Book Quote by Betty Smith
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, 1943
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.
