Printer
Friendly page - click here
Review — Rocket
Readers |
|
by Heather Gemmen and
Mary McNeil
Published by: Cook Communications Ministries
Review by Tom Gilbert
 “Coming and Going” (level
2)
Vowel Sounds
 “Jesus’ Friends” (level 1)
New Testament
Teaching young children reading and
language skills is important. No one would dispute that.
How they are taught is often a subject of debate. Now parents
and teachers can take an active involvement in teaching
the formative skills with a new series of booklets that
stresses a biblical message in a fun and appealing format.
The Rocket Readers series was created by Cook
Communications Ministries. The editors Heather Gemmen and Mary McNeil
are concerned and want to change the present day statistics
that almost 40 percent of all children read below their
grade level. Any program that can improve literacy and
promote spiritual development is important.
The offerings span five different levels and use phonics
and sight words appropriate for each level incorporated
into Bible stories.
I had an opportunity to review two sets, the “Coming
and Going – Vowel Sounds” for level 2 and “Jesus’ Friends – New
Testament” for level 1. Both these sets use the
writing team of Peggy Wilber and Marianne Hering. I immediately
liked the layout. Bright colors, easy-to-read fonts,
fun illustrations (Terry Workman and Patty Argoff for
the two sets I review here), and short enough for the
child to finish in one sitting. That’s important
to give a sense of accomplishment. Any parent can tell
you that finding what encourages a child to continue
reading is difficult. My sense is that won’t be
a problem with these books.
Here’s an example from the “Coming and Going” set:
the “oo” sounds are demonstrated through
the story of Daniel 1. You might recall that King Nebuchadnezzar
wanted Daniel to eat certain foods that Daniel did not
want to defile himself with. This booklet, “No
Noodles” takes you through Daniel turning down
certain food because he wants to eat God’s food.
It’s fun and conveys the important message of learning
to obey God even when everyone else is not.
Another example, taken from the “Jesus’ Friends” selections
is called “Did Not!” and is the story of “doubting” Thomas.
Mary and the apostles tell Thomas that they’ve
seen Jesus alive. “Did not!” is Thomas’ reply
throughout until he’s confronted with the risen
Christ. It’s a happy reunion and when Thomas exclaims, “You
died. You left forever!” the reply from the Lord
is (you guessed it) “Did not!”.
Each of the booklets includes a life issue, spiritual
building block and the sight/sound/touch activities that
make the learning experience interactive. There is some
good value and fun here for both the teacher/parents
and the children. I can certainly see this being worthwhile
for home schooling. However, I encourage using the Rocket
Reader tools regardless of where your children attend
school. Take the initiative to teach your children the
Word of God and to enjoy reading.
|
Go here
for more reviews on Christian books, movies, music and other products!
|
 |
| |
Scripture
taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights
reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of
International Bible Society.
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks
of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for the offering
of goods or services requires the prior written consent of International
Bible Society.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission
of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights
reserved. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
You'll
also receive Practical Biblical Solutions for life's
challenges with our free e-zine
|
| |
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Travel" along
on our spiritual journey - visit our
Journal
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 We
have more than 120,000 Christian books,
bibles, music,gifts, video, software
and more!
It's easy to find what you're looking for by using our BROWSE
feature to search for your favorite type of
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
 |
