Proverbs 25:11 says, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

How can parents encourage children to enjoy literature, speak effectively, and become influential leaders in their adult life?

One way is by teaching them to interpret literature, an activity that children can develop at a very young age. Each of my children had a specific storybook he or she memorized as a 2- or 3-year-old. The Foot Book, Alice in Bible Land, and Go Dog Go! were some favorites. The child would eventually "read" the book to me as I would turn the pages. They would do so with the same voice intonation and emphasis I did the hundreds of times I read the book to them. This is the first example of interpretative speech.

As our children grew into speaking age, Bible memorization became an integral part of our home. As Psalm 119:28 says, "Strengthen thou me according to thy word." Even the youngest child is implanted with the words of God and led by the Holy Spirit in the simplest ways. The following are some simple verses even a 2-4 -year-old could put to memory:

• "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
• "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
• "He who hath the Son hath life." (1 John 5:12)
• "He who believeth in the Son hath everlasting life..." (John 3:36)
• "...The Lord is my helper..." (Hebrews 13:6)
• "Trust in the Lord, and do good..." (Psalms 37:3)

When the child learns to read between 5 and 7 years old, longer verses are added, such as John 3:16 or John 10:10-11. By the time the child was ready to perform, having the entire 23rd Psalm, the Lord's Prayer, or the Beatitudes memorized was common. Because "all scripture is God-breathed," as 2 Timothy 3:16 says, God has been breathing His Word into our children as they put it to memory.

Choosing Interpretive Pieces

When your child matures, he or she will be able to memorize a specific piece of literature and recite it. In fact, child psychology shows that the preteen age group is the most ready for memorization of important literature. This is the ideal age for AWANA, Bible clubs, or Sunday schools that teach children Bible memorization.

My daughter Cynthia performed Dr. Seuss's Mr. Brown Can Moo, one of her favorites, at age 7. Dr. Seuss is a popular one, and Shel Silverstein (Where the Sidewalk Ends), Mercer Mayer (Little Critter books), Norman Bridwell (Clifford books), P.D. Eastman (Are You My Mother?), and Phil Vischer (VeggieTales books) are just a few authors.

Your child may be ready for a more developed piece than Mr. Brown Can Moo. In fact, I saw a 7-year-old give an interpretative speech of Patrick Henry's Speech to the Virginia Convention. Wow, that kid would burst out "Give me liberty, or give me death!" with so much spunk that she touched the hearts of everyone there! Do not hesitate to broaden your children's horizons and challenge them with more advanced pieces.