Skip to content

This is the book, then, and the book of Shakespeare. And…

“This is the book, then, and the book of Shakespeare. And every day you must read a page of each to your child--even though you yourself do not understand what is written down and cannot sound the words properly. You must do this that the child will grow up knowing of what is great---knowing that…” quote by Betty Smith
Download Open image
““This is the book, then, and the book of Shakespeare. And every day you must read a page of each to your child--even though you yourself do not understand what is written down and cannot sound the words properly. You must do this that the child will grow up knowing of what is great---knowing that these tenements of Williamsburg are not the whole world.””

Betty Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Parents should read literature to children even if they lack full comprehension, to expose them to cultural greatness beyond their immediate surroundings.

In simple terms: Read to kids despite not fully understanding.

Key Takeaway

Expose children to broader culture.

Themes

parenting education literature culture legacy

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

inspirational educational

When to use this quote

  • family bedtime reading
  • school literacy programs
  • community story hours

Key Concepts

cultural transmission intergenerational learning

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you prepare to read challenging material?
  • What benefits arise from shared reading?
A Different Perspective

Parents may feel inadequate reading complex texts aloud.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Betty Smith

Explore all 306 Betty Smith quotes

More Book quotes

Browse all 29,378 Book quotes