Journeying with Reading Aloud

Did you know that the 6th of March was World Read Aloud Day? 
I didn't, not until I saw a few status updates on facebook about it. 


Did you know that there are 793 million people who cannot read?
I didn't!

There really is so much I don't know and my soul aches whenever I hear of neglect towards children. I know I can't save the world, I'm not called to do that, but I can make a difference in one life or maybe even ten and I trust that the Lord will water the seeds I plant.

One thing I do know is the Lord called me to educate my children at home for purposes that I understand and some I don't understand and remain only in God's thoughts.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

So are My ways higher than your ways,

And My thoughts than your thoughts."

- Isaiah 55:9

Making reading aloud in our home a habit and a top priority has been a long journey. It all began when I was not satisfied with just text books and a small voice inside me kept prompting me to search for more. It was then that I discovered Charlotte Masons philosophy of education and excitement began to stir within. 

I was very ignorant to the fact of how difficult the road was going to be to break the school system out of my mind. It has been one stepping stone after another and a lot of times I slipped off at times when I allowed other peoples ignorant ideas and criticisms really affect my thoughts.

But I persisted and God sent people into my path who He used to strengthen my weak areas.

One being reading aloud. 

Today I am so pleased to be settled into homeschooling using Ambleside Online and the amazing read aloud system they have going on. I used to be so daunted whenever I would look at the years and all the literature to cover. 

But step by step it is possible. I just made small changes all the time until they became a part of our lives. 

Combining my children has been the best outcome for us even if my son is 4 years older than my daughter, combining all the read aloud's is working out to be very successful. 

The benefits that I have so far witnessed from introducing reading aloud as a way of life are - 

• Precious time with your children
• The ability to listen
• An exceptional increase in vocabulary (and not just from the children)
• It is a time of sailing off into someones world or venturing back to what once was
• Having the ability to comprehend and narrate back in your own words
• Developing a love for reading and for books
• Opens up various subjects for tremendous conversations 
• Expands the mind to think

For us this way of learning has been enriching and I Praise God for His leading and wisdom. 

I certainly don't stand back and judge what others do, for it is really important to do what works for each individual family, and homeschooling according to Miss Masons ways works for us.

So today I read aloud two ch of Ethel Turners 'Seven Little Australians' and 1 Chapter from 'Our Island Story' and it was truly a breeze. Ten years ago I would of struggled to even read half a chapter, but that is what is amazing about learning and growing.

All glory to my Heavenly Father who so willingly teaches. 

 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

Love Sarah

xxx