Growing Readers

As the mother of an "advancing" reader, I have to say that although I enjoyed being the one to teach my child to read, to see the "light" come on when reading truly took hold...I'm glad those days are behind me. Mine was a reluctant reader.

I would say "Let's do some reading."
"Do we have to?" was not an uncommon response. 
"Yes, dear. Don't worry. It will get even better over time." 
"Okay."

Thank the Lord, it's "better". Yeah!  I'm glad I didn't force it the year before when she truly wasn't ready or interested.  Now, she picks a book that was a mystery to her before, and the delight of being able to read it lights up her face. Most of the time. We read from a reading set sometimes, but I really prefer she pick her own books each day. We have an abundant supply. (Just ask Daddy.) She might pick one that is a little above her level, but with some help she can do it, and take pride in the accomplishment.

My favorite thing is that she is able to read from her special Bible. It is called the Primary Bible Reader (Abeka), and it contains many Biblical accounts from the King James Version. The font is larger, and it is set in a pretty format. What a joy to hear her sweet little voice reading all those "big" words. Today she breezed though "whatsoever". I know I enjoy this reading above all the others because it is something she will carry with her for a lifetime.

Good books are such an important part of my life. I want to pass on that love to my family. She reads to me, then I read to her, and while she plays I try to do a little reading-aloud. Sometimes we do bedtime reading. It's all good. We have so many favorites. Some sweet and some silly. I recently picked up a picture book narrating the song "Sunrise, Sunset." It is quickly becoming a favorite. (And we had to watch Fiddler on the Roof  which she didn't want to end.) We are currently reading A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton Porter which ties in to our nature study.

A reader is a learner for life. Many thanks to my mom and her parents for passing on this love of reading. I remember both my grandparents reading Anne of Green Gables for the first time in their 70's and loving every minute of it. A simple yet profound treasure.

Happy reading!