not active. We just accept new information without questioning it. Reading stimulates all the thought processes and logic that helps that information come in and be kept or thrown out depending on our value systems and things we've been taught, instead of just accepted mindlessly. Interestingly, I never realized the dynamic difference in HOW the human brain assimilates new information. She mentions in quoting a cognitive psychologist that while reading, we are actually using the part of our brain that processes sounds, as if we were hearing it being read. Love learning new things like this. Makes me all the more eager to encourage all of my children to pick up classical literature as early as they'd be able to enjoy it. So many of my ideas and information in my elementary/preteen/teen years came from reading. This book is a good first step for me, towards my goal of trying a slightly more Charlotte Mason approach to homeschooling. Little by little, I'm learning. Speaking of which, I own a handful of classics thanks to my mom's good thrift store eye, and have had my daughter start "The Prince and The Pauper" by Mark Twain. She read a chapter out loud to my husband and I and we all learned a few new vocabulary words. Odd things like this excite me. I know, I'm strange. hehe
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