Little Readers

The girls are nearing completion of kindergarten — their first year of formal education. When the school year started, they knew their letters and the sound each letter makes. They were just barely beginning to put those sounds together to sound out a few three letter words. In school, they began by learning “sight words” as well as significantly increasing their competency to figure out words — by sounding them out as well as context from pictures or illustrations. Now, they can pick up a book they’ve never seen before and begin reading it. It has been amazing to see how much they are absorbing. They’ve been able to figure out much more than I would have expected and I’m learning to be patient while they try. If I give them enough time before giving a hint, they can usually figure it out for themselves.

I enjoy reading and read voraciously as a child. We’ve been reading to the girls since they were infants. And even as infants they had some books that were on the low shelves in their room, available to them whenever they wanted. We had some books that had to be mended with tape, and some board books that got enough chewing they had to be discarded. But they’ve learned to be gentle. And they LOVE story time!  Honestly, I do too. Like I said, I like reading. But I also like the snuggles. And (I’ll admit it) the quiet time.

The girls were three. It was one of those moments when I realized the girls were playing VERY quietly in their room. I went in to see what sort of trouble they were getting into and found them “reading” to each other.

In recent months, we have frequently told the girls that reading is one of the most important skills they can learn — because when they can read, they can learn about anything! They’re off to a great start and we’re very proud of them.

And just because, here’s a list of some of our favorite first books:

• Where is Baby’s Belly Button? (lift the flap book) – Karen Katz
• Good Morning, Good Night! – Teresa Imperato
• God Gave Us You – Lisa Tawn Bergren & Laura J Bryant
• Guess How Much I Love You – Sam McBratney & Anita Jeram
• Goodnight Little One – Margaret Brown Wise
• Fisher Price My Little People Farm (lift the flap book) – Doris Tomaselli
• The Going to Bed Book – Sandra Boynton
• The Foot Book – Dr. Seuss
• Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? – Dr. Seuss
• The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name – Sally Lloyd-Jones

There are all sorts of ways to play with books. (Age 3.5)

Reading with Grandpa

Easter reading with Mommy

Story time with Nana

Read me a story Daddy!

Reading with GGma.

Independent reading