Read Together
Two lines a day. Ask one question. Find one connection to life.
策功茂实，勒碑刻铭。
Record great deeds and solid results; carve them on steles and inscriptions.
The point is not bragging, but remembering lessons and examples.
Parent note: Make a “family wall of wins” — small deeds count (helping, trying again, telling the truth).
磻溪伊尹，佐时阿衡。
Jiang Ziya by the Pan Stream; Yi Yin, the steady minister — both helped their times.
Wise helpers matter as much as kings.
Parent note: Who are the “helpers” around us — teachers, coaches, neighbors?
奄宅曲阜，微旦孰营。
The Yin (Shang) once occupied Qufu; without capable dawn‑star ministers, who manages affairs?
Talent builds cities and keeps homes in order.
Parent note: Ask: what chores or roles keep our home running well?
桓公匡合，济弱扶倾。
Duke Huan set things right and united states, aiding the weak and propping the fallen.
Leadership protects and includes.
Parent note: What does “help the weaker” look like at school or playground?
绮回汉惠，说感武丁。
Zhang Qian opened routes under Emperor Han; the persuader (Fu Yue) moved King Wuding.
Diplomacy and wise counsel can change history.
Parent note: Practice gentle persuasion — explain reasons instead of commands.
俊乂密勿，多士寔宁。
When talented, diligent people work carefully, many citizens enjoy peace.
A good team brings stability.
Parent note: Point out teamwork in your community: many helpers → calmer days.
晋楚更霸，赵魏困横。
In later times, Jin and Chu traded dominance; Zhao and Wei suffered from strife.
Power without virtue cycles into conflict.
Parent note: Ask: how can we solve problems without “dominating” others?
假途灭虢，践土会盟。
Borrowing a road to destroy a neighbor; meeting on trampled earth to swear alliances.
Strategy and trust — when used wrongly — can hurt many.
Parent note: Talk about trust: why do promises matter between friends?
Parent Prompts
- What small deed should we “record” this week?
- Who are the helpers making life better here?
- When did persuasion work better than force?
- How do we keep trust with our friends?