Reading has been a slow process for Sam. I have had early readers and late readers so I know the timing of independent reading is not as important as loving to read. In fact, older sis did not start reading charpter books until she was an older 8. This late reading start has not had any lasting effect on her academics. I know this......
So what exactly is my problem with Sam's reading?
When I put my thoughts on paper there really isn't a problem. If I had sent him to ps I would have held him back a year and he would be entering 2nd grade. Summer birthday, preterm, severe speech motor issues, male......holding him back a year would have been the only workable solution for him. So if he attended a PS he would be in 2nd grade. He is reading at a 2nd grade level.
So what exactly is my problem with Sam's reading?
Pride. Plain and simple pride. Who wants to talk about how their child reads as "grade level"? Doesn't it always feel just a little good to state how "advanced" your child is? How many homeschooling mamas proudly flaunt the word "advance" when describing their children? Even when their dc look/act like perfectly normal and average kids? Why do we do this to ourselves?Most importantly....... how exactly did I fall into this pattern of guilt that my child------ whose speech therapist once stated would probably need intervention with a reading specialist due to the severity of his speech issue----- is reading at......*gasp*......grade level?
No more.
MY SON READS AT GRADE LEVEL!
It is a cause for celebration not despair. In the process he has learned to work hard and that perserverance pays off. Both are great lessons for a young boy to learn. I am proud of him!
He still has work to do and we will continue having reading lesson until he reaches the fluency level that he will pick up and read a chapter book without assistance.
This year our reading program is multifaceted.
Each day
--- a short reading drill for review. 1-2 pages of Phonics Pathways.
---20-30 minutes of free reading. He currently prefers to read books that he has already read.
---15-20 minutes of reading from Pathway Readers with me.
---choral reading of bible selections that are scheduled in MFW Adv.
--- All About Spelling lessons are also phonics review lessons.
---High interest read alouds to motivate him to take the next step in reading.
The most important aspect of Sam's ongoing reading program is that his mama will stop listening to the critics, braggards and toxic personalities. Instead I will relish each of his victories as he progresses to a competent and fluent reader!
4 comments:
Good for you! I too have felt the pressure of other people's "prodigy child" at times, but have tried hard to be a "relaxed" mommy in letting my daughter learn things at her own pace --- without pressure from me!
You're right - timing isn't as important as loving to read - I believe that enough to let my daughter skip some of the reading assignments because they were overwhelming her and making her hate reading.
BTW - glad to know that not every one has a prodigy - thanks for the honest post!
It's so easy to get wrapped up in all the comparisons and norms as a homeschooling mom. Isn't it really just a way we gauge that we're doing things right? What's sad is in the process we loose sight of the wonderful individuality of our children.
Our job is to enjoy walking this journey with them. The individual journey God has for each child. My son was in an accident in 2008. His abilities now are far below what they use to be before the accident. My son was given no hope of survival on July 22, 2008, but God gave us a miracle. :)Now when I begin to slide into labeling and comparing my children, I look at my son and realize life is so much more than all those ropes we tie around ourselves and our children.
God bless you on your journey!!
Your comments have only encouraged me! My daughter just turned 7 and technically should be in 2nd grade... well she is reading at a 1st grade level... STILL! She is doing "2nd grade" work in other areas. Great reading comprehension too. I had to get on my knees and listen to the Lord tell me that she is HIS child. I had to stop my identity crisis. So thanks for sharing! Monica at discovertheirgifts.blogspot.com
Thanks for this post! It is all so true. Looks like my girls are at their grade level as well in most areas. I have to talk myself out of being disappointed in that! Sounds so silly when you actually say it. They are not behind.....they are not ahead....they are where they are supposed to be!
I also adapt my lessons on what they each seem to be able to handle. I could see my oldest getting very frustrated in K with her reading lessons. We did 100 Easy Lessons.....I ended up splitting each lesson in half so she was not overwhelmed. So it took us twice as long, but now she loves to read!
I try to remind myself that academics are important, but a knowledge of God and His word are THE most important;)
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