Teaching Children Honesty & Truthfulness

"If our culture is to become even more hostile to Christianity than it is today, are your children going to be ready to stand firm?" ~ Bob Lepine

Many of you know that I like books written in the 18th & 19th centuries and into the early 20th century. These books have a basic understanding and teach courage, truth & gratitude in way that isn't taught in today's books - to be honest I personally believe that that manner of teaching is almost gone. 

I was listening to a radio show (Family Life Today) about a series of devotional books by Barbara Rainey in which she teaches through story form about courage, truth and gratitude. The stories chosen provide inspiration and a role model that encourages them to make the right decision and the right choice when the time comes that they need to stand up for what they believe.

Today's show focused on one of her new titles "Growing Together in Truth" which is a 7 day devotional that you read with your children. A devotional doesn't need to be something that is ONLY read through structured moments in time - you can read these stories anytime ~ it can be in the car, while waiting for an appointment, before school (which definitely would help your children focus on behavior and also would send them to school with an encouraging and uplifting thought), or even at bedtime. 

Barbara's books seem to be focused on children about 5 and up but as we all know that really depends on your child's ability to sit and focus. They may not understand everything you read to them at once but even sowing little "seeds" of truth a tiny bit at a time is helpful to encouraging your children to display honesty, gratitude and courage.

Why Use Stories to teach Honesty, Gratitude & Courage?

Honesty means "acting in a trustworthy way so that you will respect yourself and be respected by others".

Shape your child's convictions and provide them with the courage to stand up for what's right. READ them with your kids (even if they are 15 and you think they are to old to be read to - you are NEVER to old to be read to)

Stories share with your children right from wrong, how to STAND UP for what you believe and how parents shaped their children's conviction and gave them the courage to choose what's right in the face of a lie. 

These books are a great addition to read if you'd like to extend the devotionals with your family:

1) Seven Miles to Freedom, the Robert Smalls Story  (elementary) click for my review

2) The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews teaches about how our actions affect others not just today but in the future.

3) The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom (10+) 

4) War Stories by Usborne Books teaches how men and women who stood up for what they believed was right and what it cost them - their lives, their families, their reputation. (10+) 

In closing:

Families need to talk about Truth because we all need to know the difference between right & wrong - between truth & untruth. It's the foundation on which we build a life of faith & trust. And role models like these can take us there. These true stories will capture your family's attention, granting vision and worthy examples that will redefine truth for every age. From Family Life Today's website

Other things you may be interested in:

Transcript of today's show

Barbara Rainey (about the author)

Families Building Character Together

...Character...

It is character that will sustain a child, an adult, a family no matter what life throws at you.  It is character that will last and it is character that every child needs to develop. Compassion, kindness, integrity, a teachable spirit, self discipline, a servant’s heart, courage, faith, joy- these are character traits that every child and every adult can grow in. Our job as parents is to equip our children with character. (from momlifetoday.com)

This week we are going to learn about books that can teach your child behavior that is desirable. Why would we use books? (this list is from Books That Build Character: A Guide to Teaching Your Child Moral Values Through Stories)

1) Stories create an "emotional attachment" to goodness or a desire to do the right thing.

2) Stories provide good examples of good and bad behavior - and opportunities to talk about it. (Hint: Parents read to your children - even those older kids)

3) Stories familiarize children with codes of conduct that they need to know.

4) Stories help make sense out of life & help make our lives into stories.

My favorite quote from this book is: "unless this sense of meaning is acquired at an early age and reinforced as we grow older, there is simple no moral growth." (I'd actually say "it's very difficult for moral growth to take place.)

Coming to Classic Children's Books:

Watch this week for reviews of the above books and also 2 devotionals for older kids that fit in with the theme of character building as a family.

Character Building poster to hang on your refrigerator  
(there is also a character building guide: Character Crew: Develop Moral Character, click here which includes a verse, activities to use for different ages, story suggestions, a link to an Adventures in Odyssey story, and more)

You might be interested in:

While they are sleeping: 12 Character Traits to Pray for the Children You Love by Annie Arkens & Gary Harrell

Don't take your children's character lying down. While They Are Sleeping leads you as you lift your kids to God around twelve vital character traits: Five days of prayer and Scripture for each trait, Guided personal prompts for your individual child's needs, Related ideas for connecting with your child, and "Live it Out" application suggestions for your family

Howard B Wigglebottom ~ Book Review

 

This week Classic Children's Books is hosting the Families Building Character Together event where we'll be using books to learn about honesty, bravery/courage, obedience and truthfulness through stories about individuals how portrayed character in their behavior.

We'll begin our week with the Preschool Group and the Howard B Wigglebottom series. This is a great series to introduce younger children to honesty, giving, sharing, listening, bullying. You can find these books at http://www.wedolisten.org where they are ALL on sales right now for $7.50 (hardback) - it's a great addition to any family, church or school library. You'll also find different lessons, music, animated books and more.

Howard B Wigglebottom
and the Power of Giving: A Christmas Story
by Howard Binkow
Illustrated by Susan F Cornelison
ISBN: 978-0982616543
On sale - $7.50 Click Here
Series

It was Christmas time, the season for GIVING - but for 

Howard B Wigglebottom, it was the season for GETTING!

Howard is a little bunny who can't give up anything of his. Everything is so precious to him and he is so worried about losing any of it or someone else getting his things that one day he takes off with a bag full of ALL his toys and starts walking.

As he's walking he meets new friends who are homeless and he realizes that his mother is right, he has way too much stuff and he decides that what he really wants is to appreciate the good things he already has.

This book opens the opportunity to discuss Giving & Sharing, Listening & Following the Rules, Talking to Strangers and being Homeless. There are reflections in the end of the book that you can use to give you ideas on how to discuss these behaviors with your children (age 3+).

You & your kids can color your own book. Just You can also color it online if you'd like and I'm assuming you can print it after coloring.

Click to Print


Write & Color Your Own Book

What are you thinking? ~ Book Review

What Are You Thinking?
by Valerie Ackley
Illustrated by Lori Nawyn
Published by: Thoughts Alive Books
ISBN-13: 978-0981674919
Age 7+, 30 pages
$12.71 Amazon


USA Book News 2009 Best Books Award Finalist


About the Book:
Do your children know the POWER of their THOUGHTS? This fully illustrated book introduces children to the concept that thoughts matter! Fun characters and humorous situations show that we tend to find what we are looking for, whether it is positive or negative. Your children will learn the importance of wisely selecting their dominant thoughts. FUN for ALL ages, "What are you thinking?" will inspire creativity, confidence, goal setting, gratitude and HOW to turn a bad day around! Parents can use this book as a spring board to discuss "thinking habits" with their children. It's the perfect choice for a unique and inspiring girt for those you love.




My Thoughts:
This is an important book that teaches kids that harnessing their thoughts gives them the power to succeed. Using examples from history, Ben Franklin, Graham Bell, the Wright Brothers, the outhouse - the toilet and so on your kid's see how a great idea can often result in a great invention. Kids will see how if you really want something you can come up with ways to get it - want a puppy - how can you earn the money yourself to get that puppy? It also focuses on attitude, persistence, and choosing to see the good in the bad.


The pictures are a bit chaotic but will appeal to kids of all ages with large, exaggerated images and big bright colors. The text is large, uses a variety of fonts and should be fairly easy for beginning readers who are comfortable reading with a little bit of help to read - just teach them to read by following their finger on the page.

You might like this article on the author's blog:

Questions about "What are YOU Thinking? 

8 questions recently discussed on a Blog Tour

(In particular look at #5)

You can purchase this book on Amazon for $12.71 and for more information about the book check out these links:


About the author:
The idea for "What are You Thinking?" was born when Valerie Ackley (the mother of 5 sons) went to a seminar by Leslie Householder, the author of The Jackrabbit Factor. When she tried to find materials to use to teach her boys the lessons she learned at this seminar and couldn't, she decided to write this book as a tool to open discussions and topics between her and her children.


She hopes this book will be a tool to open a discussion between parents and children regarding the power of the mind, and the importance of wisely selecting our dominant thoughts. Valerie has seen her children benefit from applying these principles. She believes this book, with the delightful and humorous illustrations created by Lori Nawyn, will empower children and parents to enjoy the endless rewards of positive thinking.


Valerie is available for school and class presentations, for more information please contact her at: whatareyouthinkingbook@gmail.com

Book Website                           Author's Blog

This book was was given to me to review on Classic Children's Books. I was not required nor was I paid to write a positive review.

The Imagination Station, Series Review (Bks 1-6) & Giveaway

Stocking Stuffer

Alert!

 
The Imagination Station, Bks 1-6
by Marianne Hering & Paul McCusker
Published by Tyndale Publishing
Age 7-11, 96 pages each
$4.99 each book on Amazon.com

Join cousins Patrick and Beth in the Imagination Station and travel through history. Sail with Viking explorers! Meet a Roman emperor! The key to adventure lies within your imagination. (for ages 7 and up)

This fun series of books for kids 7-11 takes your kids on the adventure of a lifetime. This new series combines a mystery, a quest and many great historical events (so your kid's will learn something too) into a fast paced, fun series that your kids will love.

A mini review of all 6 books (or My Thoughts):
While visiting Whit's Soda Shoppe, the cousins find a mysterious, old letter in Imagination Station asking for a Viking sunstone; if the sunstone isn't found then someone named Albert will be imprisoned.

I wasn't to sure what to think of this series since it was a chapter book series for early readers. Children who are somewhat comfortable with reading on their own shouldn't have any trouble reading and understanding the books. The illustrations and imagery in the book are eye catching and very well rendered. This series is also a great Read-Aloud series for the family. The books are full of discussion topics and you'll find questions, puzzles and more in the books and online @ TheImaginationStation.com . I'm going to break each book down with a basic description of what they're about:

Bk 1: Voyage with the Vikings
The first book opens with cousins Beth and Patrick traveling back in time to Greenland circa 1000 to find a Viking sunstone! Beth and Patrick meet the Vikings Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson, and locate the sunstone.but when they return to the Soda Shoppe another note is waiting for them requesting a silver goblet.

Bk 2: Attack at the Arena
Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison.

At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena.

During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything—even his life—to stop the killing. When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert’s fate.
 
Bk 3: Peril in the Palace
The place? - China in 1271. The quest? - the golden tablet of Kublai Khan. The problem? - just about everything!

Patrick and Beth are kidnapped by Mongol warriors. Only the friendship of fellow traveler Marco Polo saves them from harm. They are brought to the Mongol palace where the Kublai Khan dislikes both their gifts and their message about Christianity. The tension grows when the Mongol magicians challenge the cousins to a spiritual power showdown. As war breaks out, Beth and Patrick are locked in a secret room to prevent their escape.

How do the cousins get the golden tablet they needs to save Mr. Whittaker's friend Albert? How do they escape the city and find the Imagination Station? Brave the perilous palace and find out!



Bk 4: Revenge of the Red Knight
Patrick and Beth find themselves as guests in a beautiful castle in 15th century England. Through a series of events, the steward of Lord Darkthorn's castle finds the cousins with three artifacts collected in their previous adventures: the stone, the cup, and the golden tablet. They are accused of being thieves and locked in jail. Beth escapes and discovers the identity of the real thief, leading to a jousting contest with a surprising outcome.
Set during the War of the Roses in England, Revenge of the Red Knight will teach readers about the Crusades, the integrity of knights and the vows they took, and why men would choose to risk their lives to fight for Christianity.

Bk 5: Showdown with the Shepherd
Patrick and Beth go to the Holy Land in the 10th century B.C., where their goal is to get back the ring Hugh stole and return it to him in 1450s England where he belongs. But troubles await them as soon as they step out of the Imagination Station-first they meet an angry bear and then later they meet an angry giant! Join the cousins as they learn that having a giant faith is more important than having a giant on your side.

  and finally, (So far, I think this one is my favorite):

Bk 6: Problems in Plymouth

Patrick and Beth's next adventure leads them to Plymouth Plantation in 1621, where they meet William Bradford, Miles Standish, and Chief Massasoit, who are trying to establish peace between the Pilgrims and the Indians. Things are anything but peaceful though when a musket is stolen and the Pilgrims conclude that the Indians are planning war. Only Patrick and Beth know who the real thief is-the traitor Hugh-and it's up to them to find him and stop him from causing trouble. When the cousins hear a gunshot during the first Thanksgiving feast, their worst fears are realized. They rush to the Mayflower and try to set right history, even as Hugh desperately tries to change it.

It looks like there will be a NEW TITLE coming January 1, 2012!

Secret of the Prince's Tomb

Pre-Order: $4.99

My thoughts:

This fun series is very fast, action packed and I was very impressed with the way each historical figure was introduced and how what and who they are impacted history. Emperor Honorius was as important in the beginning history of the spread of Christianity as was Eric the Red and Leif Errickson. Your kid's will learn about the Crusades, what integrity is and what it means to take a vow to do something. You'll notice similarities to several different bible stories, such as David & Goliath, as you read with your children. 

Adventures in Odyssey Imagination Station #2: Attack at the Arena

I think the story that touched me the most, enough to do a little research on my own was that of the monk Telamachus who was willing to risk his own life to stop the Roman arena fighting. 

There is a great section on his life on TheImaginationStation.com called Roaming in the Romans that explains what life was like in the Roman Empire along with a great explanation of who Telamachus was and how he made a difference in the world and in Christianity. You'll find neat pictures, discussion questions for you and your kids that help the kids with reading comprehension. 

I'm sure your family will enjoy The Imagination Station Series as much as I have. Each book is interesting, full of true historical characters, highly researched and the writing is designed to draw your children into the story. Personally I would of liked to see more activities for families added to the website. It seems like there is quite a bit to do in the first two books but not much other than "The Secret Word" puzzle on the others. Still tho - the books are wonderful and a great introduction to historical fiction for younger/beginning readers.

To Purchase:
You can purchase each book separately on Amazon for $4.99 or you can purchase the first 3 books for $14.97 - and of course Amazon usually offers FREE Shipping with $25 orders so make sure to see if that option is available! (Which is a PLUS for me!) Click here to order



It's a Giveaway!
Tyndale is offering 1 FULL set of 6 books to one of my readers (US and Canada!). They would make a great birthday gift or Christmas Stocking Stuffer for any kid or family that enjoys reading together.