God Gives Us His Word & Books
As we encourage the children to love books and reading (especially God’s Word) this month, let me encourage you to make time for reading for yourself – especially the Word of God.  Research shows that children who see their parents read are more likely to develop a love for reading.  The same I believe holds true for God’s Word.  Not only will reading your Bible help your children to value that, but it will bless you in ways you can’t imagine.  I would also encourage you to join a Bible Study either here at Church of the Cross or at your own church.  Psalm 119:105 says, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”  We all need guidance for our path and the Lord has given it to us in His Word.  Enjoy reading this month with your child, and most of all I pray you will enjoy reading God’s Word on your own, with your child, and in a Bible Study.

Easter & Holy Week at LCC
May we all offer our worship and praise to Jesus our risen Lord this Easter.  If you do not have a church home, please know you are invited to worship with us at either campus. The following is the schedule for Holy Week.
Palm Sunday – March 27/28
Sat. 5:00pm LW – Preschool Children Sing!
Sun. 9:00 (both campuses) & 10:30 (LW)
Maundy Thursday – April 1
10:30am (LW) 7:00pm (both campuses)
Good Friday –  April 2
10:30am (LW) & 7:00pm (both campuses)
Easter -  Sunday April 4
Celebrating the empty tomb in worship
7:30 am (LW), 9:00am (both campuses) 10:30am (LW)

Simple Techniques to Encourage Reading
Reading is the foundation skill for all learning.  Teach your child to love books and you’ll build a lifelong reader.  There are many things you can do at home to get your child interested and off to a good start in reading and language development.

Read with your child every day and have the whole family join in.

Keep books within your child’s reach.

Label a few objects in his room like “dresser” and “bed.”

Help him explore magazines, comics and maps in addition to books.

Encourage your child to write and scribble.

Notice words around you – on signs, in grocery stores, on products in your home.

Help your child get in the library habit.  Set aside time to visit the library.  Check out a book yourself; you’ll be setting a powerful example of the importance of reading.

Have fun!  Teach your child to love words, play rhyming games, read books or nursery rhymes with interesting words to build vocabulary.

Remember learning to read isn’t a race!

Monitor TV, Computer and Video Game Time
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children limit their “screen time” to no more than two hours daily.  This includes time spent watching television, playing video games and using the computer.
Help your child set limits:

Limit the time your child spends watching TV, playing computer or video games, even if they’re educational.

Watch TV with him/her.  Choose appropriate shows and have a conversation about what is being viewed.

“Read Your Bible, Pray Every Day…
…and you’ll grow, grow, grow!”  These are words from a song we sing in preschool that embody a deep truth.  Though the children, being concrete thinkers, assume this means to grow physically, we know that these habits are key to growing spiritually in our relationship with the Lord.  Help your child to grow close to Jesus; and while you’re at it, remember these habits are beneficial for adults, too!  Since actions do speak louder than words to your child, let your child see you cultivating these growing habits!

Make Reading Convenient for Your Child
Build these reading steps into your family’s daily life and watch them work for you:

Put books in places your child will be (car, stroller).

Carry books with you to waiting rooms.

Keep books near the bathtub.

Subscribe to children’s magazines.

Write Notes to Your Child
Turn reading and writing into a family tradition.  Write your child little notes each day.  Put them in different places – on his/her pillow, beside the toothbrush, in the lunch box for Lunch Bunch, on a napkin at meal time, etc.