For the Sake of the Call

For the Sake of the Call

Nov. 27, 2006 - The Joy of Learning to Read

Teaching my children to read has been such a delightful experience!

I have been fortunate to have bright kids who respond well to phonics instruction (provided I am sensitive to their readiness). I have enjoyed every part of the process from first learning the letters of the alphabet to reading fluently.

My son recently completed The Chronicles of Narnia and has started The Hobbit. He finally accepted that Mom has good taste in books, after devouring Misty of Chincoteague in two days. He is his mother's son, an avid bookworm!

Tonight, my eldest daughter finished her first living chapter-book: The Courage of Sarah Noble. She has been sporadically reading a chapter before bed over the course of the past two months and finally finished it tonight. (She goes at her own pace.) My heart was warmed as she shared her oral narration with me. She couldn't hide her adorable dimples as she told me of the game they played with a pebble in a shoe. Her eyes shined as she told of the reunion of Sarah with her family. I didn't correct her when she "like" told me "like" how the Indian "like" carried Sarah on his shoulders. I was far too busy treasuring the moment in my heart and enjoying her toothless grin.

Narrations haven't always flowed so smoothly from her lips. At the beginning of the book (in October) she would claim that she didn't remember what she had read, but tonight she remembered well and was pleased to share with me. This is my daughter who likes to keep her thoughts to herself and only share them when it suits her. I have learned to give her my undivided attention when she chooses to share her heart with me, in the hopes that it will encourage her to do it more often. After she finished retelling the last 4 chapters of the book (yes, if you did your math, you've realized that it took 1 1/2 months to read 7 chapters and 1 night to read 4), she asked, "So, can we go to the library in the morning?" Of course, we do need another book! (plus, this one is overdue and accruing fines because the library wouldn't let me renew it again!)

Reading is so marvelous! I'm fortunate to have two children who have entered the world of readers, with two more on their heels. I think I'll go curl up with a good book of my own. Isn't life grand?!?

• Post A Comment!

Nov. 27, 2006 - I've fixed the post

Posted by ThreeLittleLadies

you can come read about my sick baby now and see what I was talking about. He is doing better, but I do appreciate your prayers.

Carol

PS I think it is awesome how well your dc are reading. I read Misty of Chincoteague last week while nursing J (prereading for my dd). It is a great book. You do have good taste in books!

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Nov. 27, 2006 - Happy Birthday Angel!!

Posted by Anonymous

Hi Angel,

Wishing you a wonderful, joyful Birthday!! Hope you had a nice day :-)

Blessings,
Joan Kirkwood

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Nov. 27, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Molly

Ditto! I love the fact that my children love books. Emma is reading "big girl" books now and is just soaking them all in. We also have the book The Courage of Sarah Noble but she hasn't read it yet. We're getting into the Little House on the Prairie books now. It warms my heart as well to hear her synopsis of the books she's read. I also treasure the fact that I taught her myself. It's a special bond and I'm looking forward to sharing it with Hannah as well. I'm sure Emilia is cruising right along too! Hannah misses her at coop! Take care!

~Molly

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Nov. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by chickadee

that's wonderful! i seem to have a much harder time teaching reading to my kids. i hope my son is easy.

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Nov. 28, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by nsremom

I loved reading your post. It sure sounds like you realize how wonderful a gift you've been given. Teaching our kids to read has been the greatest gift for me, and then 'teaching' them that the Library is a MAGICAL place.....I used to think that was normal....it's not.

I loved Courage of Sarah Noble as well, it was a darling book.

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Nov. 28, 2006 - How Sweet!

Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES

It is a joy, isn't it? I have 2 who are just reading now.
Eric, 9, is reading a book that is probably above a new readers level ... isn't that fun!
He enjoys reading to me and telling me about what is going on in the story, too.

I do remember when you sold your house and moved to Indy. I knew you would be not too far away! Maybe getting together will be in the plans for next summer. We'll have a new baby in Mar/April, so we'll see!

Be Blessed!

Mom to SuperAngel, Myrtle, Tigerlily and Young Man in Training

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Nov. 28, 2006 - I AGREE!!!

Posted by FaithfulGrace

This has been one of the most amazing blessings to me.
I'm so thankful your son is a bookworm.
From one bookworm to another,
Blessings and friendship,
Linda

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Nov. 29, 2006 - Yes, indeed-life is grand!

Posted by Darrensgirl

I'm so glad that you are able to stop and marvel and watching your children learn. I feel the same way and love to watch them get carried away in a good book. My third blessing is dyslexic and it's taken much longer to reach this point, but he's finally beginning to "get it". We are so blessed to be the ones to help them on their way!

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Nov. 29, 2006 - HI!!

Posted by SuperAngel

I see you added me to your friends!! Thanks!!

I LUV to read!! I am currently reading "David Copperfield" by Dickens and "The Shadow at Evening" by Chris Walley.
I know what you mean about curling up with a good book!! =0) I always have a book waiting to be finshed!!

That is GREAT that your children have an interest in reading!! I can't wait to teach my children about the wonderful world of reading!!

Read my lastest 2 articles just published today!! What we believe and practice about Health Myths 10-12 and Bible Character of the Week
Let me know what you think!!

Come check out the changes that have happened to your favorite blogpaper!!

God Bless and Keep You and Yours!!
Take Care!!
Luv

Daughter of Jacque Dixon
Sister of
Alatariel, Tigerlily & Eric

Stop by "The Daily Planet" soon!

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Nov. 29, 2006 - Wonderful

Posted by REInvestor

We have very recently entered that world with my oldest. She is almost finished with Little House in the Big Woods which she started Nov. 11th. Before that she never read beyond a 1st/2nd grade reader. So something came together a month ago. I will write a blog entry soon about it. But I agree it is a wonderful thing when it happens, especially when you worry if and when it will.

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About Me

Philosophical musings from the heart of a home-educating mommy of four and wife of ten years. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalms 19:14