Read Together
Two lines a day. Ask one question. Find one connection to life.
守真志满，逐物意移。
Hold to truth and keep the heart full; chase after things and intentions will drift.
Staying true to values prevents being pulled by distractions.
Parent note: Ask: what value helps us stay steady when everyone else is rushing?
坚持雅操，好爵自縻。
If one keeps refined conduct, high honors will naturally follow.
Focus on character first; rewards come later.
Parent note: Tell a story of someone respected more for honesty than riches.
都邑华夏，东西二京。
The cities of China, with the two great capitals east and west.
Great centers of learning and culture were remembered in history.
Parent note: Compare: what’s our nearest big city? What does it give us?
背邙面洛，浮渭据泾。
With Mt. Mang behind and the Luo River in front, resting on the Wei and holding the Jing.
Geography shaped homes and capitals — nature supports life.
Parent note: Look at a map: what natural features protect our town?
宫殿盘郁，楼观飞惊。
Palaces rise in twisting grandeur, towers soaring to astonish.
Human art builds beauty — but it rests on nature’s foundation.
Parent note: Visit a tall building or monument. Ask: what natural resources built it?
图写禽兽，画彩仙灵。
Animals are drawn in pictures, spirits painted in bright colors.
Art preserves imagination, blending nature and story.
Parent note: Draw one favorite animal together — real or imaginary.
丙舍傍启，甲帐对楹。
Buildings stand side by side, pavilions facing the pillars.
Describes the order and harmony of architecture in great halls.
Parent note: Build with blocks: how can order make structures stronger?
肆筵设席，鼓瑟吹笙。
Banquets laid with mats and seats, zithers played and flutes blown.
Joy and music complete the picture of thriving life.
Parent note: Play music at dinner — ask kids how the mood changes with sound.
Parent Prompts
- What helps us stay true to ourselves?
- Why does character matter more than rewards?
- How does geography shape where we live?
- How does music or art make life richer?