Remember how excited your child was when he first learned to read? He probably read to anyone and anything that would hold still. Some beginning readers have been known to read to themselves in a mirror or even to the family pet.

As children progress in their reading skills, shared reading is a common practice. It is a you-read-page, I’ll-read-a-page kind of activity. Often, shared reading is used with children who are beginning to read independently, but may not be confident or motivated enough to keep reading without encouragement.

Ironically, this happens at the age when some children are becoming more and more concerned about peers. Often with this age group, interest in Bible stories can begin to fade a little. It happens as children approach middle school or junior high.

The great news is that kids still long for time with their parents.

Why not use your child’s longing for time with you for shared Bible reading?

1. Find a Bible translation that fits your child’s reading skills. Getting ready for shared Bible reading is a great time to visit your Christian bookstore to find a Bible with just the right cover for your 10-12 year old to want to take to church with his peers.
2. Choose a routine time and place. Following a routine will increase the chances of the shared reading happening on an on-going basis.
3. Share the Bible reading. Maybe you can read one day and your child can read the next. Or, maybe you can switch off reading at the paragraphs.
4. Create a shared Bible journal. Haul out one of the back-to-school-special notebooks or create something unique. With each reading, add to the journal. Possibilities include drawings or notes that represent the passage.
5. Pray with your child about what you have read.
6. Insert special snack time here!
7. Repeat the next day.

Have you done shared reading with your 10-12 year old? What other ways have you encouraged your son or daughter to read the Bible?