The Greek word logos is translated “word” in the English Bible.  Jesus describes himself as the Word in the first verse of John.  John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”  Words must be important.  If words are important then reading is essential.

Paulie and I felt strongly about teaching our boys to read.  We knew that the well being of our sons was our responsibility.  We did not view the school, church or any other institution as responsible. 

I will answer to God for how I raised (and continue to raise) them.

We sought counsel from trusted sources on what methods were best to teach reading.  The late Bettina Dobbs provided the best advice.  She strongly advised phonics.  We took her advice and used the Distar method, teaching all three of our sons to read in 100 lessons.

Bettina led me to another excellent resource on education issues thirty years ago, Charlotte Thomson Iserbyt, the author of the excellent book, “The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America.”  Bettina gave me a copy of the book when I was appointed Executive Director of the Christian Civic League of Maine.
http://deliberatedumbingdown.com/ddd/

Bettina went on to her reward a few years ago.  Charlotte is approaching the time when she will shed her mortal coil.  Until then she remains focused on her work, thank God.