Last Week of September
I had a revelation last weekend that has helped me let go of my expectations with reading. I realized I am pushing Hunter so he is not embarrassed at his outside activities. It did not help that a rude dad in the Cub Scouts said to Hunter, “You should be reading better than that, you are in second grade now,” after Hunter asked what a popcorn box said. I hope the man was scorched by the look I gave him.
That comment helped me realize something. In Cub Scouts, if the kids do not want to do the skits then they are given non-speaking roles or they can sit out. It is not a big deal. The kids are supported and encouraged either way.
Hunter reads just fine for his age, when there is no pressure to read and when he is relaxed and can concentrate. In a group situation, he usually asks instead of trying to sound everything out. If this is ever an issue again, I’m just going to tell the adult leaders in Cub Scouts that he will *perform* reading when he is ready just like the kids perform in skits when they are ready.
This last week has been much more relaxed. Hunter is choosing all of his reading material now, not me. Another thing that is working well this week is to have Chandler read the book and Hunter helps him with the harder words. They are enjoying reading together (yay!). Hunter is reading along because he is holding his finger under the words for Chandler, or he is ready with help when Chandler asks.
Chandler is reading the Headsprout books from lesson 40 but has only completed number 23. His interest in reading is inspiring his brother and vice versa. For this I am grateful.
We got a lot done in September. Hunter made big leaps in his reading ability. Both boys are still enjoying the Teach Me app on the iPod, and learning to read better and spell with that program. I’m going to relax and enjoy the month of October. We have several field trips and new classes that start this month. We are participating in the Book It program so both boys will read 15 minutes a day for that, and I will also read to them. Math is happening naturally here, and I will be happy if reading and writing becomes more natural too.
We picked up some audio books at the library and started “Dragon Rider” by Cornelia Funke. Hunter is enjoying the story and Chandler is doing his best to stay quiet on our car rides. I hope to bring the CD inside today and listen while we build something. Chandler has a cough so we cannot go to church today.
This week we also went to the park and the kids waded in the duck pond on an unseasonably warm afternoon. We went to a Kid’s Day for Conservation at the fairgrounds, which had wonderful science and nature information and hands-on learning. Cub Scouts had a campfire on Friday night and the boys learned how to make a shelter. We had a couple of great play dates this week too. I might post those pictures in separate posts via Flickr.
We are cooking more now that the kitchen is cooler. The cool, rainy season is here. Hunter wants to cook more with me and write some recipes (reading? copywork? we’ll see). Hopefully both boys will learn to love a few of my favorite crock pot recipes. They will eat a long list of foods (we made a list of favorite healthy foods on Friday), just not usually cooked veggies or mixed together in soups and stews.
Until next week…
Be encouraged with your slow reader! My son didn’t read until he was 8…. and didn’t read well until 10. He is brilliant in math, sciences and hands-on activities. Reading just isn’t his gift. And that’s ok. Auto mechanics isn’t my gift. And that’s ok. It’s a good thing that you have a relaxed attitude and are taking it one step at a time. I’ll admit I was embarrassed a time or two by my son’s reading, but I got over it. You’re doing the right thing by having him at home where he can feel successful! Keep ‘er goin’!
~Linda
Thank you Linda, that helps me be more patient.
You’re doing a great job! Who says he should be reading a popcorn box in 2nd grade? Tell the (barely) adult next time, “Adults should be able to not make assumptions about things they know nothing about.” Or my favorite, “Did you just say that out loud?” I’ve said that a few times to people.
I almost choked when I read “did you just say that out loud?” I’m definitely stealing that one.
Thanks so much for sharing about your son. We just started homeschooling (Kindergarten) and reading is not my son’s favorite. We’re just starting letter id (it’s not going well), which is “behind” in our public schools. I have to keep reminding myself that he still has lots of time, even if people outside our home don’t think so! Thanks for the encouragement – I love your blog.
Jennifer, my eldest had no interest in reading or letters in Kindergarten. He did not know the alphabet and did not want to learn it. It was a struggle and I had to let it go. Then when he was ready, he learned the whole alphabet in a week! (recognition not writing) Then writing came later that school year I think. He liked to draw and I let him cut with scissors so I knew the writing would come. I’ve never worried about writing like I did the reading, for some reason.
He did a lot of things using fine motor skills, just not writing. If your son doesn’t like to be read to from books, please consider storytelling, and let him interject his ideas. This is what I did with Hunter and it helped so much! That boy can follow a story like you wouldn’t believe.
He likes higher level books and does not like the “babyish” beginning books, which is part of the reason that teaching him to read was such a struggle.
Only now, in the last week or two, is he excited about the easier books. It was a combination of me letting go of my September-back-to-school craziness (read worry) and letting him choose the books all the time, not just sometimes.
Like everything else with this child it just clicks when his ready. Same with knowing colors. He was older than other kids when he finally learned colors. I thought he was color blind so I got paint chips for him to match and he matched them all. lol Then a few months later he learned them in a few short days… Yet, he was earlier than some with building and puzzles, etc. I think has a lot to do with their interests and maturity. If you notice a pattern to your son’s learning, it is good information to tuck away and remember later… I wasn’t always so good at remembering his pattern and learning style. I have a different learning style.
I hope this info helps. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. ~Cori
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful reply! It gave me lots of good ideas to think through…and a reminder of why we homeschool in the first place. Thanks again.
I am terribly behind on blogs, but I am so sorry you had to have that experience with that dad. What a ….well, I will refrain from saying that out loud. I wish more people would realize that kids move at their own pace! Especially with reading and math. Every child is different and unique and they have to wait until their brains are ready. I used to be embarrassed for my kids when they were not reaching some stupid expectation. Then I realized they knew many things that were more useful than a reading level or a times table. They are independent, funny, well-read (even if it is by me), and they know a hell of a lot about the world around them. Chin up, lady! He’s doing just FINE!