kubiac Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 (edited) Hey everybody! My son is very young, but I love the idea of a classical cycle, as outlined in The Well-Trained Mind, and the idea that almost all reading aloud is powerful and good, as outlined in Jim Trelease's Read-Aloud Handbook, so I'm trying to incorporate a classical read-aloud cycle as part of my daily reading routine with the little one. I started out with Aesop's Fables (I used the Classic Illustrated edition edited by Cooper Edens because I loved the variety of illustration styles included in the book; I'll probably do Jerry Pinkney's version next time for variety, and because I recently found a copy at the used bookstore!), and now we're getting toward the end of D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths, so it's time for another selection, which I think ought to be the Bible. (Right?) I'm planning to use the two-volume Giant Golden Book Bible from the 40s and 50s, again because I have an illustrator fetish. (Old Testament is illustrated by Feodor Rojankovsky, New Testament is illustrated by the Provensens.) Anyway, this brings me to my question: Which chapters are best suited to be appropriate read-alouds for the preschool set? My own religious background consistent of a few sessions of Methodist Sunday School, but no extensive Bible Study, so many of the less celebrated chapters are a mystery to me. I'm thinking of doing the chapters below. Am I leaving off anything pivotal and profound? Am I including anything particularly weird or challenging? I'm not overly concerned with sex and violence, believe it or not (I suspect at this stage it's all way over his head), I'm just looking for the most essential stories, the ones that have the best possible chance of capturing his attention, and/or ones he should learn first to appreciate Judeo-Christian culture. (He's Judeo on his father's side, LOL.) OLD TESTAMENT The Creation of the World The Garden of Eden The Serpent in the Garden Cain and Abel, Sons of Adam The Tower of Babel Abram and Lot Seek New Pastures Abraham and the Angels Choosing a Wife for Isaac Jacob and Esau and the Birthright Jacob Tricks His Father Jacob's Dream in the Desert Jacob and Rachel Joseph Is Sold Into Slavery Joesph in the Land of Egypt Joseph's Brothers in Egypt Benjamin Goes to Egypt Moses in the Bulrushes Moses in Exile Moses and the Burning Bush The Plagues of Egypt The Night of Passover Crossing the Red Sea The Bitter Well of Marah Manna from Heaven The Ten Commandments Aaron Makes the Golden Calf The Promised Land Moses Completes His Work Joshua Sends Spies Into Canaan The Fall of Jericho Gideon and the Midianites The Trumpets and the Lamps The Parable of the Trees Samson and His Mighty Strength Ruth, the Faithful Daughter-in-Law Samuel, Child of the Lord David, the Lord's Chosen One David Meets Saul the King David and Goliath The Friendship of David and Jonathan David Spares Saul's Life The Psalms of David The Wisdom of Solomon Solomon Builds the Temple Elijah and the Poor Widow Elijah and the Priests of Baal The Parting of Elijah and Elisha Elisah Cures Naaman's Leprosy The Prophecy of Isaiah Josiah and the Book of the Law Jerusalem Is Destroyed The Song of the Captives Daniel at Nebuchadnezzar's Court The Statue of Gold The Handwriting on the Wall Daniel in the Lions' Dean The Temple Is Rebuilt Esther Saves Her People NEW TESTAMENT I'm thinking I'll read most, but skip the following. Thoughts? * The Marriage in Cana * The Daughter of Jairus * Zacchaeus, the Tax-Gatherer * The Gift of Languages * The Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate * The Apostles Escape from Prison * Cornelius, the Good Centurion * Apostles Mistaken for Gods * The Story of Eutychus * Paul in Prison (7 chapters) * Paul's Letters (3 chapters) Thoughts? Edited July 6, 2011 by kubiac Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HejKatt Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 I think the authors of the children's editions (at least those I'm familiar with : Golden Bible, Vos's and Egermeier's) have already selected the passages that would be meaningful to children, so I would find it difficult to pick a subset within that. For example, I thought the NT story of Zacchaeus, the Tax-Gatherer would be appealing to children because it shows how Jesus came to seek and save the lost, especially those most despised. Sorry, I know this answer is not very helpful. Could you share the age of your ds? I recall at preschool level the curriculum I used had a simple theme each quarter (e.g. God's love, God's family - stories focusing on the Bible characters) and the discussions centering on that after Bible reading were key to bringing them to life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiac Posted July 6, 2011 Author Share Posted July 6, 2011 He's such a baby I don't dare tell you his age--you'll either laugh or scorn me. Anyway, point taken. I'll read it all. I'll get the education to save up for later, and he'll enjoy sitting there eating his Cheerios. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HejKatt Posted July 6, 2011 Share Posted July 6, 2011 Oh, I didn't mean to discourage you! It's great that you have the motivation and energy. :grouphug: I was one of those who personally found it hard to read books like "The Trumpet of the Swan" to a baby. Now that DS is older, I can read longer books (and see his interest) but am continually interrupted by the baby so I think you are right to cherish the time you have with him. I hope others who have read to their very young ones can chime in, and be a better source of encouragement and advice. :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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